SOLAS Regulation III/17-1: Recovery of Persons from the Water

"All SOLAS ships are now required to have clear arrangements for the recovery of persons from the water, in line with IMO guidelines. While this does not mandate additional equipment, vessels must have documented plans and procedures for using recovery systems safely and effectively. The guidance also encourages non‑SOLAS vessels, including fishing boats, small craft, and pleasure vessels, to follow the same best‑practice measures where practicable" (UK MCA, MGN 544 (M+F), GOV.UK)

SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 requires ships to have plans and procedures for recovering persons from the water, ensuring crews can carry out a safe and effective man overboard (MOB) recovery operation.

Introduced to address gaps in recovery capability across the maritime industry, the regulation focuses on preparation and planning rather than mandating specific equipment. Instead, vessels must identify and document how recovery will be carried out using equipment appropriate to the vessel’s design, freeboard, and operational environment.

For operators, safety managers, and procurement teams, understanding this regulation is essential when assessing and selecting suitable MOB recovery systems and equipment that support safe and practical recovery procedures.

SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 requires ships to develop and maintain ship-specific plans and procedures for the recovery of persons from the water.

The regulation requires ships to:

• Maintain documented plans and procedures for recovering persons from the water
• Identify the equipment available on board that may be used during recovery operations
• Include measures to minimise risk to shipboard personnel involved in the recovery process

Supporting IMO guidance also recommends that recovery arrangements consider the likely physical condition of the casualty, including situations where the person may be unconscious or unable to assist themselves.

Rather than prescribing specific equipment, SOLAS requires operators to demonstrate that effective recovery arrangements exist and that crews understand how to use the equipment available. This flexible approach allows ship operators to select MOB recovery equipment suited to their vessel type, freeboard height, and operational environment.

SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 entered into force on 1 July 2014 and applies to both new and existing ships.

The regulation requires all ships (other than ro-ro passenger ships) to have ship-specific plans and procedures for the recovery of persons from the water.

The requirements apply to:

• New ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014 (having their keel laid on or after this date)
• Existing ships, which were required to comply by the first periodical or renewal Safety Equipment Survey after 1 July 2014

An exception applies to ro‑ro passenger ships, which are already required under SOLAS Regulation III/26.4 to carry dedicated means of rescue. As a result, these vessels are considered to comply with the intent of SOLAS Regulation III/17‑1.

Since the introduction of Regulation III/17‑1 in July 2014, most SOLAS vessels must maintain ship-specific plans and procedures for recovering a person from the water, including identification of the equipment and arrangements that will be used during a man overboard recovery (UK MCA, MGN 544, GOV.UK)

To support implementation, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) issued MSC.1/Circ.1447 – Guidelines for the Development of Plans and Procedures for Recovery of Persons from the Water (International Chamber of Shipping, 2014).

The guidance recommends that ships take into account factors such as:

• Freeboard height
• Crew numbers available for recovery
• Sea and weather conditions
• The likely weight and physical condition of the casualty, including the possibility that they may be unconscious or unable to assist
• The risk of injury during lifting operations

The guidelines also emphasise, where practicable, the recovery of casualties in a horizontal or near‑horizontal position to reduce the risk of adverse effects such as those associated with hypothermia.

Recovery plans developed under SOLAS Regulation III/17‑1 should enable the safe transfer of a casualty from the water to the vessel while minimising the risk of injury. This includes reducing the possibility of impact with the ship’s structure or the recovery equipment itself (UK MCA, MGN 544 (M+F), GOV.UK).

To achieve this, recovery procedures should be supported by a risk assessment that takes into account:

• Vessel design and layout
• Freeboard height
• Access points and working areas for crew
• Anticipated operating conditions and sea states
• The likely condition of the casualty, including possible unconsciousness or inability to assist

Considering these factors helps ensure that recovery operations can be carried out safely and effectively under real operating conditions.

Although SOLAS III/17‑1 does not mandate specific products, many ships implement recovery procedures using recognised MOB recovery equipment, including:

Recovery Cradles and Scoop Systems
Often deployed over the ship’s side, these systems allow a casualty to be rolled or lifted on board in a horizontal position. This reduces stress on the body and minimises the risk of hypothermia or circum‑rescue collapse.

Rescue Nets and Scramble Nets
Used particularly on vessels with lower freeboard, these nets allow casualties to climb aboard or be recovered using a parbuckle or rolling technique..

Man Overboard Recovery Slings and Lifting Strops
Designed to secure a casualty in the water before lifting with a winch, davit, or block‑and‑tackle system.

Boat Hook Recovery Poles with Loops
Enable crew to place a recovery loop around the casualty without leaning over the vessel side, improving safety for the crew.

Rescue Davits, Cranes, or Lifting Arrangements
Used on vessels with higher freeboard where manual recovery is impractical, often in combination with slings, cradles, or stretchers.

Important Note:  Many ships combine multiple recovery methods to ensure the casualty can still be safely recovered if unconscious or if sea conditions make one method unsuitable. For example, a recovery sling may be used with a stretcher or cradle, which can then be lifted by a davit, keeping the casualty close to the ship’s side and in a horizontal position during transfer on board.

Under SOLAS III/17‑1, crews must be familiar with the plans, procedures, and equipment used for man overboard (MOB) recovery.

To achieve this, recovery procedures should be practiced in routine MOB drills, which ensure that:

• Equipment can be deployed quickly and safely
• Crew members understand their roles during the operation
• Procedures are practical under real operating conditions

SOLAS III/17‑1 is supported by the general SOLAS obligation for emergency training and man overboard drills (Chapter III, Regulation 19). IMO guidance (MSC.1/Circ.1447) further recommends that recovery procedures be included in routine drills to ensure safe and effective operations.

Regular practice is therefore essential to maintain the effectiveness of recovery arrangements and ensure they are fully integrated into the vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS).

Before the introduction of SOLAS Regulation III/17‑1, many vessels lacked practical means of recovering a person from the water, particularly ships with high freeboard.

The regulation ensures that:

• Every ship has documented recovery plans and procedures
• Crews understand how to deploy recovery equipment quickly and safely
• Recovery operations take into account the safety of both the casualty and the rescuers

For maritime operators, compliance with SOLAS III/17‑1 also supports training exercises, integration into the Safety Management System (SMS), and overall emergency preparedness.

Selecting suitable man overboard (MOB) recovery equipment is a key part of complying with SOLAS Regulation III/17‑1.

Operators typically evaluate factors such as:

• Vessel freeboard height
• Deck layout and available lifting points
• Crew numbers and strength
• Likely operating conditions
• The ability to recover unconscious or incapacitated casualties

In summary, SOLAS III/17‑1 ensures that every ship has documented recovery procedures and appropriate equipment for recovering persons from the water. By selecting the right recovery methods and training crews effectively, vessels can manage MOB situations safely, protecting both the casualty and shipboard personnel. 

Using the correct combination of recovery equipment and procedures ensures that MOB recovery operations are practical, effective, and fully aligned with SOLAS guidance.