MAN OVERBOARD Prevention & Recovery Workshop

MAN OVERBOARD Prevention & Recovery Workshop aims to reduce the risk caused by people falling in the water on vessels of all sizes. Fast moving sessions highlight the hard lessons learned from recent fatalities. Viable solutions are simple and effective. All sectors are invited to participate in this unique one day event that is being held at the Grand Harbour, Southampton UK on 17 April 2018.

Workshop organiser, John Haynes, said, ‘We focus on current issues, plus emerging areas of concern that operators may need to face tomorrow. In a changing world the use of technology is increasing for many organisations, but safety remains high on the agenda for professional mariners. Preventing and dealing with man overboard situations is relevant to all people going on, or working near to water.’

Using the latest knowledge from around the world this group will identify the effectiveness of traditional man overboard (MOB) methods versus innovative systems. For professional organisations the unique knowledge gained from presentations and networking sessions will help to shape long term decisions that lead to improvements for current operations, along with procurement of next generation boats and equipment.

Workshop topics cover MOB prevention, including improved operating procedures and use of ‘fit for purpose’ personal protective equipment (PPE). Personnel transfer looks at preventing MOB incidents and injury between vessels. Primary reactions highlight effective responses to MOB situations including fast location of casualty. Solutions range from simple and effective crew lookout to complex electronic devices.

MOB communication starts with returning to the person in the water rapidly then expands to engaging shore side emergency services, air sea rescue and other vessels. Managing the casualty examines lifting onboard considering injuries, immediate treatment and the survival timeline. After effects of an MOB Incident range from personal care for the survivor and their family to legal issues for the employer.

Attendees include commercial, professional and military end-user organisations, along with boat operators, boat builders, equipment manufacturers, naval architects, safety integrators, training organisations and legislators. Presentations are relevant to passenger vessels, pilot boats, police, patrol craft, survey vessels, work boats, superyacht tenders, military craft, search & rescue vessels, ports and marinas.

John Haynes added, ‘We have shaped this agenda by asking a dynamic industry group to share their confidential concerns about personal safety in the maritime workplace. This open approach generates burning questions with plenty of constructive discussions. Man overboard and death by drowning or exposure is still the prime risk for anyone that goes to sea. We simply aim to reduce that risk.’

Supporters include University of Southampton, Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute (SMMI). There is a discount rate for members of British Marine, RINA, SSA, UKMPA, UKHMA, YBDSA.