Williamson turn - Rescuing man overboard
If you are on a ship and somehow you manage to fall overboard, it is likely that you will survive. But your further survival depends on the seamanship and skill of your fellow seafarers. They must react quickly in order to get you out as soon as possible and rescue you from multiple hazards that threaten your life (hypothermia, bad weather, shock, drowning...)
Original photo by @stalexmkl
But bringing huge ocean going vessel back is not an easy task. These ships are not as maneuverable as small speed boats, and arranging reascue by lowering rescue boat can be time consuming and is not recommended if weather is not calm. For that reason, the ship must take a quick course of action in so called "Williamson maneuver".
The main idea is to return to the location where the person fell overboard as quick as possible. First action is to turn the rudder sharply toward the person. If the person fell overboard over the starboard side then turn the rudder over starboard full. Likewise, if the person fell overboard over the port side then turn the rudder over port side. When reached approx. 60 degrees of the initial course, rudder must be turned fully to the opposite side. In this situation, the ship will make a half heart shaped half circle. When reaching approx. 20 degrees of the line of the initial course, but opposite direction, put the rudder amidship, so the ship can turn to reciprocal course.
It is crucial to keep visual contact with victim, in order to prevent running him down and to make search and rescue easier later on.
Original photo by @stalexmkl
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