Nighttime Crew Overboard Workshop

Night Sailing Workshop Focuses on Crew Overboard Emergency Preparedness

A specialized marina-based workshop is offering sailors the opportunity to strengthen their nighttime safety skills through practical training and emergency preparedness exercises. Lasting approximately six hours, the program combines dockside instruction with on-water practice, helping participants develop the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively to challenging situations after dark.

The workshop addresses one of sailing’s most serious yet often under-practiced emergencies: a crew member falling overboard at night. While Crew Overboard (COB) procedures are commonly taught during standard sailing courses, nighttime recovery scenarios present additional challenges due to reduced visibility, increased stress, and the need for precise coordination. The training is designed to help sailors better understand and prepare for these unique risks.

Participants spend approximately three hours underway practicing recovery techniques in realistic nighttime conditions. Using a target to simulate a person in the water, sailors focus on awareness, communication, teamwork, and vessel handling. The session includes instruction in the traditional Figure Eight, or Quick Turn maneuver, as well as the widely used LifeSling recovery method, providing hands-on experience with proven emergency procedures.

Complementing the practical exercises, dockside discussions allow participants to review safety principles, recovery strategies, and best practices for managing emergencies after dark. To help maintain a safe environment, vaccination requirements and onboard safety measures may apply. By combining theory with real-world practice, the workshop offers valuable preparation for sailors seeking to improve their confidence and readiness during nighttime operations on the water.