The response to a passenger falling between the dock and the boat has not been standardized, but the following should be taken into account:

• The situation should be treated seriously. if the boat moves the wrong way it could result in a loss of a limb, or even a fatality.
• Each situation is different, and the Captain will have to decide what is best based on the conditions.
• Usually if a passenger falls completely through, the most important step is to immediately put the boat into neutral.
  • This disengages the prop and decreases the chances of the individual getting crushed.
• The next step is to get the person some form of floatation to hang onto.
• If there is any sign that the person in the water was severly injured in the fall, or would be unable to climb out for any other reason, call Harbor Patrol on Channel 16 immediately.
• Next, disengage the bales and the auto ramp.
• Push on the dock rails to start moving the Ferry out of the slip, just enough to create an accessable space for the person to get out.
• It is important that the Captain remain on the Ferry, we can’t risk the boat continuing to float out of the slip without a Captain on board.
• Use the MOB ladder to help with the persons retrieval.
  • The MOB ladder as designed for the Ferry rails, so it will not naturally attach to the deck. Holding it in

Feedback and suggestions on this work-in-progress response are welcome and greatly appreciated.