Three Man-Overboard Rescue Devices

Having the right rescue gear on hand will keep your crew safe. Courtesy West Marine

Crew-overboard situations require a clear head, a prerehearsed game plan, and the right gear to keep those in the water safe while waiting to be quickly retrieved. ­Eliminate one obvious concern by having those aboard wear personal ­flotation devices (aka life jackets). Prepare for the next action by having one of the following rescue devices aboard to alert and/or assist in retrieval.

Wireless engine-cutoff systems offer more freedom of movement than the traditional engine-­cutoff-switch lanyard. Courtesy West Marine BUY NOW Wireless Alarm Fell Marine MOB+ Basepack Wireless Engine-­Cutoff Switch

The Basics: Offering more freedom of movement than the traditional engine-­cutoff-switch lanyard, wireless engine-cutoff systems combine a hardwired hub unit connected to a fob or wristband to stop the engine and trigger an alarm when the primary fob is submerged in 4 inches of water or travels out of range. An override mode allows other crew on board to restart the engine after six seconds.

Extra Credit: Additional fobs can be worn by crewmembers to alert the captain in the event if someone—or something—goes overboard.

Price: $220; additional bands $22; westmarine.com

The most basic, most essential piece of crew-overboard gear is a simple throwable. Courtesy West Marine BUY NOW Throwable Jim-Buoy Type IV Ring Buoy

The Basics: The most basic, most essential piece of crew-overboard gear is a simple throwable. Coast Guard regs stipulate that all boats over 16 feet carry a Type IV throwable device, but be wary of the classic seat-cushion type that offers minimal flotation for someone struggling in the water. Opt for a brightly colored ring or horseshoe buoy that offers greater buoyancy and can be mounted within easy reach on a rail or bulkhead.

Extra Credit: Don’t forget to attach a retrieval line to quickly haul in an errant throw, as well as to reel in your ­crewmember once they’ve reached the throwable.

Price: $90; westmarine.com

Read Next: How to Get a Man Overboard Back Aboard

Rescue slings combine a buoyant flotation collar with a 125- to 150-foot retrieving line. Courtesy West Marine BUY NOW Rescue Sling LifeSling2 Overboard Rescue System

The Basics: Rescue slings solve the most common issues with the standard throwable by combining a buoyant flotation collar with a 125- to 150-foot retrieving line. The combination allows the driver to circle around the victim and bring the line and buoyant flotation collar to them, rather than force a possibly tired crewmember, weighed down by clothing, to swim to safety.

Extra Credit: An exhausted crewmember can be difficult to get aboard. Combine with hoisting tackle to fashion a lifting sling with up to a 5-to-1 mechanical advantage to make it easier.

Price: $492; westmarine.com

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