In the United States, man-overboard (MOB) recovery requirements vary depending on the vessel type, tonnage, and where it operates:
- Inland/domestic vessels (e.g., towing vessels)
- Covered under 46 CFR Subchapter M (for towing vessels) or other applicable domestic regulations.
- Operators must have written procedures for MOB emergencies in their safety management system and conduct regular crew drills that include MOB scenarios.
- Vessels must carry appropriate lifesaving and recovery equipment suited to their design and service (e.g., life rings, ladders, nets, or lifting devices).
- The Coast Guard reviews MOB plans and drill records during inspection or audits. The method must be safe and practical, including for persons who may be unconscious.
- Offshore vessels engaged on international voyages:
- Typically fall under SOLAS Regulation III/17-1, which requires documented MOB recovery plans integrated into the Safety Management System.
- Applies to all passenger vessels and cargo vessels 500 GT and above on international routes.
- Similar to domestic requirements, plans must consider vessel design and equipment, minimize risk to rescuers, and support recovery of incapacitated persons.
- Flag-state inspectors and class societies verify compliance during audits and drills.
In both inland and offshore contexts, the USCG focuses less on mandating a single piece of equipment and more on verifying that each vessel has a realistic, documented, and practiced method for recovering persons from the water safely (both conscious and unconscious).