VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

(4) The rear ship should always prepare to recover the man overboard; however, any ship in position
safely to recover the man should do so as soon as possible, informing other ships of her intentions.
b. When in Line Abreast or Line of Bearing.
(1) The ship from which the man falls overboard is to maneuver as required to recover the man,
avoiding a turn toward other ships unless they can safely be cleared.
(2) Other ships are to maintain the course and speed.
c. When in Any Other Formation.
(1) If a man falls overboard from a large ship, the nearest small ship, or the man-overboard recovery
ship when designated by the OTC, is to proceed to recover the man. If, however, it is clearly safe for the
ship losing the man to maneuver to recover him, it may do so. In either case, other ships are to maneuver
as necessary to stand clear of rescue operations and, if possible, maintain formation integrity.
(2) If a man falls overboard from a small ship, it is to maneuver as necessary to recover the man.
Other ships are to maneuver as necessary to stand clear of rescue operations and, if possible, maintain
formation integrity.
(3) In a close formation, a ship of the van should not maneuver to recover a man overboard if risk of
a collision exists. It should maintain course and speed unless otherwise directed by the OTC, who may
designate a man-overboard recovery ship to make the recovery.
d. When Engaged in Replenishment at Sea. During transfer at sea or replenishment
exercises, the following precautionary measures shall be taken for the purpose of rescuing anyone who
should fall overboard.
(1) If a rescue helicopter is available, it should be at a minimum deck alert during daylight hours.
However, if bad weather or special hazards demand, the helicopter should be airborne in a suitable
position.
(2) If a man-overboard recovery ship is designated, it should be stationed 500 to 1,000 yards astern
of the delivery ship.
(3) The customer ship is the designated man-overboard recovery ship when no other ship nor a suitably
equipped helicopter is available. In this case, both the supplying and customer ships shall ensure
that each is prepared to execute emergency breakaway quickly and safely throughout the replenishment.
(4) Should either the supplying or customer ship lose a man overboard, life preservers with markers
shall be dropped by both ships as close to the man as possible.
(5) The OTC shall be informed immediately.
2252 WARTIME RECOVERY MANEUVERS
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
a. If a man falls overboard from a large ship the nearest small ship, or the man overboard recovery
ship when designated by the OTC, is to proceed to recover the man if the tactical situation permits. Other
ships are to maintain the course and speed. If no small ship is present, the OTC will issue the necessary
orders but large ships should not stop in areas where enemy submarines may be encountered.
b. If a man falls overboard from a small ship, it is to maneuver clear of the formation and recover the
man if the tactical situation permits. Other ships are to maintain the course and speed but are to keep clear.
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