SB Rescue Sling Matesaver - SOLAS & MCA Accepted Man Overboard Recovery Sling - MOB Rescue Sling with 2.1m to 5.1m Reach

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

What is the SB Rescue Sling Matesaver?

The SB Rescue Sling Matesaver is a SOLAS- and MCA-accepted man overboard (MOB) recovery system designed to recover casualties without the rescuer entering the water. It is suitable for use on boats, steep-sided canals, lakes, or any scenario where rapid, safe distance recovery is required. As the exclusive global distributor, we supply the SB Rescue Sling to commercial operators, rescue services, military users, and offshore organisations, supported by replacement parts, guidance, and decades of expertise.

*Important: MCA acceptance of the SB Rescue Sling is subject to the vessel's freeboard requirements. Class acceptance may also vary depending on the vessel type. Owners and operators should confirm suitability for their specific vessel and applicable requirements before use.

What types of rescue is the SB Rescue Sling designed for?

The SB Rescue Sling Matesaver supports both manual and davit-assisted MOB recovery. On low- to medium-freeboard vessels, the casualty can be pulled aboard using the sling or brought close enough to the deck for crew to haul them aboard manually, provided conditions allow safe recovery. This is demonstrated in the recovery video

For high-freeboard vessels, or where vessel design or sea conditions make direct recovery alongside the hull difficult, the sling can be combined with the SB Rescue Davit to assist lifting the casualty from the water, or a cradle for a horizontal scoop-style lift. The appropriate method depends on the vessel, freeboard, conditions and recovery setup.

How does the SB Rescue Sling work?

The system features a lightweight telescopic handle extending from 2.1m to 5.2m, allowing one-person operation. The SB Rescue Sling can be used alone or in combination with recovery cradles, SB Rescue Davits, or block & tackle systems, providing a wide range of versatile recovery options for your vessel, marina or station.

Is the SB Rescue Sling easy to use?

Yes. The SB Rescue Sling Matesaver is simple and quick to use, with a logical design allows one person to operate it easily, making it ideal for when crew is limited, or for solo operators. Whether on a boat, by a canal, or near a lake, the SB Rescue sling is designed for fast, safe recovery with minimal exertion from the operator.

After use, the man overboard system can be re-armed in under 30 seconds, so it’s ready for the next emergency immediately. It also only very lightweight, at 3kg. 

How do you position the SB Rescue Sling around an in-water casualty?

Correct positioning is key to effective recovery with the SB Rescue Sling. The aim is to guide the sling beneath the casualty's legs and up under their arms, allowing the casualty to be secured for retrieval.

The approach depends on the casualty's position in the water. If they are semi-upright, at around 45 degrees with their legs forward, the sling can be guided near the water's surface to pass beneath the legs and up towards the arms. If the casualty is more upright, with their legs pointing downwards, the sling may need to be directed deeper into the water to pass beneath the legs before being brought upwards.

Operators should follow the equipment instructions and practice these techniques in controlled training conditions to become familiar with positioning the sling for different casualty orientations.

What should I consider when choosing an SB Rescue Sling setup for my vessel?

Choosing the right SB Rescue Sling setup depends on your vessel's freeboard, the distance to the casualty, mounting position and intended recovery method. Smaller, low-freeboard vessels may be suited to manual recovery using the sling alone, where high-sided vessels or more challenging recovery conditions may require a SB Rescue Davit or additional equipment.

I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd can help you identify suitable configurations, accessories and training options for your operational requirements. Contact our team with your vessel type, freeboard and mounting requirements for advice.

What approvals Does the SB Rescue Sling have?

The SB Rescue Sling does not carry any approvals but is widely accepted by SOLAS and MCA authorities (subject to vessel-specific class acceptance and freeboard requirements). Trusted by shipbuilders, tug operators, government organisations, and commercial fishermen worldwide, and comes with an instructional booklet in English and Traditional Chinese upon request.

Can the SB Rescue Sling be used for man overboard training?

Yes. The SB Rescue Sling can be incorporated into man overboard (MOB) training to help crews practise deployment, casualty retrieval and recovery procedures. The SB Rescue Sling Training Bundle provides an option for organisations looking to equip their teams for practical recovery exercises. Regular practice helps crews become familiar with the equipment and their assigned roles during an emergency.

Whats the maintenance like for the SB Rescue Sling? 

Yes. The SB Rescue Sling requires no ongoing maintenance, keeping long-term costs low. Routine inspections are all that’s needed, and any competent staff member can perform them. There’s no need to book official inspections or worry about preparing for surveyors, making it simple and hassle-free to keep the unit ready for use.

Can the SB Rescue Sling be customised?

Yes. The system is compatible with a range of rescue equipment and accessories, such as mounting kits, PVC protective storage bags, forensic recovery solutions, man overboard training bundles, and the SB Davit. Complete training packages and spares are also available to meet your vessel-specific requirements for a fully ready man overboard solution, put together to your specifications.

What accessories and attachments are available for the SB Rescue Sling?

The SB Rescue Sling is a modular recovery system that can be configured with different handles, hooks and attachments for specific recovery applications. Available accessories include a 1m handle extension, a body hook attachment, mounting kits, protective storage covers and a davit system. Specialist options are also available for forensic recovery and other operational requirements.

What is the SB MOB Cradle Recovery Pole?

The MOB Cradle Recovery Pole is a telescopic rescue pole, made from parts of the SB Rescue Sling, but works as a standalone product. Designed to guide a casualty safely into a recovery cradle or stretcher, extending from 1.73 m to 4.73 m and features dual hook ends: a strong loop-style body hook for lifting or guiding a person, and a smaller boat-hook end for snagging the cradle’s netting.