I had the opportunity to attend “Man Overboard” drills in two locations this week. The concept is simple but effective: have someone go in the water and have local fishermen try to get him back aboard the boat under different scenarios: conscious, unconscious, etc. While conditions in the harbour were better than they likely would be in a real life scenario, it did generate discussion about what worked, what didn’t, and for the fishermen watching from the wharf: how it could transfer to other boats. Hopefully the techniques in these drills will never have to be used but if they do, hopefully these drills will have helped. It’s a practical approach that’s relatable for people on the water.
In the water
Throwing the life ring
Life ring
Using a trawl box to lift
Using a trawl box to lift
Lifting on a rope ladder