If you see a person fall overboard, what action should be taken first?

• A. Pass the word to the bridge
• B. Throw a life buoy
• C. Jump in after
• D. Yell for help

Answer: (A)

When someone falls overboard, the immediate goal is to get a coordinated rescue under way, and that starts by informing the ship’s command. Passing the word to the bridge triggers the formal man-overboard procedures: the bridge can quickly stop or maneuver the vessel as needed, alert all crew, coordinate the rescue plan, and deploy resources like lifebuoys, rescue boats, or lines. This centralized, authoritative response prevents chaos and ensures actions are synchronized.

Yelling for help or throwing a life buoy are important actions, but they work best once the rescue is being coordinated by the bridge. Jumping in after the person is risky for the rescuer unless properly trained and equipped, and it can complicate the situation or put more people at risk. So informing the bridge first establishes the safest, most effective sequence for a successful recovery.