This throwable rescue line is a vital part of onboard safety gear that significantly increases the chance of a successful man-overboard recovery. With a length of 30 meters, the rope allows you to maintain a safe distance between the vessel and the person in the water while pulling them back, protecting both from potential impact in choppy conditions. The 8mm diameter is chosen to be easy to grip, even with wet or cold hands, without digging painfully into the skin, yet it provides high tensile strength. Its approximate breaking load of 400 kg ensures it can handle the weight of a wet adult and the force exerted during retrieval.
The rope’s material is a special floating synthetic fiber (such as polypropylene) that does not absorb water and stays on the surface. This is crucial because a floating line won’t sink beneath the victim or the boat’s propellers – it remains visible and accessible. The rope’s bright orange or yellow color further aids in tracking it in turbulent water or low-light conditions.
One end of the line is equipped with a durable plastic/nylon snap hook. This corrosion-resistant hook can be quickly clipped to a lifebuoy ring before throwing, or directly to a secure point on the boat (cleat, rail) if using the line as a safety tether. The hook has a smooth profile to prevent injury under tension and allows rapid release if needed. The opposite end of the rope is factory-finished (spliced or whipped) to prevent fraying and to provide a handy grip for throwing.
Usage instructions: In a man-overboard event, attach one end of the rope (with the hook) to a lifebuoy ring, and immediately throw the buoy toward the person in the water while keeping hold of the rope’s free end on the boat. The floating line will remain on the surface, clearly indicating the path to the buoy. Once the person grabs hold of the buoy, begin carefully pulling them in using the line, maintaining verbal contact and monitoring their condition. The 30m length is ample even if the boat or the person drifts, but always be cautious not to let the rope foul the propellers – if possible, turn off the engine during the rescue.
This rescue line can also be used for other purposes: towing a small dinghy or object, throwing to people on shore during an emergency docking, or as a general utility line onboard. Its light weight and flexibility make it easy to stow – it can be coiled on a bracket or stored in a throw bag, which helps keep it tangle-free and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. It’s recommended to store the rope out of direct sunlight when not in use (to prolong its life) and to periodically inspect it for wear or cuts.
By having this floating rescue line on board, you meet the regulatory equipment requirements (SOLAS mandates a throwable line with a life buoy on many vessels) and provide extra peace of mind in case of emergencies. In the critical seconds of saving a life, a reliable and highly visible line can make the difference between a successful rescue and a tragedy – that’s why this product is a must-have for every responsible skipper.