What maneuver is commonly used to recover a person overboard?

• A. Turn toward and circle to port
• B. Direct approach
• C. Backing down
• D. Williamson turn

Answer: (D)

Recovering someone overboard relies on a deliberate, efficient arc that keeps the person in sight and sets you up for a safe pickup. The Williamson turn does this by using a large, predictable arc: you steer away from the person first, creating a wide turn, then steer back toward them so you complete the circuit from the opposite side. This brings the vessel back to the general area of the MOB without tending to pass directly over them, and it positions the boat to approach from a favorable angle with clear visibility of the person and their drift.

This approach reduces the risk of losing sight of the person, minimizes wake and prop wash interference, and makes it easier to line up for a safe pickup with the person remaining in view throughout the maneuver. Other options either require maintaining a direct line toward the MOB (which can be difficult to judge precisely and risks missing the person), involve backing down (which slows the response and can complicate recovery in waves or current), or simply circle to the same side without executing the efficient return path that the Williamson turn provides.