The obligation
Operators must establish, document, and drill emergency response procedures for man-overboard incidents, including search, rescue, and casualty recovery protocols.
The COP requires duty-holders to develop and maintain written emergency response plans for MOB scenarios. Plans must include: immediate response roles and actions; communication procedures (Mayday, radio contact); search and rescue techniques; recovery of a conscious or unconscious person from water; and post-incident reporting. Drills must be conducted at defined intervals to ensure crew competency.
- What
- Operators must establish, document, and drill emergency response procedures for man-overboard incidents, including search, rescue, and casualty recovery protocols.
- Source
- worksafe.wa.gov.au
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emergency response
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Emergency Response Procedures – Man Overboard (WA MOB COP) is a WHS requirement set out in Man overboard prevention and response (WA). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA). The relevant provision is WA > OSH Act 1984 > Code of Practice: Man Overboard > Emergency Response.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Emergency Response Procedures – Man Overboard (WA MOB COP) is a WHS obligation under Man overboard prevention and response (WA). In short, Operators must establish, document, and drill emergency response procedures for man-overboard incidents, including search, rescue, and casualty recovery protocols.
What changed recently?
Emergency Response Procedures – Man Overboard (WA MOB COP) was last updated on 26 August 2026.