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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 a range of widths and lengths to suit different vessels, recovery arrangements and storage requirements. The available sizes vary by product.

• MOB Recovery Cradle: Standard width of 1,300 mm, with other widths available for selected configurations. Lengths and configurations vary, so check the product listing for available options.

• FRC Kits: Two sizes, 530 mm wide × 2,000 mm long and 710 mm wide × 2,140 mm long.

• Recovery Stretcher: Available in lengths of 1,580 mm and 1,940 mm.

• Rigid Scramble Net: Available in six widths from 1,240 mm to 2,100 mm, with most lengths available from 2,290 mm upwards.

• Scramble Nets: Available in widths from 1,550 mm to 4,000 mm and lengths up to 15 metres.

• Emergency Ladder: Available in lengths from 2 metres to 65 metres, with a standard width of 600 mm.

• Self-Recovery Ladder: Available in lengths from 1 metre to 3 metres, with a standard width of 600 mm.

• Escape Ladder: Available in lengths from 2 metres to 20 metres, with a standard width of 270 mm.

• Instinct Ladder: Available in lengths from 2 metres to 20 metres, with a standard width of 400 mm.

• Mass Casualty Recovery Cradle: 7 metres wide, with the length made to suit the application.

• Crane Stretcher: 2,100 mm long, with a choice of 500 mm or 1,500 mm bridle length.

The dimensions and configurations available depend on the specific product. Check the relevant product listing for current options and specifications.

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.

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.