What is the maximum time allowed for recovering a person overboard?

The maximum time allowed for recovering a person overboard is typically considered to be 3 minutes due to the urgency required in such situations. Time is of the essence when someone has fallen overboard, as the risks of hypothermia, drowning, and potential injuries increase significantly the longer the individual is in the water.

Search and rescue operations are most effective when initiated immediately, therefore establishing a target of 3 minutes encourages prompt action and enhances the chances of a successful recovery. This timeframe is a recognized best practice within maritime safety protocols and training.

While the other timeframes may appear reasonable, they do not align with the critical need for swift response to optimize survival chances in a man-overboard incident. It’s essential for crew members to be trained and prepared for rapid response if this situation occurs while at sea.