The Anderson Turn is a maneuver used to bring a ship or boat back to a point it previously passed through, often for the purpose of recovering a man overboard.

The Anderson Turn is most appropriate when the point to be reached remains clearly visible. For other situations, a Scharnow turn or a Williamson turn might be more appropriate. Both will require more time before returning to the point in question.

1. If the turn is in response to a man overboard, stop the engines.

2. Put the rudder over full. If in response to a man overboard, put the rudder toward the person (e.g., if the person fell over the starboard side, put the rudder over full to starboard).

3. When clear of the person, go all ahead full, still using full rudder.

4. After deviating from the original course by about 240 degrees (about 2/3 of a complete circle), back the engines 2/3 or full.

5. Stop the engines when the target point is 15 degrees off the bow. Ease the rudder and back the engines as required.

If dealing with a man overboard, always bring the vessel upwind of the person. Stop the vessel in the water with the person well forward of the propellers.