Modern Overboard Rescue - Online Class
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Tue February 10th, 2026
4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET
39

MODERN OVERBOARD RESCUE
FOR CRUISING SAIL & BOATERS

with John Neal & Margaret Pommert

“Man overboard” is one of the most frightening things for a boater to hear. We will teach you some new and proven rescue techniques.

90-Minute Live Session
On Demand Replay Available
Live Q&A

This online class covers preventing and preparing for Man Overboard (MOB) situations on shorthanded cruising sail and power boats, both near shore and offshore. Topics include personal safety gear, modern on-board safety tools for overboard prevent and response, improved rescue techniques including reboarding.

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MODERN OVERBOARD RESCUE

REGISTER NOW
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ONLINE COURSE OVERVIEW

This online class addresses preventing MOB situations and effectively responding if they happen. We will discuss common challenges and lessons learned drawn from interviews with hundreds of boaters involved in actual incidents. You will learn about modern, proven equipment, including a Lifesling, and how to use it.

Who is this online class for?

This online class is for cruising sailors and powerboaters at all levels of experience, whether their destinations are strictly local or offshore. It’s also for the first mate who wonders, “What will I do if my captain falls overboard?” It’s also for boat owners making purchase decisions on vessels and equipment.

What Will I Learn?

You will learn how to develop and implement a MOB prevention and rescue plan for your boat and crew, including critically important equipment and how to use it.

List of Topics:

  • How to prevent falling overboard
  • Staying afloat if you do fall overboard
  • Marking location of MOB so you can rescue them
  • Safely making contact and reboarding the MOB
  • Appropriate gear for MOB
  • Design features and gear that makes a cruising boat safer

MODERN OVERBOARD RESCUE

From Prevention to Effective Recovery

“Man overboard” is one of the most urgent and frightening emergencies a crew can face, especially on shorthanded cruising sail and power boats. This online class brings clarity and confidence to a high-stress situation by focusing on prevention, preparation, and proven response techniques. Drawing on decades of real-world experience and hundreds of documented incidents, this class shows you how to reduce the risk of someone falling overboard—and how to act decisively and effectively if it happens.

Practical Safety Strategies for Cruising Sail and Power Boaters

This online class goes beyond theory to address the realities of MOB situations both near shore and offshore. You’ll learn how modern safety gear and onboard systems can dramatically improve outcomes, from preventing falls to executing a successful recovery. Instructors break down common challenges crews face during rescues and demonstrate improved techniques for locating, assisting, and reboarding an overboard crew member. You’ll gain hands-on understanding of proven tools such as the Lifesling, along with guidance on choosing and using the right equipment for your boat.

Essential Training for Crews, Captains, and Boat Owners

Designed for cruising sailors and powerboaters of all experience levels, this online class is equally valuable for captains, first mates, and boat owners making safety-critical decisions. Whether you sail locally or offshore, you’ll leave with a clear, actionable MOB prevention and rescue plan tailored to your vessel and crew. If you’ve ever wondered how you would respond if someone went overboard, this online class delivers the knowledge, preparation, and confidence needed to turn a worst-case scenario into a controlled, effective rescue.

YOUR HOSTs

JOHN NEAL & MARGARET POMMERT

John Neal has supervised 1500 of his sail-training students conducting live MOB exercises over 38 years of leading worldwide offshore sail-training expeditions. Many of these have been with live volunteers in the water from Patagonia to Spitsbergen. His 51 years and 410,000 offshore miles include six Cape Horn roundings. More details: mahina.com


Margaret Pommert is V.P. for Safety at Sea for The Sailing Foundation, which developed the Lifesling. She chairs the Hanson Rescue Medal, a national award which recognizes lifesaving at sea. Margaret has gathered lessons learned from hundreds of boaters directly involved in man-overboard incidents. She has partnered in overboard research with leading boating organizations, and her expertise is featured in a variety of publications. Margaret’s credentials include: Master Instructor for both Sail and Power, Vessel Emergency Drill Instructor, Boat Rental Safety for Charter Companies, Life Jacket Wear Rate Observational Study team leader, Lifesling Master Instructor.

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ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION

TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY 10th
@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)
Regular Price

$39

ASA Member Price

$29

ON-DEMAND ACCESS

All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.

ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT

American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you're not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!

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