APPENDIX B
WILLIAMSON TURN
The Williamson turn consists of putting the rudder-hard over towards the
side from which the man fell overboard while maintaining normal cruising speed.
As the vessel's head approaches 60° from the original course, the rudder is
reversed and the vessel circles and steadies on the reciprocal of the original
“course.
As soon as the vessel steadies on the reciprocal course,
the engines
are stopped and the vessel will drift to approximately the position at which the
person fell overboard.
Vessel's using this maneuver at normal cruising speeds
report that it is effective in various conditions of wind and sea although it requires more time than backing down or circling.
The advantages of the
Williamson turn during darkness or reduced visibility are obvious.
A recent proposal for improvement of the man overboard procedure
advocates the use of a raft or a float.
the alarm is sounded,
I£ dropped overboard immediately after
it provides a larger marker for the vessel to return to as
well as a haven for the individual in the water to swim to.
and person in water will be aiming’ for the same point.
Thus, both vessel
The vessel will have a
better reference point and the individual a resting point.
The vessel can keep
its searchlight on the float at night, as a guide for both vessel and person in
water.
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