I am interested in learning what members of this board have chosen for COB equipment and the reasoning behind their choices. Jack lines and inflatable vests with harnesses are at the core of our "preventative" equipment. We are about to replace an old horseshoe buoy and have begun to explore the various options. The main question I have revolves around: do you have an unattached buoy that you can quickly throw to a COB and if so how do you retrieve and get aboard? Do you have a “Lifesling” type attached device that is good for retrieving & getting crew members aboard, but unless deployed almost instantly, likely leaves the crew with out flotation until you return? What consideration is given to throw ropes, COB poles and rescue ladders?
Jim Newton
CD 30
"Alcyone"
jnewt@hs-e.com
COB Rescue Equipment
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Neil Gordon
Re: COB Rescue Equipment
We have a lifesling.
If crew goes overboard, you won't get very far away before you turn and start a recovery. You don't have to toss the Lifesling to the person in the water. Toss it over and turn. Circle the person in the water and they will be able to grab the rope and get the Lifesling. It's very difficult to get a person from the water to the boat... especially if they are injured, hypothermic, etc. It's relatively easy to attach the Lifesling to a halyard and haul a person on board.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
If crew goes overboard, you won't get very far away before you turn and start a recovery. You don't have to toss the Lifesling to the person in the water. Toss it over and turn. Circle the person in the water and they will be able to grab the rope and get the Lifesling. It's very difficult to get a person from the water to the boat... especially if they are injured, hypothermic, etc. It's relatively easy to attach the Lifesling to a halyard and haul a person on board.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Larry DeMers
Re: COB Rescue Equipment
We have the Lifesling mounted inboard of the port stern rail. We have a non-attached but drogue chute equipped horseshoe buoy mounted outboard of the port stern rail, opposite the lifesling. We have a throwing rope with monkeys fist knot tied to it, and available immediately in the lifesling package, located in the top section. We also have a 6 to 1 block and tackle for the lifesling and a quickly installed strap that goes over the boom end and allows the block and tackle to be clipped on to it.
Additionally, we use jacklines in all but the most beneign weather, and now have a pair of inflatable PFD's with harnesses (Mustang).
Hopefully, this gear (except for the jacklines) will wither from disuse and age,but not before we hang up our career in sailing...many years ahead.
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30
Lake Superior
demers@sgi.com
Additionally, we use jacklines in all but the most beneign weather, and now have a pair of inflatable PFD's with harnesses (Mustang).
Hopefully, this gear (except for the jacklines) will wither from disuse and age,but not before we hang up our career in sailing...many years ahead.
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30
Lake Superior
Jim Newton wrote: I am interested in learning what members of this board have chosen for COB equipment and the reasoning behind their choices. Jack lines and inflatable vests with harnesses are at the core of our "preventative" equipment. We are about to replace an old horseshoe buoy and have begun to explore the various options. The main question I have revolves around: do you have an unattached buoy that you can quickly throw to a COB and if so how do you retrieve and get aboard? Do you have a ?Lifesling? type attached device that is good for retrieving & getting crew members aboard, but unless deployed almost instantly, likely leaves the crew with out flotation until you return? What consideration is given to throw ropes, COB poles and rescue ladders?
Jim Newton
CD 30
"Alcyone"
demers@sgi.com
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Chris Schnell
Re: COB Rescue Equipment
Jim....Here is a simple one-page link to a Man Overboard drill that allows you to use a horseshoe for initial flotation and then your lifesling to recover your MOB. Very good advise from Larry about the block & tackle to get your person out of the water. When scared or worn out count on dead weight. When we've practiced this at the dock, it's amazing how a 120lb woman can pick a dead weight 220 man out of the water w/more ease than they realized was possible w/a blcok & tackle arrangement. Really gave them the confidence to be an active part of a MOB rescue. We have the jack lines and Suspender harness/pfd on board but have to admit they only come out when the bad weather is expected. One of these years we want to convert our stansions to 2 lifeline configuration as apposed to the single we currently have. Another safety feature. Good Luck
Fair Winds & Calm Seas
Chris Schnell & Dale Hampton
s/v MADNESS III, CD30 #235
Southport, NC
swabbie@compaq.net
Fair Winds & Calm Seas
Chris Schnell & Dale Hampton
s/v MADNESS III, CD30 #235
Southport, NC
swabbie@compaq.net
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TOM G
Re: COB Rescue Equipment
WHEN WAS IT CHANGED FROM MOB TO COB? I PERFER THEM NOT TO FALL OVERBOARD EATHER WAY
I am interested in learning what members of this board have chosen for COB equipment and the reasoning behind their choices. Jack lines and inflatable vests with harnesses are at the core of our "preventative" equipment. We are about to replace an old horseshoe buoy and have begun to explore the various options. The main question I have revolves around: do you have an unattached buoy that you can quickly throw to a COB and if so how do you retrieve and get aboard? Do you have a “Lifesling” type attached device that is good for retrieving & getting crew members aboard, but unless deployed almost instantly, likely leaves the crew with out flotation until you return? What consideration is given to throw ropes, COB poles and rescue ladders?
I am interested in learning what members of this board have chosen for COB equipment and the reasoning behind their choices. Jack lines and inflatable vests with harnesses are at the core of our "preventative" equipment. We are about to replace an old horseshoe buoy and have begun to explore the various options. The main question I have revolves around: do you have an unattached buoy that you can quickly throw to a COB and if so how do you retrieve and get aboard? Do you have a “Lifesling” type attached device that is good for retrieving & getting crew members aboard, but unless deployed almost instantly, likely leaves the crew with out flotation until you return? What consideration is given to throw ropes, COB poles and rescue ladders?
Jim Newton wrote: Jim Newton
CD 30
"Alcyone"
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Chris Reinke - CD330
Re: COB Rescue Equipment
Jim - The type and extent of the safety equipment you install is dependant upon numerous factors:
- Nature of your crew (physical condition, age, size, number)
- Area you will be sailing
- Personal comfort level
I can share some of the things we have chosen to deploy on our CD-330 and our reasoning, but the evaluation of what is right for you is something only you can determine.
Life Vests: We have sufficient class I offshore vests for everyone on the boat. They can be a bit bulkier than the type III, but we feel the trade-off is justified. We also have auto-inflating SOSpenders with the built-in harnesses for ourselves. The auto-inflating is a bit more money, but we figure it is worth the extra protection in the event we suffer an injury going over the side and are unable to activate the manual inflation mechanism. I always wear my SOSpenders, without the tether, when I am sailing solo in our local waters. I do tether myself on if offshore. All the vests and harnesses are equipped with whistles.
Jacklines: We do not have jacklines deployed unless the weather is deteriorating, or we are sailing at night. Our policy is that everyone is tethered in while on deck, or in the cockpit, when we are sailing at night. We use flat nylon webbing which I purchased in a rock-climbing store as our jacklines. The webbing lays flat on the deck and helps reduce the risk of rolling an ankle or tripping over them like regular lines. The jacklines run along the port and starboard sides, inboard of the shrouds, from our stern cleat to the bow cleat.
Throwing Device: We have a quick deploy throw bag mounted on our stern rail. One end of the line is fixed to the base of the rail, and releasing two Velcro straps quickly deploys the weighted bag. The free end of the line has a snap shackle affixed to it so the MOB can quickly wrap the line around themselves while in the water. We found that most commercial bags do not come standard with a device to help secure the MOB and the shackle is essential. The combination of the auto-inflating harness and the throw bag eliminate the need for the horseshoe ring, except for when we have additional crew members onboard.
Hoisting Devices: We have two different hoisting systems we have practiced using and each one has advantages depending on the sea, the number of crew remaining onboard, and the weight of the MOB. We have a lifesling, which we would try to deploy; however the throw bag line has 800lb polypropylene line, which could be used to lift. One method is to use the main halyard and gain the advantage of the halyard winch for hoisting. The problem with this method is that the rocking motion of the boat in heavy seas can make the MOB bob like a buoy and occasionally hit the freeboard. The other procedure utilizes the boom vang. We disconnect the vang and attach it the end outboard end of the boom and use the 5-1 mechanical advantage to hoist the MOB into the boat. By keeping the boom extended away from the hull, the MOB avoids the nasty bang against the hull.
Rescue Ladder: I do a bit of solo sailing so I consider a rescue ladder which I can deploy from the water to be essential. Our standard stern ladder can not be deployed by a swimmer, and being dragged from the jacklines by my chest harness is something I would like to avoid.
chris.reinke@sac.com
- Nature of your crew (physical condition, age, size, number)
- Area you will be sailing
- Personal comfort level
I can share some of the things we have chosen to deploy on our CD-330 and our reasoning, but the evaluation of what is right for you is something only you can determine.
Life Vests: We have sufficient class I offshore vests for everyone on the boat. They can be a bit bulkier than the type III, but we feel the trade-off is justified. We also have auto-inflating SOSpenders with the built-in harnesses for ourselves. The auto-inflating is a bit more money, but we figure it is worth the extra protection in the event we suffer an injury going over the side and are unable to activate the manual inflation mechanism. I always wear my SOSpenders, without the tether, when I am sailing solo in our local waters. I do tether myself on if offshore. All the vests and harnesses are equipped with whistles.
Jacklines: We do not have jacklines deployed unless the weather is deteriorating, or we are sailing at night. Our policy is that everyone is tethered in while on deck, or in the cockpit, when we are sailing at night. We use flat nylon webbing which I purchased in a rock-climbing store as our jacklines. The webbing lays flat on the deck and helps reduce the risk of rolling an ankle or tripping over them like regular lines. The jacklines run along the port and starboard sides, inboard of the shrouds, from our stern cleat to the bow cleat.
Throwing Device: We have a quick deploy throw bag mounted on our stern rail. One end of the line is fixed to the base of the rail, and releasing two Velcro straps quickly deploys the weighted bag. The free end of the line has a snap shackle affixed to it so the MOB can quickly wrap the line around themselves while in the water. We found that most commercial bags do not come standard with a device to help secure the MOB and the shackle is essential. The combination of the auto-inflating harness and the throw bag eliminate the need for the horseshoe ring, except for when we have additional crew members onboard.
Hoisting Devices: We have two different hoisting systems we have practiced using and each one has advantages depending on the sea, the number of crew remaining onboard, and the weight of the MOB. We have a lifesling, which we would try to deploy; however the throw bag line has 800lb polypropylene line, which could be used to lift. One method is to use the main halyard and gain the advantage of the halyard winch for hoisting. The problem with this method is that the rocking motion of the boat in heavy seas can make the MOB bob like a buoy and occasionally hit the freeboard. The other procedure utilizes the boom vang. We disconnect the vang and attach it the end outboard end of the boom and use the 5-1 mechanical advantage to hoist the MOB into the boat. By keeping the boom extended away from the hull, the MOB avoids the nasty bang against the hull.
Rescue Ladder: I do a bit of solo sailing so I consider a rescue ladder which I can deploy from the water to be essential. Our standard stern ladder can not be deployed by a swimmer, and being dragged from the jacklines by my chest harness is something I would like to avoid.
Jim Newton wrote: I am interested in learning what members of this board have chosen for COB equipment and the reasoning behind their choices. Jack lines and inflatable vests with harnesses are at the core of our "preventative" equipment. We are about to replace an old horseshoe buoy and have begun to explore the various options. The main question I have revolves around: do you have an unattached buoy that you can quickly throw to a COB and if so how do you retrieve and get aboard? Do you have a “Lifesling” type attached device that is good for retrieving & getting crew members aboard, but unless deployed almost instantly, likely leaves the crew with out flotation until you return? What consideration is given to throw ropes, COB poles and rescue ladders?
Jim Newton
CD 30
"Alcyone"
chris.reinke@sac.com
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Warren Kaplan
Re: COB Rescue Equipment
As others have alluded to and as the old adage goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". I have a lifesling and I saved the horseshoe ring it replaced. I also have jacklines. But this year I installed 3 wichard fold down padeyes in the SQN's cockpit. They are pretty substantial pieces of hardware and I installed them with throughbolts to backing plates and fender washers. Belt and suspenders approach to crew safety is never over the top in my opinion. We also have inflatable PFDs with harness and I also got, along with the regular tethers, one Wichard double tether so as I clip in from one spot to another, one hook of the double tether is ALWAYS attached. I intend to do alot of single handed sailing this year and I think the pfd/harness and double tether will become as common place to me as hitching up my pants.
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
Oyster Bay Harbor, NY
Setsail728@aol.com
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
Oyster Bay Harbor, NY
Setsail728@aol.com
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Mario
Re: COB Rescue Equipment
For those in the market, Sailnet has jacklines on sale this month.
Mario
capedory252NOSPAM@aol.com
Mario
Jim Newton wrote: I am interested in learning what members of this board have chosen for COB equipment and the reasoning behind their choices. Jack lines and inflatable vests with harnesses are at the core of our "preventative" equipment. We are about to replace an old horseshoe buoy and have begun to explore the various options. The main question I have revolves around: do you have an unattached buoy that you can quickly throw to a COB and if so how do you retrieve and get aboard? Do you have a “Lifesling” type attached device that is good for retrieving & getting crew members aboard, but unless deployed almost instantly, likely leaves the crew with out flotation until you return? What consideration is given to throw ropes, COB poles and rescue ladders?
Jim Newton
CD 30
"Alcyone"
capedory252NOSPAM@aol.com
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Nautical Traditions Offic
Re: The COB is.............!!!
Captain Newton,
Traditionally, the COB is the "Chief Of the Boat" i.e. Chief Petty Officer on Board, not crew overboard which is what I think you are alluding to. If a crew member falls overboard, he is a "MOB"...Man OverBoard, no matter the sex of the person, and if crew decides to stay on board the vessel, the are SOB's......Souls On Board.....NOT that other thing!
If you are ever in distress at sea, and hail the Coast Guard, one of the first questions they will ask is: How many people are on board your vessel? The proper response is: Coast Guard, there are 5 SOBs aboard Hanalei(or whatever the name of your vessel is).
Hope this helps you clarify your terminology....FWIW........
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
Traditionally, the COB is the "Chief Of the Boat" i.e. Chief Petty Officer on Board, not crew overboard which is what I think you are alluding to. If a crew member falls overboard, he is a "MOB"...Man OverBoard, no matter the sex of the person, and if crew decides to stay on board the vessel, the are SOB's......Souls On Board.....NOT that other thing!
If you are ever in distress at sea, and hail the Coast Guard, one of the first questions they will ask is: How many people are on board your vessel? The proper response is: Coast Guard, there are 5 SOBs aboard Hanalei(or whatever the name of your vessel is).
Hope this helps you clarify your terminology....FWIW........
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
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David Low
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Warren Kaplan
Well Read Pirate Captain!!
Pirate Cap'n Stump,Nautical Traditions Officer wrote: Captain Newton,
Traditionally, the COB is the "Chief Of the Boat" i.e. Chief Petty Officer on Board, not crew overboard which is what I think you are alluding to. If a crew member falls overboard, he is a "MOB"...Man OverBoard, no matter the sex of the person, and if crew decides to stay on board the vessel, the are SOB's......Souls On Board.....NOT that other thing!
If you are ever in distress at sea, and hail the Coast Guard, one of the first questions they will ask is: How many people are on board your vessel? The proper response is: Coast Guard, there are 5 SOBs aboard Hanalei(or whatever the name of your vessel is).
Hope this helps you clarify your terminology....FWIW........
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
You are a wealth of knowledge. Can't say I've ever heard of a pirate who could even read, much less absorb and retain all this nautical lore. With such a captain I don't know if Hanalei should be flying the skull & crossbones or the ensign of the Royal Naval Academy at Greenwich! (Uh! That's Greenwich, England by the way as opposed to the one at the western end of your chosen State of Connecticut).
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
Oyster Bay Harbor, NY
Setsail728@aol.com
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Chris Reinke
Re: The COB is.............!!!
Dave - In defense of Jim's use of the term "COB", many of the industry suppliers of safety equipment and electronics are trying to remain politically correct and they have adopted the term "Crew Over Board". Some of the traditional publications are still using the MOB term, but those driven by the mighty $$ are treading very lightly to avoid offending prospective clients. The COB term is even found its way to industry web pages (NEVER for a traditional site like this board).
The best way for us to combat the trend of digressing from true nautical terms is to expand our vocabulary and use of these terms. If we, the controllers of the mighty $$, maintain our traditional heritage then perhaps the industry also retain their usage. Your points are well taken. The problem is that we, the traditional cruising crowd, are no longer the target market of most industry suppliers. If someone is dropping $150K to purchase a new sailing party barge (used in calm waters with winds under 15kts.) and refers to the freeboard as “the sides” then that is the term the salesman will adopt.
The best way for us to combat the trend of digressing from true nautical terms is to expand our vocabulary and use of these terms. If we, the controllers of the mighty $$, maintain our traditional heritage then perhaps the industry also retain their usage. Your points are well taken. The problem is that we, the traditional cruising crowd, are no longer the target market of most industry suppliers. If someone is dropping $150K to purchase a new sailing party barge (used in calm waters with winds under 15kts.) and refers to the freeboard as “the sides” then that is the term the salesman will adopt.
Nautical Traditions Officer wrote: Traditionally, the COB is the "Chief Of the Boat" i.e. Chief Petty Officer on Board, not crew overboard which is what I think you are alluding to. If a crew member falls overboard, he is a "MOB"...Man OverBoard, no matter the sex of the person, and if crew decides to stay on board the vessel, the are SOB's......Souls On Board.....NOT that other thing!
If you are ever in distress at sea, and hail the Coast Guard, one of the first questions they will ask is: How many people are on board your vessel? The proper response is: Coast Guard, there are 5 SOBs aboard Hanalei(or whatever the name of your vessel is).
Hope this helps you clarify your terminology....FWIW........
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
-
Nautical Traditions Offic
Re: Understand, but........
Captain Reinke,
I'm sure that if anyone accidentally falls overboard, they will not care what we call them! They only want OUT of the water! "Politically correct", and "for the bucks", what is the world coming to? Now if someone were to holler "The COB fell overboard"! Then I guess we would have to retrieve the SOB(Soul On Board), but then again, he would no longer be a SOB, at least until he was heaved back aboard! So, if ya wants to get rid of all the SOBs, throw them overboard and they become MOBs (Men Over Board!)
Dave Stump (with tongue in cheek!)
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
I'm sure that if anyone accidentally falls overboard, they will not care what we call them! They only want OUT of the water! "Politically correct", and "for the bucks", what is the world coming to? Now if someone were to holler "The COB fell overboard"! Then I guess we would have to retrieve the SOB(Soul On Board), but then again, he would no longer be a SOB, at least until he was heaved back aboard! So, if ya wants to get rid of all the SOBs, throw them overboard and they become MOBs (Men Over Board!)
Dave Stump (with tongue in cheek!)
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.