Sam Fortescue looks at what’s new for 2024 when it comes to safety kit
Man overboard recovery is a topic that inspires healthy respect among sailors. For many, in fact, it is a question that provokes outright fear, and it’s not hard to see why. Offshore, far from help, or even for shorthanded coastal outings, the prospect of finding and re-embarking a member of the crew lost over the side, is daunting.
Now, my intention here is not to explore the best MOB technique to use. I’ve asked Simon Jinks of SeaRegs Training in Plymouth to provide a brief step-by-step guide instead. He outlines the RYA’s official drill for handling an MOB situation below. The focus of this article is on the equipment you need to accomplish a successful recovery.
We’ll tackle two scenarios: recovering a conscious and able MOB and getting an unconscious or unable casualty safely back aboard. Nothing beats practicing the drill yourself, the more so if you are planning a challenging voyage or a bluewater crossing. But at least you’ll have a good oversight of the equipment that can help you.
Throwing lines
There are broadly three types of line. First up, the traditional rescue quoit – a thin polypropylene line with a rubber ring as ballast for the throw. “They’re normally just seen in liferafts these days, because they are hard to throw accurately and the thin line often tangles,” says Jinks.
Throw bags are a better bet, and a strong arm can manage a good distance of perhaps 20-25m. The line is often slightly thicker and softer, but it does need to be packed correctly. Finally, there’s the rescue sling which doesn’t travel far, but can be used to lasso people – picking them up in the bight. Buy a good one with thickish floating polypropylene safety line.
Crewsaver throwing line, from £45
Hold the bight in your non-throwing hand and then heft the hi-vis yellow pack towards the MOB. The basic 20m line is the easiest to throw; the 30m throwing strop does the same job but with a longer line and handy padded strop that runs under your armpits.
Plastimo rescue line, £62.95, force4.co.uk
Combines 20m of floating line in a neat pouch with a stainless-steel rail mount system for easy stowing.
Seago Throw Bag, £32.50, jimmygreen.com
With 30m of hi-vis floating line and a stainless-steel mounting bracket.
Recovery devices
When you get to a certain size and weight, throwing lines become rescue slings and cannot be thrown far. Instead, it works better to
