Self-recovery ladder aids rescue operations
A new self-recovery ladder allows casualties who have fallen overboard a vessel to climb back on easily and independently.
Designed as a life-saving device for fishermen operating vessels on their own or with limited crews, the CQC Fibrelight Self-Recovery ladder has a length of 1-3m and a safe working load of 600kgs.
Speaking at Seawork 2018, CQC stated: “We chose to make this product out of polyester material because of its longevity and ability to withstand water.
“The object was to make a device that was light, requires no servicing and is compact when it’s not being used.”
Easily deployed
The top part of the SOLAS-approved ladder is permanently attached through the bag to the boat. The bag has a burst zip and the cord is fed through the centre of the burst zip and hangs down to a point where it can be reached from the water, where the casualty can tug on it to deploy the ladder,
First deliveries of the ladder were made in early June. CQC have already delivered 55 ladders to the Dorset and East Devon FLAG, which is an initiative of the Marine Management Organisation and part of the European Maritime Fisheries Fund.
Recovery cradle
CQC also demonstrated its MOB Recovery Cradle at the show.
The SOLAS-approved ‘man overboard recovery device’ is a maritime recovery system that can be operated by a single crew member and used as a boarding ladder, scramble net and stretcher.
With a width of 1.3m, length of 2-7m and safe working load of 150kgs, the ladder has been accepted by the MCA (UK Flag) to be used on all vessel types.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
