Life-saving appliances can be found in sufficient numbers on many yachts in this country, and in some cases entire stern baskets are equipped with rescue systems and rescue collars. That is praiseworthy. But very few owners and crews have actually tried their system before. Only when a person has gone overboard does it become clear whether the life-saving appliances can be used. If in doubt, it's too late.
In any case, a look at the catalogs and advice from the outfitter is of little help when it comes to finding the optimal system for the yacht and crew. Some products are very similar, but the price range of the more than 20 rescue aids available on the German market ranges from just under 50 to 200 euros. Reason enough to take a close look at the rather confusing market and try out the products in practice.
In general, the products tested can be divided into three classes:
- Rescue loops, usually with foldable, padded buoyancy loop, leash and bag / box
- Life collar with fixed float, leash, bag, some with light
- Lifelines with loop, leash and bag
In order to understand the individual test aspects and criteria, it is worth first taking a look at the sequence of a "man overboard rescue operation". On the next page we therefore present various maneuvering sequences.