T&T: Lifesaving: MOB recovery

[bob Austin]

Getting life rings and cushions aboard is relitatively easy.  Getting a human
aboard is difficult.  Before going any further read:
http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Studies/safetyseminartips.htm#mob and  the
link on Life sling update.
and http://www.sailingusa.info/sailing_safety.htm#Crew%20Over%20Board
Chris Caswell's article on the crew overboard 2005 in San Franscisco:
http://www.yachtingmagazine.com/yachting/boatreviews/article/0,24579,1128692,
00.html

And the article linking to the report of the crew overboard symposium:
http://www.boatus.com/foundation/findings/COBfinalreport/

http://www.boatus.com/foundation/findings/COBfinalreport/COB%20FINAL%20REPORT
.pdf

I would strongly suggest that all voyagers read all of these, and print out at
least the report.

I have had the displeasure of falling overboard at sea at about age 10.
Fortunately I was a skinny fellow, and my father was strong, and got be back
aboard in a matter of moments  over a 3 foot freeboard by hand.

We have also practiced with wet suits on, in the water, similar maneuvers to
what are described in the above reports.  I can assure you that picking up a
cushion is nothing like the real thing.  I would urge practicing with real
people under controlled conditions.

I agree that the swim step can be lethal in any seaway--it goes up and down
too much.  We had practiced with our crane davit and had it rigged so that a
person could be hoisted aboard on either the stb side foreward of the prop, or
aft.  I would suggest foreward or the prop and with that side engine shut off
for safety sake.  The next question is how to get the crane davit hook onto
the Life sling lifting penant--do not assume that the victum will be able to
do this.  We had a double float with a loop which we could pick up from the
boat, and put the hook into with a boat hook.  There are clips used for
moorings which fit on the end of the boat hook, and these can be utalized to
get the hook down near the water so you can have enough room to get the person
aboard.

As Milt and others say--wear safety harnesses and a life jacket if you are
rough weather--stay aboard.  Frankly in most power boats there should never be
a reason that anyone falls overboard--but it can happen.  This is why I prefer
pilot house, with interior access to the flying bridge, or sundeck MY types to
the trunk cabin, where you have to go onto a weather deck to get onto the
flying bridge.  With the latter your exposure to weather and potential falling
overboard is greater.

Bob Austin