In man-overboard rescue procedures, what is the fastest recovery method?

• A. Reach
• B. Anderson Turn
• C. Tread Water
• D. Swim Away

Answer: (B)

Time matters in a man-overboard scenario, and the goal is to rejoin the casualty as quickly as possible while keeping them in sight. The Anderson Turn is designed for speed: it’s a rapid, tight maneuver that reverses course and brings the vessel back toward the casualty in a direct, efficient path. This keeps the person constantly in view and allows immediate deployment of rescue gear or a boarding arrangement, minimizing both distance traveled and time spent in the water.

Other approaches aren’t as fast or practical in many cases. Reaching out or throwing a line can be slow if the casualty is not within easy reach, treading water isn’t a recovery method, and swimming away from the scene defeats the purpose of the rescue.