Plan to replace Man-Overboard term

by Peter Swanson, Loose Cannon
Britain’s standards-setting organization for recreational boating, the Royal Yachting Association, believes the phrase “man overboard!” is unwelcoming to folks who identify as women or non-binary. When a London newspaper reported this, it caused a ruckus in the maritime community, which ridiculed this notion as over-the-top woke.

RYA then trotted out poor Richard Falk on a backpedaling mission (despite possibility that the concept might trigger disabled people who cannot ride a bike).

Falk, who is director of Training and Qualifications, said the RYA encourages the continued use of “man overboard” in actual MOB situations. But when you are discussing the rescue later in the clubhouse, say, you should consider “person in water” as a more inclusive substitute. No need to mention seaMANship either. – Full report