If someone falls overboard, stop the boat and mark the spot immediately.

MOB moments happen fast on the water. The sun’s bright, the waves are mellow, and then—someone goes overboard. On the California coast, with its chilly water and busy marinas, the stakes are high. So what’s the right move in that split second? The answer is simple, but mighty: stop the boat and mark the spot where they fell.

Here’s the thing: that first action sets the stage for the whole rescue. Getting it wrong can mean drifting away, losing sight of the person, or putting everyone in danger. Let me walk you through why this move is the one to commit to—and how you carry it out safely.

Stop, then mark: why this comes first

When someone falls overboard, time instantly becomes your enemy. If you keep on cruising, you risk widening the gap between you and the MOB (that’s the maritime lingo for “man overboard”). The person in the water might be tired, frightened, or in cold water, which can sap energy fast. Stopping the boat helps you avoid propeller injury, prevents capsizing, and preserves visibility of the person. Marking the spot creates a precise reference so you can return to the exact location without chasing a moving target.

Think of it like this: you’re anchoring a rescue operation in a place you can re-find. In busy California waters—think bright sun, glare off the deck, and the chatter of nearby vessels—visibility matters. The moment you stop and mark, you’re turning a potentially chaotic situation into a controlled one you can manage.

What to do in the moments after the stop

• Keep eyes on the person. The MOB should be your primary focus, not the horizon or other boats. If you lose sight, you’ll have to search a wider area later, which slows everything down.

• Toss a flotation device if it’s safe to do so. A readily accessible life ring or throw cushion can help keep them afloat while you work on retrieval. Do this without abandoning the goal of stopping the boat and marking the spot.

• Mark the position clearly. If you have a GPS, note the coordinates. If not, use a buoy or a float on the water, and keep a mental or verbal note of where you are relative to landmarks or shore. The aim is to be able to return to that exact location quickly.

• Call for help after the immediate self-protection steps. If you’re alone, shout for help and, depending on your location, dial emergency services or contact the nearest harbor patrol once you’ve stabilized the situation. The priority, though, is to secure the MOB first.

• Assign roles. If there are others aboard, designate tasks: one person keeps eyes on the MOB, another manages the throw gear, and a third handles the boat’s steering. A calm, collaborative crew beats panic every time.

Why not simply “call for help” or “continue on course”?

• A: Immediately calling for help is important, but in an MOB scenario it’s not the first action. You can’t treat a rescue like a by-the-book phone call; you need to secure the scene first. Then you can alert coast guard or harbor patrol, if needed.

• B: Continuing on your course is a risky move. Distance grows, the person’s chances of staying afloat worsen, and you end up playing catch-up after you’ve drifted.

• D: Throwing a life vest is a smart, supportive action. It’s best done as part of the immediate response—after you’ve stopped and marked the spot—so the MOB can stay afloat while you prepare a retrieval.

In short: stop, mark, and then bring in assistance or recovery gear as needed. The order isn’t about one heroic move; it’s about a disciplined sequence that keeps the MOB visible and reduces risk to everyone on board.

Recovery, when the boat is ready to move again

Once you’ve stopped and marked the spot, you’ll start moving toward a safe recovery. There are a few general principles that match most California waterways:

• Approach slowly, from the upwind side if possible. This helps keep the MOB oriented toward your boat and reduces the chance you’ll slam into them with a surge of wind or wake.

• Turn the boat to position the MOB toward the lee side of the vessel. This minimizes the chance they’re knocked toward the propeller or away from the boat.

• If you can reach them without entering the water, use a boat hook, a line, or a tiller to bring them alongside. In many cases, you’ll pull them aboard without ever needing to jump in.

• If the person is wearing a PFD (personal flotation device), that buoyancy can be a lifesaver as you bring them back. If they’re not wearing one, the thrown device helps—then prioritize getting them aboard and securing a proper PFD and warmth.

• If conditions are rough or you can’t safely effect a recovery from the vessel, don’t hesitate to call for professional help. Coast guard or harbor patrols are trained for these scenarios, and getting them on the way quickly matters.

Safety is about balance: you’re protecting the person in the water while also protecting your crew. It’s a two-way street, and clear roles keep everyone calm and effective.

California waters add a few extra wrinkles

Your MOB response has to take local realities into account. California is a big state with a big coastline, from the choppy Pacific to the sheltered harbors along the Bay Area and Southern California. A few California-specific considerations to keep in mind:

• Water temperature can be downright cold, even on sunny days. Hypothermia risk in a fall is real, so keeping the MOB in sight and bringing them aboard promptly matters more than you might think.

• Currents can be sneaky. Do not underestimate the force of a current, especially near inlets, marinas, and tidal channels. Marking the spot helps you navigate back to the person without being swept past them.

• Visibility can be affected by glare, spray, and other boats. Sunglasses help you see better, but clear marking and steady communication are what truly save lives.

• Equipment matters. A readily accessible throwable device, a life jacket, a whistle for signaling, and a basic throw line can make a difference when visibility is compromised.

A simple, reliable mental checklist

• Stop the boat immediately.

• Mark the MOB’s location.

• Throw a flotation device if safe to do so.

• Keep the person in sight and maintain a steady course back toward them.

• Communicate with your crew and, if needed, call for professional help.

• Retrieve the MOB with a safe, deliberate approach; avoid reckless moves and don’t put yourself in harm’s way.

• Reassess the scene once the person is aboard: check for signs of distress, keep them warm, and make sure everyone is accounted for.

A few practical notes you’ll appreciate

• Don’t hesitate to use your voice. Clear, calm commands go a long way. A simple “I’ve got you; we’re heading back to the boat” can steady a frightened person.

• Keep life jackets fastened. It’s easy to leave a PFD dangling when you’re busy; make sure everyone aboard wears one, especially kids or anyone who’s not a strong swimmer.

• Talk through the plan with your crew before you head out. If you’ve got a buddy system or a navigator, rehearse the MOB steps so everyone knows their role without confusion.

A human moment in a chilly sea

MOB situations are nerve-wracking in any climate. You’re balancing the urgency of retrieval with the safety of your crew and the dignity of the person in the water. The best moves don’t come from bravado—they come from practiced calm and a shared, simple plan. That’s the core skill you want in your pocket when the water glitters and a sudden splash breaks the quiet.

A quick, friendly reminder

• The right move is to stop and mark. Everything else flows from that choice.

• Throwing a flotation device can help, but it isn’t a substitute for stopping and marking.

• California’s waters reward careful, steady actions. Respect the wind, watch the current, and keep your crew coordinated.

If you’re curious about how these concepts apply in real life, you’ll notice the same logic at work whether you’re out on a quiet morning in a protected harbor or riding the more open, rolling waves along the coast. The moment you stop the vessel, you gain time—the most precious factor when someone is in the water. The mark you leave behind is more than a dot on a chart: it’s the anchor that guides your rescue.

Final thought: safety rooted in simple, reliable steps

On the water, the simplest actions, done decisively, often save the day. In a single breath, you switch from cruising to rescuing. You stop, you mark, you stay focused, you bring the MOB back aboard, and you keep everyone safe. California boating communities are built on that shared sense of responsibility. It’s not just about knowing a multiple-choice answer; it’s about turning knowledge into action when it matters most.

If you ever find yourself in that MOB moment, remember this rhythm: stop, mark, throw if safe, and then bring them home. It’s a practical sequence that keeps your crew confident, your vessel stable, and the person in the water protected until you’re back on shore. The water may be wide, but with a calm plan and a steady hand, you’ll navigate it with clarity and care.