In this article we will cover all important maneuvers that we as a seafarer need to remember –

1. Williamson Turn
2. Sharnov Turn
3. Anderson Turn

WILLIAMSON TURN

When to use the Williamson Turn?

The Williamson Turn is the most appropriate man overboard maneuver when taking action very quickly after a casualty has been reported falling overboard. 
The aim of the maneuver is to turn the ship, while keeping the propellers away from the casualty, to bring the vessel onto a reciprocal track. Allowing her to proceed back to the position where the person was reported falling overboard.

How to execute Williamson Turn ?

1. Turn the ship towards the direction the casualty has fallen, steer as hard over as is safe to do so. This prevents the propellers from going towards the casualty in the water. Continue the swing until the ship is 60 degrees from her original course.
2. Turn the rudder the other direction, as hard over as is safe to do so.
3. Continue the swing until the ship is 30 degrees from her reciprocal course, before easing the helm and slowing the swing.
4. Steady the ship on the reciprocal of the original track, this being the original track + or – 180 degrees.

Positives of using the Williamson Turn.
The Williamson Turn uses the clear water ahead of the vessel to turn, this allows the ship to turn through 180 degrees without entering the area needed to be searched.
The Williamson Turn aims to keep the casualty clear of the propellers.

Negatives of using the Williamson Turn. 
The bridge team may lose sight of the casualty while the turn is carried out, as the casualty passes across the stern of the vessel.  Vessel speed is lost during the turn, due to the large use of rudder.

SHARNOV TURN

When to Use the Sharnov Turn?

The Sharnov Turn is the most appropriate man-overboard manoeuvre when taking action long after a casualty has been reported. 
The aim of the manoeuvre is to turn the ship quickly, through 180 degrees, taking her on to her reciprocal track. Allowing her to proceed back to the position where the person was reported falling overboard, promoting an effective recovery.

How to execute Sharnov Turn ?

1. Turn the ship hard over in either direction, as hard over as is safe to do so.
   Continue the swing until the vessel is 240 degrees from the original heading.
2. Turn the rudder the other direction, as hard over as is safe to do so, to reduce the rate of turn.
3. Steady the ship on the reciprocal of the original track, this being the original track + or – 180 degrees.

A Positive of Using the Sharnov Turn. 
If the casualty or a reference point is in sight, it is possible for the bridge team to keep a visual throughout the turn.

A Negative of Using the Sharnov Turn.
Some of the potential search area is missed while the turn is carried out.

Anderson Turn

When to Use the Anderson Turn?

The Anderson Turn is only used when the ship is able to take action immediately after seeing a man overboard or when returning to a well-marked position.  The aim of the maneuver is to turn the ship as quickly as possible.

1. Turn the ship as hard over as is safe to do so, towards the casualty. 
2. Continue the swing until the vessel is 240 degrees from the original heading.
3. Turn the rudder the other direction, as hard over as is safe to do so, to reduce the rate of turn.
4. Steady the ship 270 degrees from the original heading and bring the ship to a stop.

A Positive of Using the Anderson Turn 
If the casualty or the reference point is in sight, it is possible for the bridge team to keep a visual throughout the turn.

Negative of Using the Anderson Turn
This turn is only useful when turning immediately after a casualty is seen entering the water, any later and the vessel risks either running over the casualty or bringing her back to a position away from the casualty