MOB recovery system with ‘every consequence considered’

Quiksling has been 10 years in development with the system constantly being refined to improve its performance. The company claims that there are dozens of hidden details that make Quiksling the most highly developed MOB system on the market. It has been designed on the foundation of real life experience; ‘every dimension is practical, every angle intentional, every load point tested and every consequence considered.’ Construction is in a combination of aluminium, closed cell foam, threads, tapes, Velcro, ropes, glassfibre, neoprene, electronics and webbing, all installed in one compact container.

The unit is housed in a composite container that can be attached to railings of the superstructure and with a weight of only 3kg it is easy to throw while its soft surfaces reduce the risk of injury to the casualty in the water. The main frame of the unit is inflatable which creates a wide open loop for easy entry for the casualty even in rough seas and with the casualty wearing an inflated lifejacket. The minimal diameter buoyancy of the frame means that it can be easily flipped overhead for entry.

The casualty is captured by two slings, one a detachable chest sling and the other a leg sling formed by the floating frame. By a natural reaction, the casualty’s arms rise up and drape out over the frame which means that the rescuer can now snatch the tension-activated chest sling from its Velco mountings and capture the casualty. At this stage the frame provides flotation while the casualty is being drawn closer to the rescuer on board the vessel.

The double sling recovery of the casualty ensures that he/she is recovered in a safe “low deckchair” posture for the hoist aboard, close to the recommended horizontal position. An additional handle on the frame assists the final haul on to deck for recovery.

The Quiksling incorporates a flashing beacon and reflective strips to aid location and recovery in darkness. The recovery rope attached to the sling is 40 metres long and is housed in a tangle free dispenser allowing free running.