Mobmat is easy and simple to deploy
What people say
The Mobmat is a simple-to-use man overboard recovery device that meets the MCA regulations for equipment of this kind. Most importantly, it enables recovery of an unconscious or injured person, which is unfortunately a realistic scenario and one that is often not considered when equipping a vessel. It is one of the most effective and best value systems of its kind and should be considered essential equipment for every vessel going offshore”.
Jonathan Massey, Accredited MCA Coding surveyor, Principal Surveyor UK Yacht Surveyors Ltd.
'Well we went around the World successfully and never used the Mobmat but we were constantly delighted we had it.'
Quote from Peter Forbes after completing his round the world circumnavigation aboard his boat Carang
'I have received my Mobmat and I must congratulate you on designing something so simple and practical. I have a Halberg Rassy 54 and have been worried about getting an Mob back on board for a long time because of the high freeboard. Of all the ideas I have considered, this is the most sensible and easiest to rig.'
Quote from RB
MobMat is a simple and easy to deploy man overboard recovery cradle. Designed by Liz Rolfs who was concerned about getting a man overboard casualty back on board the boat when sailing short handed, the idea evolved after undertaking the sea survival course in preparation for an Atlantic crossing
The cradle is made of webbing and PVC, with a mesh bottom to allow water to drain through. The shape of the cradle is maintained using battens sewn into the base of the cradle. This gives sufficient weight to sink the MobMat in the water to enable the casualty to get in. Even if the casualty is unconscious the they can be pulled into the cradle (see demonstration video)
The MobMat is supplied with lanyards which can be used to steady the cradle or the cradle can be tucked under the top guard rail to reduce any pendulum effect from the roll of the boat
It is recommended that a 6:1 block and tackle is used at the end of the halyard so the the rescuer can lift the casualty at the side of the boat rather than moving to the winch to recover
MobMat is also supplied with a sheet that can be attached to the base of the cradle which allows it to be used as a collision mat which can be pulled under the boat and securely fixed to reduce water ingress in the case of hull damage or a leaking seacock
Mobmat is supplied in a durable High Visibiity rail bag which allows the it to be accessed easilly and quickly in the case of an emergency
Stress testing demonstrates the MobMat can easily take weights in excess of 350Kg
RibMat is a variant of the MobMat and is designed specifically for boats such as Ribs, Barges, Workboat or Motor boats with restricted lifting heights
Safety requirements have made Ribmat a valuable method for man overboard recovery on Workboats
These are normally bespoke made to the requirements of the boat lifting arrangement
The design is the same as MobMat but has a much lower Apex for the 'D Rings'
Examples in the pictures show deployment from a barge, and a test version being assessed by the RNLI