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
