What does the term "man overboard" typically prompt aboard a vessel?

The term "man overboard" indicates a critical situation where an individual has fallen or been thrown off a vessel into the water. In this scenario, the primary focus is on the immediate recovery of the person in the water, which is why the correct answer highlights a recovery procedure.

Upon hearing "man overboard," crew members are trained to react swiftly and effectively. This typically involves specific actions like deploying life-saving equipment, marking the location of the person, maneuvering the vessel to retrieve them, and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. The urgency of this situation makes the recovery procedure the most important response, as the well-being of the individual in the water is paramount.

While safety drills, medical responses, and course changes might be part of the broader set of emergency protocols aboard a vessel, the direct and immediate action taken during a "man overboard" call centers on recovering the person from the water. Ensuring their safety and bringing them back aboard is the first priority in this critical context.