When someone goes overboard, there are several types of Man Overboard (MOB) recovery devices designed to help bring them back on board safely. The main types include:
- Emergency Ladders
- Used by small leisure boats, commercial workboats, offshore installations and ports.
- Ideal for conscious MOBs and rescuers who need to get back on board or out of the water
- MOB Recovery Cradles
- Used by Fast Rescue Crafts (FRCs) and boats with freeboards up to 2m
- Can function as a ladder or to roll a person up horizontally (parbuckle) out of the water.
- Suitable for the retrieval of both conscious and unconscious persons.
- Scramble Nets
- Used by vessels or platforms with high-sided freeboards
- Primarily a scrambling device to get on or off a vessel.
- When combined with mechanical aid (davit or crane), can also recover a person horizontally.
- Stretcher
- Used by offshore platforms, larger vessels, and rescue services.
- A rigid or semi-rigid stretcher designed to securely hold an injured or unconscious person.
- Can be lifted from the water using a crane, davit, or hoist, keeping the patient stable during recovery.
- Ideal for medical emergencies where the person cannot be safely lifted using a net, cradle, or ladder.
- Rescue Basket
- Used by larger vessels and offshore platforms
- A rigid or semi-rigi basket that a person can be secured in, typically lifted with a davit or crane.
- Allows safe recovery or transport of conscious or unconscious persons, even in rough seas or for heavier individuals.
- Recovery Pole
- A long pole with a hook, loop, or flotation attachment at the end.
- Helps extend reach to a person in the water, pulling them closer to the vessel.
- Best for conscious MOBs who can hold on and assist in their own recovery.
- Ideal for small boats or situations where a ladder or net cannot be deployed immediately.