Question 502 Deck Safety

The correct answer is B) put the wheel hard right. When a person falls overboard, the immediate priority is to quickly maneuver the vessel to bring the person back alongside. Putting the wheel hard right will initiate a tight turning circle, allowing the vessel to quickly return to the location where the person went overboard. This action is in accordance with standard Coast Guard procedures for man overboard situations. The other options are not the best first actions. Sounding the alarm (A) is important, but should not be the first step. Putting the engines full astern (C) could create dangerous suction that pulls the person under the vessel. Notifying the Master (D) is also important, but should come after the initial maneuvering to recover the person.