Man overboard devices

alex_m24

alex_m24

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Does anyone have any practical info/experience on the different types of MOB devices that are out now.

There are a few different versions around using different technology, I like the idea of the NASA MOBi mob indicator and I'm kind of wary of the ones that use a smartphone apps to function.

I'm also interested in the Fell Mobi+ Wireless kill switch which is the one I think I will probably go with. I go out with the boy quite often and relying on a 4 year old(or the non-boaty wife for that matter) to remember how to stop the engine in an emergency doesn't fill me full of confidence.
 
Minn said:
Officially, we are all meant to run our jackstays along the centre line and use short tethers with state of the art hooks. Since hardly anyone does this, I have accepted that my crew and I may go OB on a tether and bought everyone Backtow life jackets.
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And if you were to sail singlehanded?
 
Minn said:
I do. Since I am typing this, you may see that I haven’t gone OB yet.
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I also often sail singlehanded and, as I'm replying, you'll gather that I haven't fallen off yet. But the original question is still relevant. I believe that MOB warning devices are shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. The only sensible solution is a system which stops people falling off, and harnesses and lifelines seem to meet that need in the majority of cases.
 
pvb said:
I also often sail singlehanded and, as I'm replying, you'll gather that I haven't fallen off yet. But the original question is still relevant. I believe that MOB warning devices are shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. The only sensible solution is a system which stops people falling off, and harnesses and lifelines seem to meet that need in the majority of cases.
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We agree. But I have been convinced by the Backtow LJ, it being a nicely made one anyway.
 
pvb said:
So what's your solution for preventing people falling off?
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I've asked the same question.

I have 3ft high stanchions and I've found netting on the dump. The netting is in very good condition and it might have been used by a cartage contractor to hold his load in place. It is about 24ft X 6ft so if I cut it down the middle and attach it to the stanchions that might help?
 
The back tow lifejacket might mean you are towed in a survivable manner but that might simply mean you stay longer in the water alive before you perish. That is unless you can pull yourself up back to the boat, (unlikely at any speed on a larger boat) or another crew find you and stop the boat. Nevertheless it is a better way to be attached to the life lines.
MOB concerns are in different areas. Firstly as said stay on the boat with short life lines. Stanchions and wires even netting plus good discipline for this aspect.
If you go overboard without attachment to the boat then you must be able to float. (life jacket) plus you must be able to advise rescuers of your predicament and location. That is unless you can swim to shore. PLB or similar AIS devices or MOB warning systems would be useful. A danbuoy has historically been seen as worthwhile to carry for throwing over to MOB to mark the spot.
Lastly you need a way for people on your own boat to get a rope to you and a way to get back on board. So a floating heaving line would be a basic device. A ladder would be essential.
Now every skipper must assess his situation, style of sailing and assess the likely hood of MOB. We all have our own ideas and priorities. However if a skipper goes to the Yachting authority requirements for racing yachts in various conditions you can get an idea of what a collective of experience suggest. These requirements can be a bit old fashioned in not always taking advantage of the latest electronics. But they do make a way for the skipper to shift the decision and responsibility to others. So I refer OP as an example to the oz requirements for Cat 1 racing. ie any ocean anywhere. In the requirements he will see items related to MOB. Of course UK requirements will be very similar.
https://www.efyc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AS-Cat-1-2017-2021-form-ev1.0.pdf ol'will
 
"If you go overboard without attachment to the boat then you must be able to float. (life jacket) plus you must be able to advise rescuers of your predicament and location. That is unless you can swim to shore"

I plan to call in a Whitworths on Thurs to buy safety gear. I always thought automatic inflating Life Jackets were a good idea but the guy there (with 8 years cruising experience) thinks manual LJ are better. He also thinks "U" shaped life rings are the way to go (with a strobe light?). I'll need a dan-buoy but whether I DIY or buy will depend on the price. I'll need tethers (pairs?). I will also need.........?
 
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Or a gentle nudge ;)

On a more serious note, since many people have waterproof watches with bluetooth, why not just detect if that watch is out of range?
 
Thanks for all the replies, certainly some food for thought.

I probably should have been clearer in my original post as I was more aiming towards electronic PLB's, SART, AIS, etc type devices. I understand preventing the fall in the first place is the best solution however in my opinion the best safety devices are the ones worn/used and I know that harnesses would be rarely, if ever, used in our case.

Also, as already mentioned, should I fall overboard and remain attached to the boat by a harness there is very little to no chance that I would be able to re-enter the boat unaided if it remained underway, if however I fell overboard and the engine was stopped after 15 meters by a wireless kill cord, then it would be a simple job to swim to the boat and climb aboard.
 
coopec said:
I'll need a dan-buoy but whether I DIY or buy will depend on the price. I'll need tethers (pairs?). I will also need.........?
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My wife bought a paired tether & very soon dumped it. having a free lump of metal swinging about is an absolute pain & anyone who has tried it has quickly changed it for a single line one. My safety lines go from the bow to cockpit any way, so there is little need to swop positions.
If I were that worried I would just hook on another single tether for a short while.
 
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