Jason's Cradle Man Overboard Recovery Stretcher SOLAS Approved MOB Rescue for High-Sided Vessels

Need any help? Get in touch with an expert via the contact form below.

What is a Jason’s Cradle?

A Jason’s Cradle® is a marine man overboard (MOB) recovery system designed to retrieve a person from the water in a horizontal position. Its rigid, interlinked construction forms a non-collapsible scoop that supports the casualty during recovery.

The system is used aboard commercial and military vessels, offshore installations, rescue craft and other marine platforms where recovering a person who may be injured or unable to assist themselves presents a challenge. Jason’s Cradle systems are available in different configurations to suit vessel layouts and recovery requirements.

How does a Jason’s Cradle work?

The system is secured to the vessel or craft using suitable fixings and deployed alongside the recovery area. The casualty is guided head-first into the cradle, and the crew use the strop and hauling lines to close the system around them. The casualty is then recovered onto the vessel in a horizontal position through a coordinated lift.

The recovery procedure, crew roles and equipment arrangement should be established and practised in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the vessel's man overboard recovery plan.

What is horizontal man overboard recovery? 

Horizontal man overboard (MOB) recovery is a method of retrieving a person from the water in a horizontal or near-horizontal position, with continuous support for the body during extraction. It is generally preferred where practicable, particularly when recovering casualties who are unconscious, hypothermic, injured or unable to assist themselves.

The MCA's MGN 544 Amendment 1, Annex 1, Section 2.3 discusses the preference for horizontal or near-horizontal recovery where practicable.

Why is horizontal man overboard recovery important?

Horizontal recovery can help reduce the risk of circulatory instability associated with circum-rescue collapse, a potentially life-threatening deterioration that can occur during or after rescue from immersion. Vertical lifting may increase the risk of blood pooling in the lower limbs, reducing blood return to the heart, particularly in hypothermic or otherwise compromised casualties. Horizontal recovery does not eliminate these risks, so appropriate medical assessment and care remain essential.

What equipment is used for horizontal MOB recovery?

Equipment designed to support horizontal recovery includes man overboard rescue cradles, recovery stretchers, parbuckling systems, scramble nets and specialist lifting arrangements. The appropriate system depends on the vessel's freeboard, recovery location, available lifting equipment and crew, and the condition of the casualty.

For example, a Jason's Cradle supports a casualty during recovery alongside a vessel, while a Legacy double horizontal MOB lifting strop provides another option for horizontal casualty lifting.

The recovery equipment and procedure should be selected for the vessel's operational requirements and practised as part of its man overboard recovery plan.

Can a Jason’s Cradle recover an unconscious or injured person?

Jason’s Cradle systems are designed to help recover casualties who cannot reliably assist themselves, including people who may be injured or unconscious. The appropriate model depends on the vessel's freeboard, available lifting equipment, recovery access and the intended operating procedure.

A rescue plan should account for casualty support, crew safety, the equipment's approved configuration and the need for prompt medical care. Operators should follow the manufacturer's recovery procedure and undertake suitable training.

What types of vessel use Jason’s Cradle systems?

Jason’s Cradle systems are used in commercial shipping, naval and military operations, offshore work, diving, rescue services, passenger vessels, superyachts and fast rescue craft.

Different configurations accommodate different recovery arrangements, from a standard deck- or rail-mounted cradle to systems designed for fast rescue craft, crane-assisted lifting or wider recovery access. The correct selection depends on the vessel's structure, freeboard and operational requirements.

Which Jason’s Cradle system do I need?

The most suitable system depends on the vessel's freeboard, recovery arrangements, available crew, casualty-handling requirements and whether the equipment must also support climbing or evacuation. 

• Standard Jason’s Cradle: For horizontal casualty recovery from the water to a vessel or survival craft.
• Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) Kit: For recovery from RIBs and other suitable fast rescue craft, with fixings selected for the hull construction.
• Military FRC Kit: A configured FRC solution intended for military applications.
• Standard Recovery Stretcher: For vessels with suitable lifting equipment, such as a deck crane or davit, to lift a casualty with body support.
• Military Recovery Stretcher: A stretcher configuration for military and other specialist recovery applications.
• Rigid Scramble Net: For horizontal casualty recovery and, where appropriate, climbing by able-bodied personnel. Multiple units may be used for wider recovery or evacuation arrangements.

Confirm the intended use, dimensions, fixings and approved configuration before ordering, by emailing info@icbrindle.com or giving us a call on +44 1202 657814

What is the difference between the Standard Cradle and the FRC Kit?

The Standard Cradle is designed for installation on a suitable vessel deck or rail and can be rolled up for stowage when not deployed.

The FRC Kit is configured for fast rescue craft and includes a cradle, stowage bag and fixing kit. The manufacturer lists fixing options for RIBs using suitable D-ring patches and for hard-hull craft using pad eyes.

The choice depends on the craft's construction and installation arrangement. Confirm the required fixing type and compatibility before purchase.

What is the difference between the standard FRC Kits and Military FRC Kits?

Both types of the FRC Kit are intended to support horizontal recovery from fast rescue craft. The Military FRC Kit is offered in specified configurations for military users, with documented product options and National Stock Numbers (NSNs), as well as covert colours, such as black. 

Military procurement teams should check the required product code, NSN, dimensions, weight, fixing arrangement and procurement specification against their organisation's requirements. A military designation alone should not be taken to mean that every configuration meets every defence procurement requirement.

When should I choose a Jason’s Cradle Recovery Stretcher?

A Recovery Stretcher is worth considering when a vessel has suitable lifting equipment, such as a deck crane or davit, and needs to lift a casualty with body support. The design incorporates flotation tubes and lifting strops, and the manufacturer describes a two-person recovery capability.

Check the stretcher dimensions, lifting arrangement, working load limit, available deck space and compatibility with the vessel's lifting equipment. The lifting system and operating procedure must be suitable for the complete recovery arrangement, not just the stretcher itself.

What is the difference between the Recovery Stretcher and the Scramble Net?

The Recovery Stretcher is intended for controlled lifting using suitable lifting equipment, such as a deck crane or davit. Its basket-like design supports a casualty during horizontal recovery.

The Rigid Scramble Net is designed for horizontal casualty recovery and also provides handholds and footholds that able-bodied personnel can use to climb aboard. Multiple units may be deployed where the vessel's arrangements support wider evacuation or mass man overboard recovery operations.

They serve different operational purposes, so selection should be based on the vessel's recovery plan, access arrangements and intended use.

How do I choose the correct Jason’s Cradle size?

Measure the vessel's freeboard at the intended recovery location, from the waterline to the relevant deck or recovery point. Consider the height of the attachment point, the distance the equipment must extend into the water, the required overlap above deck level and the available stowage space.

The Standard Cradle is available in different lengths and widths to accommodate different freeboard ranges, with configurations for vessels with up to 5 metres of freeboard. The correct size depends on the vessel's layout and intended recovery arrangement, so check the manufacturer's sizing guidance before ordering.

Need help choosing the right size? Let us know your vessel type, measured freeboard, intended mounting location and any dimensional constraints. Our team can help you identify the right type of Jason's Cradle for what you need. 

What is the maximum freeboard for a Standard Jason’s Cradle?

The manufacturer describes the Standard Cradle as suitable for most vessels with up to 5 metres of freeboard. Actual suitability depends on the selected cradle length, mounting arrangement, recovery geometry and vessel configuration. Check the product dimensions and confirm the installation with the manufacturer or supplier before specifying the system.

What widths and lengths are available?

The Standard Cradle is available in several configurations, with the manufacturer listing widths of approximately 530 mm, 880 mm and 1,050 mm. Lengths vary according to the selected model and freeboard range.

The FRC Kits are available in two sizes, 530 mm and 710 mm wide, with lengths of 2,000 mm and 2,140 mm respectively. The Recovery Stretcher is available in two lengths: 1,580 mm and 1,940 mm. The Rigid Scramble Net is available in six widths, from 1,240 mm to 2,100 mm, and can be supplied in most lengths from 2,290 mm upwards.

Refer to the individual product specifications for current options, or provide your vessel's measurements to I.C. Brindle to help identify a suitable configuration.

Where should a Jason’s Cradle be installed on a vessel?

Install the Jason’s Cradle where the crew can reach and deploy it quickly, with enough clear space to recover a casualty onto the vessel. The fixing points must also be strong enough to support the equipment and the loads placed on it during recovery.

Refer to the manufacturer's fixing suggestions and installation factsheets before installation. The vessel's recovery plan should also identify the designated recovery station, stowage location, crew responsibilities and any structural interference from rails, fenders, fittings or adjacent equipment.

Can a Jason’s Cradle be fitted to a RIB?

Yes. The manufacturer offers FRC Kit configurations with fixing options intended for RIBs, including suitable D-ring patches. Separate options are listed for hard-hull fast rescue boats using pad eyes.

Check that the kit is suitable for the boat's hull and existing fixing points before installation. Existing D-rings and other fittings may not be strong enough to support the loads during a rescue, so their suitability must be confirmed before use.

How is a Jason’s Cradle stored when it is not in use?

The Standard Cradle is designed to roll up for stowage. FRC Kits are supplied with a stowage bag and fixing kit.

Store the equipment in its designated location so that it remains accessible for rapid deployment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing, inspecting and protecting the unit, and ensure that stored equipment is not obstructed by other gear.

Is Jason’s Cradle SOLAS approved?

The manufacturer states that Jason’s Cradle is type approved by Lloyd’s Register as a man overboard rescue and retrieval system. The relevant certificate and product documentation identify the scope of approval.

SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 17-1 addresses the recovery of persons from the water. Jason’s Cradle is designed to help vessels establish appropriate recovery arrangements.

However, the presence of a type-approved product does not, by itself, establish that a particular vessel meets all applicable requirements. Operators should confirm acceptance of the selected configuration with the vessel's flag Administration or recognised organisation, as appropriate.

How often should a Jason’s Cradle be serviced?

The manufacturer's published servicing guidance specifies three-year service intervals at an Authorised Servicing Centre (ASC). Equipment should be maintained in accordance with the current manufacturer instructions and any additional requirements imposed by the vessel's applicable regulations or management system.

Routine inspections remain important between formal services. A three-year service interval does not mean that equipment can be left unchecked until its next service date.

I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd is an Authorised Servicing Centre for Jason’s Cradle equipment and offers servicing and repair for the range, including Standard Cradles, FRC Kits, Recovery Stretchers and Scramble Nets. To request a quotation, provide the product type, serial number if available, servicing location and whether the equipment needs collection or on-site attention.

The serial number can help identify the unit and is described by I.C. Brindle as being on the top metal tab nearest the red cap.

See our Jason's Cradle Servicing Page here

What should I check during routine inspections?

Follow the manufacturer's inspection guidance and the vessel's planned maintenance procedures. Checks should include the overall condition of the cradle, rungs, link components, fasteners, clips, strops, hauling lines, fixings and stowage arrangements.

Look for damage, corrosion, deterioration, missing parts, compromised attachment points or anything that could impede deployment. Record inspections and defects as required by the vessel's maintenance system, and remove suspect equipment from operational use until it has been assessed.

Use the manufacturer's servicing guidelines for the definitive inspection and maintenance requirements.

When should a Jason’s Cradle be replaced?

The manufacturer's published servicing guidance recommends replacement when the equipment reaches 12 years in service. This should be considered alongside its condition, service history, applicable requirements and any manufacturer advice specific to the unit.

Equipment that is damaged, has been altered without approval or cannot be confirmed as serviceable may require earlier assessment or replacement. Keep in mind, that a unit may need replacing before it reaches this age if it is damaged or no longer safe to use.

Are replacement bags, strops, hauling lines and other accessories available?

I.C. Brindle lists Jason’s Cradle bags and accessories alongside its main recovery systems. The correct replacement depends on the model and configuration, so check compatibility before ordering.

When requesting parts, provide the equipment model, product code or serial number where available, together with details of the component required. Use the manufacturer's specified parts and follow its instructions for replacement and servicing.