COMMERCE
Subscriber Services
Classified Ads
Subscribe
Advertise
NEWS
This Month
Editorial
Letters
F/V Safety
Past Issues
ABOUT US
Contact Us
Latest Issue
Subscribe
History
MORE CONTENT
CFN Archives
Links
Each month exclusively in the PRINT edition of CFN
Along the Coast
Ask the Lobster Doc
Bearin’s
Classifieds
Coming Events
Editorial
Enforcement Report
FISH SAFE
Fleet Additions
Letters
Lobster Market Report
New Boats
News Catch
Quahog Market Report
|
Commercial Fisheries News
Volume 33 Number 6
February 2006
Steven Kennedy photos (click to enlarge)
Getting MOB back on board; have device ready
This summer, I wrote an article on man overboard (MOB) procedures. Several weeks later, Capt. Aaron Williams of the Point Judith, RI-based Independence, a vessel on which I conduct drills, called excitedly to tell me that he had plucked two fishermen from the waters of Buzzards Bay. He was thrilled and the two fishermen were grateful.
Capt. Williams had successfully conducted the MOB drill as I had instructed him. However, he stated that I was right – getting the MOB back on board was the most difficult step.
How hard retrieving the person is depends both on how much the person in the water is able to help and whether you have something to help get him back on board. This is why you need to set up a recovery system and your crews should practice their MOB recovery.
Remember, once you locate the MOB, you must promptly decide the most appropriate turn for the fastest retrieval. You may decide to approach the MOB from his leeward side. This does not create a lee for the MOB, but it may make communication easier because most people naturally float with their backs to the wind and waves. This also reduces the danger of the vessel being blown over the MOB.
You may favor your leeward side. This is preferred by many because it shelters the MOB from the seas and allows you to bring him up on the low side of the vessel. However, there is the danger of the vessel being blown over the MOB.
Regardless of your approach, keep the propeller away from the MOB. Ultimately, the approach depends on the sea conditions, your retrieval system, your vessel’s maneuverability, and the victim’s condition.
Water rescue systems
If you can, have a standby rescue swimmer in his immersion suit with a rescue line attached, but use him only as a last resort. Prepare the vessel’s hoisting tackle to assist in recovery, as well as a rescue life sling and ladder.
A life sling can be as simple as a rope strap with an eye in each end or a full-looped rope strap or even the loop from your dock lines. But keep in mind that, the larger diameter of line, the less prone it will be to cut into the MOB’s chest and underarms.
There are several manufactured life sling MOB recovery systems. The MARSARS MOB Hoist Adapter is designed for vertical hand-over-hand hoisting. The MARSARS MOB Cold Water Rescue Sling is constructed of buoyant foam with an internal polyester strap and a stainless steel safety hook that connects to a hoisting adapter. Its non-chest constrictive design minimizes rough handling of the MOB.
The Plastimo Quick Launch Safety Ladder comes in a plastic bag with two handles. One handle attaches the bag to the boat, the other handle is for the MOB to grab. The bag pulls open and the ladder unfolds instantly, helping the MOB to get back on board.
Lifesling2
My favorite is the Lifesling2 MOB Recovery System. It comes in a vinyl-coated canvas bag that contains a pliable, foam-covered horseshoe shaped flotation collar with 120' of polypropylene line.
A rescue swimmer or the MOB himself can easily slide the Lifesling2 over the head and arms and then around the chest and underarms. This simple device minimizes any chest constriction or pinching of the skin. It also distributes the weight of the MOB more evenly, making it easier for hand-over-hand hoisting if overhead hoisting is not available.
This recovery system has another advantage for two-handed vessels. When a crewmember goes overboard, you can attach the 120' of line to an aft cleat and throw the horseshoe shaped floating collar overboard, then tow it to the MOB like you would a tow line for a water skier. I have used this recovery system often in my MOB demonstrations and many of the fishermen are amazed at the ease of its use.
Save precious minutes
It is important to recognize the problems of trying to get a MOB out of the water, considering his weight and height, the freeboard of your vessel, and the possibility that the MOB won’t be able to help himself.
Use what works best for your size vessel and number of crewmembers. Having a system rigged ahead of time will save precious minutes when you have to recover somebody from the water.
The manufactured MOB recovery systems should be available at your local marine supply store or on the Internet. Just search for the brand names or “water rescue systems.” Most systems are under $100.
Help make the single most difficult task of MOB recovery a little easier by making a small investment. Either purchase a life sling or make one of your own.
Fred Mattera
NESTCo
Back to story list
Read more about SAFETY here...
|
|
Tell us what you think.
