Building a Custom Man Overboard System

Safety is paramount when it comes to sailing, especially when you’re out on the open sea with your family. One of the most critical safety concerns is the possibility of a man overboard (MOB) situation. In this article, we’ll discuss how to build a custom man overboard system to ensure the safety of your loved ones while you’re out exploring the world.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why a Custom Man Overboard System?
• Components of a Man Overboard System
  • Alert System
  • Recovery Devices
  • Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
  • Life Jackets
  • Training and Drills
• Building Your Custom Man Overboard System
  • Step 1: Assess Your Needs
  • Step 2: Choose Your Components
  • Step 3: Install and Integrate
  • Step 4: Train and Practice
• Conclusion

Introduction

A man overboard situation is a terrifying prospect for any sailor, and it’s essential to have a reliable system in place to quickly and efficiently locate and recover the person in the water. While there are many off-the-shelf MOB systems available, building a custom system tailored to your specific needs and circumstances can provide an added level of safety and peace of mind.

Why a Custom Man Overboard System?

Every boat and crew are different, and what works well for one may not be the best solution for another. By building a custom MOB system, you can ensure that it meets your specific requirements and integrates seamlessly with your existing equipment and procedures.

Additionally, a custom system allows you to choose the best components for your needs, potentially resulting in a more effective and reliable system overall.

Components of a Man Overboard System

A comprehensive man overboard system consists of several components, each designed to address a specific aspect of the MOB situation. Let’s take a look at the key components and their roles in the system.

Alert System

The first step in responding to a man overboard situation is knowing that it has occurred. An effective alert system will quickly notify the crew of the emergency, allowing them to take immediate action.

There are several types of alert systems available, including:

• Audible alarms: These systems use loud sirens or horns to alert the crew of a man overboard situation. They can be triggered manually or automatically, depending on the system.
• Visual indicators: Visual alert systems use bright lights or flares to signal a man overboard situation. Like audible alarms, they can be triggered manually or automatically.
• Wireless MOB alarms: These systems use wearable devices, such as wristbands or life jacket attachments, that send a signal to a receiver on the boat when submerged in water. The receiver then triggers an alarm to alert the crew.

Recovery Devices

Once the crew has been alerted to the man overboard situation, the next step is to locate and recover the person in the water. There are several devices available to assist with this process, including:

• Throwing lines: A simple but effective recovery device, throwing lines can be tossed to the person in the water, allowing them to grab hold and be pulled back to the boat.
• Life rings: Similar to throwing lines, life rings can be thrown to the person in the water, providing them with additional buoyancy and a means to be pulled back to the boat.
• Lifeslings: A lifesling is a combination of a life ring and a retrieval line, allowing the person in the water to be pulled back to the boat more easily.
• Man overboard poles: These poles are designed to be thrown into the water near the person, providing a visual reference point for the crew and a flotation device for the person in the water.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

In addition to the recovery devices mentioned above, personal locator beacons (PLBs) can be an invaluable tool in a man overboard situation. These small, wearable devices emit a distress signal when activated, allowing rescue services to pinpoint the person’s location quickly.

There are several types of PLBs available, including:

• AIS MOB beacons: These devices transmit an AIS (Automatic Identification System) signal, which can be picked up by nearby vessels and rescue services.
• EPIRBs: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) transmit a distress signal via satellite, alerting rescue services to the person’s location.
• DSC-enabled VHF radios: Some handheld VHF radios are equipped with a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature, which allows the user to send a distress signal with their GPS coordinates.

Life Jackets

While not a direct component of the MOB system, life jackets play a crucial role in keeping the person in the water afloat and visible. Ensure that all crew members are equipped with a properly fitting, high-quality life jacket with reflective tape and a whistle.

Training and Drills

No man overboard system is complete without proper training and practice. Regularly conducting MOB drills will help ensure that your crew is prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

Building Your Custom Man Overboard System

Now that we’ve discussed the various components of a man overboard system let’s look at the steps involved in building your custom system.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

Before you begin selecting components for your custom MOB system, it’s essential to assess your specific needs and circumstances. Consider factors such as:

• The size and layout of your boat
• The number of crew members
• The type of sailing you’ll be doing (coastal cruising, offshore passages, etc.)
• Your existing safety equipment and procedures

Step 2: Choose Your Components

Based on your assessment, choose the components that best meet your needs. Keep in mind that you may need to prioritize certain components over others, depending on your budget and space constraints.

Step 3: Install and Integrate

Once you’ve selected your components, install them on your boat and integrate them into your existing safety procedures. This may involve mounting devices, running wiring, or programming alarms and beacons.

Step 4: Train and Practice

Finally, ensure that all crew members are familiar with the new MOB system and its components. Conduct regular drills to practice using the system and responding to a man overboard situation.

Conclusion

Building a custom man overboard system can provide an added level of safety and peace of mind for you and your family as you set sail on your adventures. By carefully selecting and integrating the right components for your needs, you can create a system that is both effective and reliable. Remember, regular training and practice are essential to ensure that your crew is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency.