SOLAS Requirements for Man Overboard Procedures: A 2025 Guide

Discover how SOLAS requirements guide man overboard procedures in 2025. Learn key IMO regulations, emergency response practices, and life-saving drill strategies in this maritime safety guide.

Why Man Overboard Procedures Matter in Modern Maritime Operations

A man overboard (MOB) emergency is one of the most time-critical and emotionally intense situations at sea. In under a minute, a crew member or passenger can disappear beneath the waves. The ship must respond rapidly—coordinating bridge teams, rescue operations, and emergency signals, all while managing panic and preserving safety. According to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and IMO safety reports, man overboard incidents remain a leading cause of fatalities at sea.

In this context, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) provides structured guidelines, procedures, and equipment mandates for dealing with MOB situations. With the latest updates in 2025, SOLAS emphasizes prevention, detection, and coordinated response more than ever. The goal is clear: to ensure no life is lost due to delay, confusion, or inadequate preparation.

The Framework: What SOLAS and IMO Regulations Require

Under SOLAS Chapter III (Life-saving appliances and arrangements) and Chapter V (Safety of Navigation), several provisions guide man overboard preparedness. Key elements include:

  • Bridge Procedures (Regulation V/26 & V/28): Ships must record navigation actions and maintain situational awareness, especially during emergency maneuvers.
  • Life-saving Equipment (Chapter III): Includes lifebuoys with self-igniting lights, MOB detection systems, and emergency communication devices.
  • MOB Detection Systems: Mandatory on certain vessel types under amendments adopted by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).
  • Emergency Drills (Regulation III/19): Crew members must undergo regular man overboard drills every month.

The latest 2024-2025 amendments focus on improving crew response times, updating training requirements, and enhancing technological integration.

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How Man Overboard Procedures Are Practiced at Sea

An effective man overboard response involves a rapid, synchronized effort across the bridge, deck, and rescue teams. The core steps include:

1. Immediate Alarm & Visual Contact
The witness must shout “Man overboard!” and alert the bridge. A designated MOB button is pressed on the GPS/ECDIS, marking the location. Lifebuoys with smoke and lights are deployed to mark the scene visually.

2. Navigation Response
The officer of the watch initiates a Williamson turn or Anderson turn, depending on the ship type and weather conditions. Speed reduction and heading change are done without compromising ship safety.

3. Communication
A distress call is issued on VHF Channel 16. The GMDSS system may be activated if required. All crew are informed through internal communication systems.

4. Rescue Team Deployment
A fast rescue boat (FRB), if equipped, is launched. Crew members don PPE and use thermal binoculars, radar, and AIS SART to locate the person in water.

5. Medical & Reporting
Once recovered, medical assistance is administered, followed by formal reporting to flag state, port state, and company safety officers.

Technological Developments Enhancing MOB Response

In recent years, maritime innovation has led to a new generation of safety systems for man overboard scenarios.

Wearable MOB Alerts: Smart devices like Wärtsilä Guardian, MOBtronic, or LifeTag trigger automatic alarms when immersion is detected. These link with bridge systems to initiate visual and audio alerts.

AIS-Based Rescue Beacons: Crew members are equipped with AIS SART beacons that show up on the ship’s ECDIS within seconds of activation, helping direct rescue efforts with pinpoint accuracy.

Thermal Drones & AI Detection: Some vessels, especially cruise and offshore installations, use thermal imaging drones and AI-based camera systems to identify MOB events automatically, even in darkness or rough weather.

Smart Lifebuoys: New models include GPS trackers, flashing LEDs, and two-way audio for real-time communication with the person overboard.

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Real-World Lessons: MOB Case Studies and Drill Feedback

One notable case is the 2022 MAIB report on a cargo vessel operating in the North Sea, where a seaman fell overboard during nighttime deck operations. Delayed reporting, poor communication, and lack of clear visual contact meant the crew lost the opportunity for a live rescue. The vessel was eventually cited for non-compliance with SOLAS drill frequency and equipment readiness.

In contrast, a 2023 passenger ferry in the Mediterranean successfully rescued a person overboard within 7 minutes, thanks to crew proficiency during drills, proper use of AIS MOB beacons, and a rapid FRB launch. The incident was widely covered in The Maritime Executive and praised by EMSA.

These examples underline the importance of drills not just as box-ticking exercises but as realistic, well-reviewed procedures practiced under varied conditions.

Human Factors: Training and Communication Challenges

Despite advancements in equipment, the most critical variable in MOB response is the human element. Panic, hesitation, or miscommunication can cost lives. That’s why SOLAS and ISM Code Section 8 emphasize:

  • Regular onboard safety briefings and MOB role assignments
  • Simulation-based training with scenario variations (e.g., night vs. day, high seas vs. calm)
  • Evaluation of drill performance using feedback logs

The Nautical Institute and Lloyd’s Maritime Academy also stress the importance of bridge resource management (BRM) in coordinating response efforts.

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Challenges in Ensuring Compliance and Effectiveness

While SOLAS provides a robust framework, there are several challenges faced by ship operators:

Varying Flag State Enforcement: Not all flag states have equal inspection stringency. Port State Control reports (e.g., Paris MoU) frequently cite MOB drill deficiencies.

Crew Turnover: High turnover, especially in multinational crews, results in varying levels of familiarity with MOB procedures.

Environmental Conditions: Rough seas, high winds, or freezing temperatures drastically reduce the chances of a successful recovery.

Equipment Malfunction: Lifebuoy lights not working, MOB alarms not connected, or rescue boats being unserviceable can render even well-trained crews helpless.

To address these, DNV and ClassNK have recently introduced audit-ready MOB compliance checklists and rescue equipment verification protocols.

The Future Outlook for MOB Response and SOLAS Evolution

The next decade is expected to bring further integration of smart systems, better data logging, and automated detection tools. Key developments include:

  • Unified Digital Logbooks: Seamless recording of MOB events, drills, and responses.
  • Training via VR/AR: Immersive simulation platforms for onboard and onshore MOB training.
  • Drones with Drop Kits: Emergency drones delivering flotation devices or first aid kits before human contact.
  • Standardized Global Audits: Harmonized MOB preparedness inspections across Paris and Tokyo MoUs.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) is currently exploring amendments that would make certain technologies mandatory for passenger vessels and offshore service units by 2027.

FAQs

What does SOLAS say about man overboard drills?
SOLAS Regulation III/19 requires monthly MOB drills, including rescue boat launching (if safe to do so) and familiarization with alarm systems.

Is AIS required for man overboard devices?
It’s not universally required but increasingly adopted. The IMO MSC.1/Circ.1477 recommends AIS SARTs for improved recovery chances.

How often should equipment like lifebuoys be checked?
Inspections must be done weekly and prior to departure, as outlined in SOLAS Regulation III/20.

What are the main causes of man overboard incidents?
Slips during work, poor PPE use, night operations, alcohol, and rough weather are common contributing factors.

Can a ship turn around safely in all MOB cases?
Not always. Ship type, speed, and weather determine whether a Williamson or Anderson turn is appropriate.

Are MOB procedures different for cruise ships?
Yes, cruise vessels follow additional procedures under STCW, CLIA guidelines, and carry extra detection technology.

Who investigates MOB incidents?
Flag states, Port State Control authorities, and accident investigation boards like MAIB or TSB Canada.

Conclusion

Man overboard emergencies are a race against time. Even the most advanced equipment cannot replace the importance of vigilance, training, and teamwork. With SOLAS requirements evolving in 2025, vessels must move beyond compliance to true readiness.

This readiness means treating every drill seriously, investing in crew skills, and staying current with IMO regulations and maritime safety innovations. Whether on a cargo ship crossing the Atlantic or a passenger vessel navigating coastal waters, saving a life at sea depends on what happens in those first few minutes.

As the seas become busier and operations more complex, the maritime community must commit to a safety culture where man overboard procedures are practiced not out of obligation, but out of respect for life.

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