MOB Recovery in gale conditions

[billyruffn]

I found the following link while reading another sailing blog (Attainable Adventure Cruising). It is the report of Marine Accident Investigation Branch in the UK, and deals with the loss of the skipper in a cross-channel race in 2011. There are many lessons to be learned from the report, the most significant to me are: 1/ clipping on is no guarantee that you will be recovered alive (so you simply must stay on board), and 2/ the difficulty of getting an incapacitated MOB tethered to the boat back on board, something I would summit few if any of us have practiced (I certainly haven't).

http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources...LionReport.pdf

I'm also interested in the requirement in the UK for croch straps on PFDs, which apparently help a lot in keeping the inflated PFD out of your face.

A sad story about loss of life on a well equipped, well crewed race boat.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by billyruffn

I'm also interested in the requirement in the UK for croch straps on PFDs, which apparently help a lot in keeping the inflated PFD out of your face.

Not only keeping the pfd out of your face, but the pfd is the first thing people grab when they try to retrieve an COB... and much of the time it just slides off over their head and you've lost contact again, esp if untethered.. and sometimes the harness IS the pfd and so that's come off too.....

For certain categories a crotch strap should be mandatory - and maybe even across the board....

[PalmettoSailor]

I've been planning to add crotch straps to my auto-inflate pfd's. It makes total sense to me that keeping the pfd as low as possible will keep your head higher above water.

In the protected water's where we sail, you could safely remain in the water more or less indefintely as long as you stay on top of it.

Our boat is equipped with a lifesling and we have the 3-1 lift to aid in bringing an incapacited MOB back on board but we've never practiced using it. I plan to have a practice go with it this season so at least my wife and I are familiar enough to talk the crew through set-up and recovery.

[knuterikt]

Originally Posted by billyruffn

I'm also interested in the requirement in the UK for croch straps on PFDs, which apparently help a lot in keeping the inflated PFD out of your face.

Don't think this is a UK requirement..

From ISAF (NTERNATIONAL SAILING FEDERATION) Offshore Special Regulations - Complete Version
Link http://www.sailing.org/tools/documen...4012012Colour-[11765].pdf

5.01.1 Each crew member shall have a lifejacket as follows:-
a) i In accordance with ISO 12402 – 3 (Level 150) or equivalent, including EN 396 or UL 1180


ii Lifejackets manufactured after 1 January 2012 shall be in accordance with ISO 12402–3 (Level 150) and shall be fitted with:-

• an emergency light in accordance with either ISO 12402-8 or SOLAS LSA code 2.2.3.
• a sprayhood in accordance with ISO 12402-8.
• a full deck safety harness in accordance with ISO 12401 (ISO 1095) including a crotch or thigh strap (holding down device) as specified in ISO 12401 (ISO 1095).
• If of an inflatable type either
(a) automatic, manual and oral inflation or
(b) manual and oral inflation

Originally Posted by billyruffn

A sad story about loss of life on a well equipped, well crewed race boat.

Yes, it show that there is always room for improving procedures and training.

In UK this incident inspired an Englishman to start looking at other better design for PFD with safety harness, one where you are turned on your back if you get towed after the boat,

[Bradhamlet]

Just imagine how difficult a man overboard would be in 20-25 kts, now double the wind speed and sea state. I just don't think it can be done successfully, Never, never, never go over the side. Sad story, and there will be more. We need to find a better harness? I don't have the answers but would love to find them.

Brad
Lancer 36

[Barquito]

How about being attached to two points near the bow, such that you can't go over the side, but can (almost) reach the bow.

[rockDAWG]

Here is my expectation from my crews. If I fall off the boat off shore in the storm, don't bother to come back to save me. Just yell out loud: Suck to be you, nice to sail with you !!!

[chef2sail]

Originally Posted by PalmettoSailor

I've been planning to add crotch straps to my auto-inflate pfd's. It makes total sense to me that keeping the pfd as low as possible will keep you head higher above water.

In the protected water's where we sail, you could safely remain in the water more or less indefintely as long as you stay on top of it.

Our boat is equipped with a lifesling and we have the 3-1 lift to aid in bringing an incapacited MOB back on board but we've never practiced using it. I plan to have a practice go with it this season so at least my wife and I are familiar enough to talk the crew through set-up and recovery.

We practice this every year in Still pond/ Worton Creek. Its an eye opener and good to practice.

Dave

[knuterikt]

Originally Posted by Barquito

How about being attached to two points near the bow, such that you can't go over the side, but can (almost) reach the bow.

Not exactly sure I understand
If centre of your circles is the attachment points you could still go over the side.
Attachment point must be close to the centreline, same for the jack lines.
Short tether and clipping on at the "correct" point all the time seems to be the practical solution.
You need plenty of good attachment points for this to work.

[knuterikt]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

Here is my expectation from my crews. If I fall off the boat off shore in the storm, don't bother to come back to save me. Just yell out loud: Suck to be you, nice to sail with you !!!

And that is what you will do if one of your crew go over board in a storm