The vessel has a venerable Jason's Cradle installed against its aft rail as part of the safety equipment. One of the vessel's crew crew, Pete Maejerhot, told MJ that the vessel had recently returned from operations around Scotland's islands of Eigg and Muck, where it conducted hydrographic surveys for the MCA's new sea charts.

He explained that the very cold temperatures encountered meant it was critical to minimise the time spent in the water if an MOB incident were to occur. One of the Cradle's main advantages is that is can be deployed with a minimum of fuss.

'You only need one person to get the cradle out, and it just takes a minute or two', said Maejerhot. He added that there are some unexpected benefits to the device. 'If I need to get into the water myself, I can let it out. It gives me something to hang on to, and to get back in again I can use it as a ladder'.

'HMS Blazer', a patrol vessel for the Royal Navy also on show at Seawork, had a stretcher version on deck (the JC Man Overboard Rescue Stretcher to give its full name) which has webbing loops and can be used from a crane or davit. Although not a standard item, a majority of Royal Navy vessels now have these Cradles installed.

Sales manager Steve Lemon said that Jason's Cradle had an excellent level of enquiries from its appearance at Seawork and will definitely be returning next year.