A priority in any man overboard (MOB) situation is to get a flotation device within reach of the person in the water. Boaters have long used ring buoys and flotation cushions for this purpose. During 2006, Mustang Survival Systems entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Pacific Highlander to market a throwable, self-inflating emergency flotation device. The device is being put forward by Mustang as the Rescue Stick™.
Mustang Survival Systems is well known in the search and rescue community for its innovative safety products. The company manufactures float coats, immersion suits, and many other types of personal flotation devices. The company supports a substantial research and development effort within this industry sector.
The baton shaped Rescue Stick is 14 inches long and weighs less than a pound, making it very easy to throw. Once the device hits the water, it automatically inflates into a horseshoe shaped float. The float provides 35 pounds buoyant force that will help the unfortunates head out of the water. Once the rescue is complete, the appliance can return to service with use of a rearming kit sold by Mustang. The process to repack and rearm the Rescue Stick is easy to complete.
The average boater can throw the device accurately 100 feet to a person in the water. Mustang notes that this is up to three times further than a rope throw bag. Boaters should consider using the two items together. A rope throw bag does not provide flotation to the person in the water, but the Rescue Stick does not get a line to them as well. Making a connection with the person in the water is a rescue priority.
Delivering rapid flotation to a person in the water can make the difference in a successful rescue. The Rescue Stick is small enough to stow easily and can be kept in likely locations for immediate use. Mustang Survival has a video clip on-line showing the Rescue Stick in use. Review the man overboard procedures in place on your vessel and practice them.
MOB Procedures
- Sound an alarm, yell "man overboard", point towards the person in water and keep them in site
- Throw a Type IV PFD, buoy or fender towards the person in the water to help mark their position. The Mustang Survival Rescue Stick would work well for this task
- Many GPS systems have a MOB button that will record the incident's position, if you have this option, use it
- Reduce vessel speed and bring the boat about. Learn to make a quick stop, the technique will depend on your vessel. Ensure propellers remain clear of the person in the water and that rigging from loosed sails doesn't cause a trip or foul a propeller
- Approach the person in the water from downwind and into the waves
- Throw a line and flotation device to the person in the water. Rope throw bags are a good option
- Once you are alongside, kill the engine and bring the person into the boat. Try to bring them in over the gunnels just past amidships if possible. You may need to make the recovery from the stern, but beware of being swept under the boat, vessel motion, and propellers. The stern may be the only option for smaller vessels because of their stability
- Getting a person back onboard is the most important and difficult task with a MOB evolution. The Sailing Foundation of Seattle developed a device called a Lifesling that combines a rescue sling and horseshoe buoy. Using a high lift point with proper block and tackle, a smaller rescuer can successfully retrieve a much larger person from the water using a Lifesling.
- Treat for potential hypothermia and injuries that might of occurred in the fall. Don't be afraid to call for help!
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