What is the difference between a sailing exercise and a Man Over Board?

[sailor2]

I often get confused between the two of these.  Can you please explain the difference for me.

[Andy]

Don't worry a lot of sailors get confused between a sailing exercise and a man over board.
When I started to sail back in the 1980's we were taught to get a MOB while sailing, and the use of the engine was frowned upon.
As time passed the RYA and other sailing organisations and groups realised how impractical this was.  These days things have changed - after all you want to get a MOB out of the water as quickly as possible so you use everything at your disposal: engine and sails, coastguard and anything else you can think of to stop the boat near the person in the water.  To get the MOB out of the water use anything to hand: dingy, liferaft, handy billy, warps, bathing ladder even have a go with sails.
In summary: alert the crew, stop the boat, deploy MOB equipment near the person, raise the alarm, start the engine, turn around and pick up the person.
Once on board watch for hyperthermia - and cancel the alarm if you don't need medical assistance.

Its best to practice MOB as much as you can - every time with a new crew, on a different boat or when you have not been sailing for a while.