Question no. 0001

A:     A "Man overboard (MOB) emergency safety ladder" is a ladder which can be fastened to the side and lowered into the water in seconds. The ladder has to go one metre into the water to enable an exhausted casualty to put his legs onto the lowest step and climb up.

There are three types available:

Emergency ladder for use on commercial vessels where there is a crew of at least two professional seafarers. This ladder can be a pilot ladder with  3 sinkable rigid steps at the lower end.  For example:The Markus Pilot boat ladder.

Combination of boarding ladder and emergency ladder for use on leisure boats. This type has rigid steps each L30xW12 cm. At the lower end is a webbing handle which include three webbing steps. The ladder is heavier than water and can be operated by most people, children included can easely climb back on board un aided. For example:The Markus Safety-ladder type SLB 1-250.

Special emergency safety ladder for use on boat where there is either just one in crew or unexperienced seafarers. This ladder is packaged so that it may be permanently fixed to the side of the vessel and can be deployed immediately by either MOB or deck crew, thereby allowing the MOB to climb back on board un aided. For example: The Markus Safety-ladder type SLB 2-270

Note: Ladders that go less than 80 cm into water in lowered position and ladders at the stern can not be considered safety ladders. It should be noted that stern ladders in heavy seas, can often be a dangerous way of recovering a man overboard. Severe head injuries can result when the vessel is pitching.

Single line ladders can not be considered MOB emergency safety ladders even though they can be extended one metre into the water, as it is very difficult to climb up such ladders even by very fit person.

Ladders sold as "safety Ladders" should have a technical sheet describing the use, strength, size of the ladder and the name of approved safety equipment manufacturer.