Which statement about the Anderson turn is true?

Which statement about the Anderson turn is true?

• A. It is the fastest MOB recovery method
• B. It should only be used in daylight
• C. It is never used for MOB recovery
• D. It is slower than a Williamson turn

Answer: (A)

The fastest MOB recovery method is the Anderson turn because it prioritizes a quick return to the person in the water with a tight turning path. When a MOB is spotted, you want to close the distance as quickly as possible, and the Anderson turn is designed to reverse course and circle back toward the MOB in a relatively small arc. This minimizes the time the person is adrift and exposed to currents, wind, and hypothermia. In contrast, a Williamson turn, while safe and standard for many recoveries, requires a larger turning radius and more time to complete, since it reshapes the vessel’s track to line up with the MOB from behind. That’s why the Anderson turn is considered faster. It isn’t limited to daylight; it can be used at night with proper navigation lights, lookouts, and safe operating practices. And it isn’t never used for MOB recovery—the method is indeed employed when speed is essential.

The fastest MOB recovery method is the Anderson turn because it prioritizes a quick return to the person in the water with a tight turning path. When a MOB is spotted, you want to close the distance as quickly as possible, and the Anderson turn is designed to reverse course and circle back toward the MOB in a relatively small arc. This minimizes the time the person is adrift and exposed to currents, wind, and hypothermia.

In contrast, a Williamson turn, while safe and standard for many recoveries, requires a larger turning radius and more time to complete, since it reshapes the vessel’s track to line up with the MOB from behind. That’s why the Anderson turn is considered faster.

It isn’t limited to daylight; it can be used at night with proper navigation lights, lookouts, and safe operating practices. And it isn’t never used for MOB recovery—the method is indeed employed when speed is essential.