What is the first action to take when someone falls overboard?

The first action to take when someone falls overboard is to sound the alarm. This is critical because alerting everyone on board is essential for coordinating an effective rescue operation. Sounding the alarm ensures that all crew members are aware of the situation, allowing them to be prepared and respond swiftly. It can also prompt nearby boats or vessels to assist if they hear the alarm or get the information.

In the context of a man-overboard situation, immediate awareness and communication are vital. The sooner everyone is informed, the quicker a coordinated response can be initiated, which might include getting the boat back to the person in the water or preparing other rescue measures. Other actions, while important, come after ensuring that everyone knows there is an emergency and can assist.

Jumping in the water or starting the engine before ensuring that everyone is aware of the emergency could lead to confusion and decrease the chances of a successful rescue. Throwing a buoy may be part of the rescue process that follows sounding the alarm, but it is not the first action to take.