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

SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 introduces a requirement for ship-specific plans and procedures for the recovery of persons from the water, in line with IMO guidelines. While this does not mandate additional equipment, the plans and procedures must identify the equipment intended to be used for recovery and measures to minimise the risk to shipboard personnel involved in recovery operations (MCA MGN 544 Amendment 1, Section 2). 

The guidance also encourages non-SOLAS vessels, including fishing boats, small craft, and pleasure vessels, to observe the same requirements as far as practicable (UK MCA MGN 544 Amendment 1, Section 5).

SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 concerns the recovery of persons from the water and requires ships within the scope of SOLAS to have ship-specific plans and procedures for recovery.

The regulation focuses on preparation and planning rather than mandating specific equipment. The plans and procedures identify the equipment intended to be used for recovery, taking into account the vessel's characteristics and operating 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 recovery equipment, SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 allows ship operators to identify the equipment intended for recovery based on their vessel type, freeboard, operational environment and recovery arrangements.

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

The regulation applies to ships within the scope of SOLAS. Ro-ro passenger ships complying with SOLAS Regulation III/26.4, which sets requirements for means of rescue and recovery for persons from the water, are deemed to comply with Regulation III/17-1 (MCA MGN 544 1.2)

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, ships within the scope of SOLAS must maintain ship-specific plans and procedures for recovering persons from the water, including identification of the equipment and arrangements that will be used during a man overboard recovery. (MCA MGN 544 Amendment 1, Section 2)

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 (MCA MGN 544 Amendment 1, Annex 1).

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

• Freeboard height
• Crew numbers available for recovery
• Sea and weather conditions
• The characteristics and limitations of the equipment intended for recovery
• The risk of injury during lifting operations

The guidelines also emphasise, where practicable, the recovery of casualties in a horizontal or near-horizontal position, particularly where the casualty may be hypothermic.

Recovery plans developed under SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 should support the safe recovery of persons from the water while minimising the risk of injury. This includes reducing the risk of impact with the ship’s structure or recovery equipment. (MCA MGN 544 Amendment 1, Annex 1)

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, vessels may implement recovery procedures using a combination of MOB recovery equipment, depending on the vessel, freeboard, operating conditions and casualty. Examples include:

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:  Vessels may combine multiple recovery methods so that suitable options are available for different casualty conditions and sea states. For example, a recovery sling may be used with a stretcher or cradle and lifted using a davit, depending on the vessel’s recovery arrangements.

IMO guidance recommends that drills ensure crew are familiar with the plans, procedures, and equipment used for recovery of persons from the water.

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 requirements for emergency training and drills under Chapter III, Regulation 19. IMO guidance (MSC.1/Circ.1447) further recommends that recovery procedures be included in routine drills to ensure that crew are familiar with the recovery arrangements and equipment.

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).

SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 places greater emphasis on practical preparation for recovery of persons from the water, requiring ship-specific plans and procedures that take into account the vessel, recovery arrangements and operational conditions.

The regulation requires ships within the scope of SOLAS to:

• 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 may form part of the arrangements developed to comply 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 requires ships within the scope of SOLAS to have ship-specific plans and procedures for recovering persons from the water, including identification of the equipment intended for recovery.

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