Final answer:
The next step after making contact with a PIW using a paddle or boathook is to secure them to the rescue device, maintain communication, and guide them safely back to the rescue craft while ensuring their head remains above water.
Step-by-step explanation:
When rescuing a Person in the Water (PIW) and having gotten close enough to make contact with a paddle or boathook, the next step in the rescue procedure is to secure the person to the rescue device. Once contact is made, it is crucial to maintain constant communication, reassuring the individual that help is at hand. If possible, the rescuer should gently pull the PIW towards the rescue craft, avoiding any sudden movements that may cause further panic or injury.
It is essential to keep the person's head above water and to maneuver them into a position where they can be safely brought aboard, whether it be a boat or a life raft. In the context provided, with the captain calling out "Come to the boat!", it is evident that a verbal cue is also a key part of the rescue approach, helping to guide and comfort the person in distress.