The availability of comparatively inexpensive, and proven effective, AIS/DSC COB beacons means that all of us must think long and hard about what changes we need to make in our Crew Overboard (COB) procedures. John and Phyllis share the recovery technique they will be practicing in future.

The Quick Stop crew overboard recovery maneuver has become the standard taught in most every safety at sea seminar. But how effective is the method really likely to be, particularly for short-handed crews offshore? John takes a look.

Assuming that we have decided to buy and use auto-inflated lifejackets, we have yet another decision to make: Which of the two available activation devices should we select, hydrostatic or dissolved tablet? John interviews an expert and makes a selection.

Can we stay safe just by following generally-accepted rules like always wear a lifejacket? John doesn’t think so and takes a deep dive into the issues we need to think about.