Fibrelight Rod Stretcher - Lightweight Emergency Stretcher - Floating Stretcher for in-Water Spinal Support

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What is a Fibrelight man overboard recovery cradle?

The Fibrelight MOB Recovery Cradle is a lightweight, flexible piece of marine safety equipment designed to help recover a person from the water and bring them back aboard a vessel. Its construction uses flexible webbing and supporting rods to form a supportive recovery surface.

Depending on the model and configuration, Fibrelight equipment can also support other recovery or access applications. The intended use and approval status should be checked for the specific product.

How does a Fibrelight MOB Recovery Cradle work?

The cradle is deployed over the side of a vessel and positioned in the water to help recover a person who has fallen overboard. The casualty is guided onto or supported by the cradle, which helps the crew bring them back aboard.

The recovery procedure depends on the vessel's layout, freeboard, available equipment and the casualty's condition. Crew should follow the manufacturer's instructions and practise the recovery procedure as part of the vessel's man overboard plan.

What are the benefits of Fibrelight recovery equipment?

Fibrelight offers lightweight, compact recovery equipment designed for marine environments where ease of handling, stowage and deployment are important considerations. Its range includes MOB recovery cradles, emergency ladders, recovery stretchers and specialist systems for different vessel types and operational requirements.

The carbon-fibre construction used in relevant products helps reduce equipment weight while providing a supportive structure for recovery applications. Selected products also hold relevant marine approvals, so it is important to check the certification and intended use of the specific model when choosing equipment.

Is Fibrelight equipment suitable for vessels with limited storage space?

Fibrelight equipment is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it useful for vessels where storage space and ease of handling are important considerations. The flexible construction of the MOB Recovery Cradle allows it to be stowed when not in use, while the ladder range offers portable solutions for emergency access and recovery.

The most suitable product depends on the vessel's freeboard, available stowage space, intended use and applicable approval requirements.

What Fibrelight products do you stock?

The Fibrelight range includes several types of equipment for marine recovery, emergency access and specialist operational requirements:

• MOB Recovery Cradle: Designed to support the recovery of a person from the water.

• Emergency Ladder: Designed for emergency access and recovery arrangements, with approval depending on the model and configuration.

• Self-Recovery Ladder: Intended to help a person who has fallen overboard climb back aboard, where physically possible.

• Escape Ladder: Designed for specific escape and access applications.

• Crane Recovery Stretcher: Used to support casualty recovery with a suitable lifting arrangement.

• Scramble Net: Provides a means of access or recovery, depending on the vessel's arrangement.

• Mass Casualty Recovery Cradle: Specialist equipment for defined mass persons recovery operations.

• Tactical ladders: Designed for specialist operational applications.

Product availability, dimensions and approvals vary across the range. Check the individual product specifications to confirm suitability for the intended application. 

The right product depends on the task the equipment needs to perform, the vessel's layout and the right requirements, such as survey checks, or number of crew. 

Need help choosing the right Fibrelight equipment? Contact I.C. Brindle with your vessel type, freeboard, intended use and any approval requirements. Our team can help you identify suitable products and configurations.

Is Fibrelight equipment SOLAS approved?

Selected Fibrelight products hold specific marine approvals, including SOLAS type approval for the MOB Recovery Cradle (and also accepted by the MCA UK Flag), and certain Emergency Ladder configurations also carry SOLAS Type Approved by Lloyd's Register.

Keep in mind, approval depends on the product, configuration and intended application, so the relevant certificate should be checked before purchase. Vessel operators should also confirm that the selected equipment and installation meet the requirements applicable to their vessel and flag state.

What vessels can use Fibrelight equipment?

Fibrelight equipment is intended for a range of marine and specialist applications. Depending on the product and its approval status, it may be suitable for vessels such as offshore support vessels, wind farm support craft, harbour and pilot vessels, and search and rescue vessels.

The correct choice depends on the vessel's operational requirements, freeboard, recovery arrangements, available stowage space and applicable regulations. Confirm that the selected product is suitable for the vessel's intended use before ordering.

How do I choose the correct size of Fibrelight MOB equipment?

Fibrelight equipment is available in different sizes to suit vessel layouts, freeboards and recovery requirements. For example, the MOB Recovery Cradle has a standard width of 1.3m, and up to 9m in lengthThe Rigid Scramble Net comes in six widths from 1,240 mm to 2,100 mm, while standard scramble nets are available in widths from 1,550 mm to 4,000 mm and lengths up to 15 m.

Ladder options also vary by application. For example, the Self-Recovery Ladder, available in lengths from 1 m to 3 m, may suit smaller vessels with lower recovery points, while the Emergency Ladder, available in lengths from 2 m to 65 m, offers options for much higher-sided vessels, such as large cargo ships. The correct length depends on the distance from the attachment point to the water and the ladder length required below the waterline.

For specialist requirements, the Mass Casualty Recovery Cradle is 7 m wide, with its length made to suit larger man overboard rescue operations, where for example, there is need for mass recovery of lots of people in the water. 

The right size depends on your vessel, measured freeboard, attachment points, recovery method and available storage or mounting space. Check the individual product specifications for available configurations.

Need help choosing the right size? Contact I.C. Brindle with your vessel type, measured freeboard, intended use and any space or mounting constraints. Our team can help you identify the relevant products and available configurations.

Does Fibrelight equipment require servicing or maintenance?

Maintenance requirements vary by product and configuration. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection, cleaning, storage and any required servicing. Check the equipment regularly for damage, deterioration or other signs that could affect its safe use, and remove it from service if its condition is in doubt.

Follow the manufacturer's guidance for inspecting, cleaning and storing your Fibrelight equipment, including any servicing it may need. Check it regularly for signs of damage or wear, and stop using it if you have any concerns about its condition. Requirements can vary between products, so check the guidance for your specific model and any rules that apply to your vessel.

What Fibrelight spares and accessories are available?

I.C. Brindle supplies a range of Fibrelight accessories for compatible recovery cradles and ladders. These include ladder stand-offs, which hold a ladder away from the vessel's side; attachment slings and marine-grade screwgate carabiners for securing equipment; ballast rungs to help stabilise ladders and cradles in the water; and cradle floats to provide additional buoyancy.

What are Fibrelight ladder stand-offs used for?

Fibrelight ladder stand-offs hold a compatible ladder away from the vessel's side, creating space for users to grip the rungs and place their feet. Standard stand-offs provide a 70 mm tread, while XL versions provide a 100 mm tread. They are available in permanent and Velcro attachment options, depending on the product.

Each metre of ladder length requires a pair of stand-offs. For example, a 5 m ladder requires five pairs. Check compatibility with your specific ladder before ordering.

How can I attach a Fibrelight cradle or ladder to a vessel?

Attachment slings provide an alternative to the sewn eyelets on compatible Fibrelight cradles and emergency ladders. Each sling is rated for loads up to 900kg. The manufacturer's recommended quantities vary by application, so check the product instructions to identify the correct arrangement.

Compatible marine-grade screwgate carabiners are also available for suitable attachment arrangements. Always confirm that the selected components are compatible with your equipment and intended setup.

What are Fibrelight ballast rungs used for?

Fibrelight ballast rungs help add weight to compatible ladders or recovery cradles, assisting with stability and positioning in the water. Options are available for different equipment lengths, so the correct quantity depends on the product and configuration.

What are Fibrelight cradle floats used for?

Fibrelight cradle floats provide additional buoyancy and stability when fitted to the rungs at the outboard end of a larger Fibrelight recovery cradle. They attach using Velcro fastenings, allowing them to be fitted or removed as required, and are supplied in sets of five.

How do I choose the correct Fibrelight accessory?

The right accessory depends on your Fibrelight product and how it is installed or deployed. For example, ladder stand-offs are selected according to ladder length, while attachment slings, ballast rungs and cradle floats depend on the equipment model and configuration.

Need help finding the right spare or accessory? Talk to a member of the team with the Fibrelight model you're interested in, the component you need and any relevant measurements. Our staff can help identify compatible options. 

Where can I buy Fibrelight equipment?

I.C. Brindle supplies a range of Fibrelight equipment, including MOB recovery cradles, emergency ladders, recovery stretchers and scramble nets. The right product depends on your vessel, intended application, dimensions and any required approvals.

Looking for Fibrelight equipment for your vessel? Contact I.C. Brindle to discuss your requirements and find a suitable product for your application.