How to respond safely in a man overboard situation?

A man overboard situation is one of the most critical emergencies at sea. Even in calm conditions, reaction time and clear roles are crucial. The safety of the person in the water depends on how schnell and coordinated the crew acts.

Key actions when someone goes overboard

The classic sequence on most yachts is direct and simple:

• Shout “Man overboard” loudly so everyone on board is aware.
• Keep visual contact with the person in the water without looking away.
• Throw flotation aids such as life rings or cushions to increase buoyancy and mark the position.
• Press the MOB button on the chartplotter if available to save the exact location.
• Reduce speed and prepare for recovery using safe manoeuvres suitable for the vessel type.
• Approach from downwind or down-current to keep control of the boat.
• Bring the person on board carefully, using ladders, slings or the bathing platform depending on the situation.

What makes a man overboard event dangerous?

Several factors increase risk:

• Cold water shock and rapid heat loss
• Reduced visibility due to waves or glare
• Drift caused by wind and current
• Limited physical strength of the person in the water
• High freeboard on larger yachts, making recovery harder

Night-time situations and rough seas require even more discipline and clear commands.

Common recovery methods

Depending on the type of yacht, crew and weather, different recovery strategies are used:

• Immediate turn (quick stop) to stay close to the person
• Figure-eight manoeuvre for controlled approach under sail
• Motor-assisted approach on motor yachts or when sails are down
• Heave-to stabilisation to reduce boat movement before recovery
• Recovery with a sling, line or ladder if the person is exhausted

Each method aims to keep the yacht slow, controlled and safe for both the rescuers and the person in the water.

Crew roles during a man overboard event

• Spotter: never loses sight of the person
• Helm: focuses solely on manoeuvring the vessel
• Safety assistant: prepares lines, buoys, ladders
• Support crew: clears the deck and ensures no loose gear interferes

Clear communication prevents confusion and keeps the situation under control.

After the person is recovered

Once the person is safely back on board:

• Check breathing and responsiveness
• Remove wet clothing and provide warmth
• Assess for injuries from impact or exhaustion
• Monitor for shock or hypothermia
• Call for medical assistance if needed

Even if the person seems fine, cold water can cause delayed symptoms.

Possible destinations for your next charter trip

Yacht charter in Turkey

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Yacht charter in Croatia

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Yacht charter in Greece

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Yacht charter in Italy

Your dream holiday begins with the organisation of your yacht charter and consists of finding the perfect offer for you, whether motor yacht, sailing yacht, catamaran or gulet, we offer you a large selection that meets your wishes and ideas. Discover your dream yacht for yourself on our portal! We will also be happy to advise you and recommend the ideal yacht charter for your needs. If the yacht of your dreams is not listed on the website, we also have other alternative offers. Due to the large number of sailing yachts, motorboats and catamarans, we can only offer a fraction of the charter yachts we offer online.

In order to find the ideal yacht for you, we only need the most important factors such as the size of your travel group, your approximate budget, your preferred destination and the desired travel time. We will then send you a suitable selection of yacht charters and fulfill your wishes so that you can embark on your dream trip. Enjoy unforgettable experiences on your luxury yacht charter holiday, tailor-made for you at Best Choice Yachting.

At Best Choice Yachting - Yachtvermietung, our goal is to exceed our customers' expectations. The experiences of our delighted customers last a lifetime. You are welcome to read some of our customers' reviews. Yachts are our passion and we have made this passion our job. That is why we are convinced that we can offer you the best luxury yacht charter experience in various countries.

Most Popular Yacht Charter Questions

How much does it actually cost to charter a yacht?

The price of a yacht charter depends on the yacht’s size, build, destination, and season. Smaller motor yachts may start around €1,000–€2,500 per day, while a high-end superyacht can exceed €100,000 per day. These prices generally include the yacht, crew, and standard onboard services, but exclude costs such as fuel, provisioning, and marina fees.

Where is the cheapest country to charter a yacht?

Countries like Turkey, Croatia, and certain parts of Greece offer some of the best value in the yacht charter market. Their lower operating costs and competitive fleets make them attractive without sacrificing service or destination quality.

How much to charter a yacht in Europe?

In Europe, prices range from about €3,000 per week for smaller sailing yachts to well over €250,000 per week for luxury superyachts. The Mediterranean is the top choice, with peak prices in July and August due to high demand.

How much is 3 days on a super yacht?

Three days aboard a superyacht can range from €50,000 to €500,000, depending on the yacht’s size, design, and the cruising area. These rates typically do not include extras such as fuel, berthing, or gourmet catering.

How much to hire a yacht for a day?

Daily yacht rental starts at around €1,000 for smaller vessels and can exceed €50,000 for top-tier luxury yachts. Prices vary by yacht type, location, and whether the booking is during high or low season.

What is a charter on a yacht?

A yacht charter is the rental of a yacht for a fixed period, ranging from a day to several weeks. It may be crewed, offering full-service luxury, or bareboat, giving you full control of the vessel. Most charters come with tailored itineraries for a completely private travel experience.

What is the difference between a charter yacht and a private yacht?

A charter yacht is available for hire by guests for short-term use, often fully crewed and equipped for hospitality. A private yacht is owned by an individual or entity for personal use and is not regularly available for commercial charter.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Croatia?

Small yachts in Croatia can start at €500 per day, while larger, crewed yachts range from €5,000 to €20,000 per day. A week yacht charter usually offers better value, especially outside of the peak summer season.

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