Bring Unconscious MOB Aboard

Alex, have you actually tried this with a fully conscious person?--then with an unconscious or injured person. There can be a lot of difference between the conscious and or fully functional person, and one who is compromised. Also how well will any scheme work with only one small person aboard? In our case we have actually done what we advocate for both in case of an accident and injury and with my less than 100 lb wife trying to get me aboard (about 180 lbs with boots and fully clothed), as we would be in the PNW. It is always more difficult in colder water, with boots, and several layers of clothing, than a bathing suit and flip flops or water shoes.
 
This doesn't necessarily get an unconscious person aboard, but could help. Have a simple carabiner on the float end of your throw line. If the person is conscious have them attach the line to their PFD first thing. It might look like 15 feet is an easy swim, but with current, wind, cold water and an inflated PFD, that can quickly become impossible. Just pull from aboard while the MOB saves their strength. That means having PFDs with D-rings and made sturdy enough to hold a person, even lift a person. Then the MOB can be tied to the boat. The person aboard can make a MayDay, respond to a radio call, get a boat hook or another line, without the MOB floating away. None of the other systems work quickly if the MOB floats away. In many places, one could have assistance arrive in 20-30 minutes to help get a person aboard, even if they are now unconcious. No time wasted searching the area or getting them along side again.

I know from my whitewater kayaking days that the instinct of the person being rescued is to pull themselves hand-over-hand towards safety. It is hard to overcome, but it's so easy for that line to slip away since somebody on the other end is pulling harder and more effectively. Then the person is either making a desperate swim or waiting and hoping for another accurate toss. Best to clip on and get rescued.
 
Great comment; if the MOB is conscious, he will almost certainly try to help himself; resisting that instinct is made easier if he can clip himself on to something. And keeping the MOB attached to the boat is critical if he cannot be brought aboard.

However, I must caution against this:
"PFDs with D-rings [and] made sturdy enough to hold a person, even lift a person." Mustang and other makers of PFDs with Integrated Harnesses (D-Rings designed to hold a tether) explicitly warn that they are NOT suitable for lifting the MOB. An alternate method such as a LifeSling, must be used.

Also, not every D-Ring is suitable for attaching a harness. The PFD-with-D Ring needs to state it meets ISO 12401.
 
This is what I bought for myself in case of going overboard on a solo trip:

Mustang Atlas 190 DLX Hydrostatic ISO PFD - harness model, ISO 12401:2009
Ocean Signal rescueME MOB1 DSC / AIS - attaches to PFD
Handheld marine radio: Icom M94D 21 USA VHF Marine Transceiver, DSC and AIS Receiver

I have a light mesh jacket that goes on under the PFD, and it's got a pocket for the handheld radio.
 
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