The Fibrelight Cradle is an innovative overboard recovery system that can be operated by a single person. It can also be used as a boarding ladder, scramble net and stretcher.
It's lighter, more compact, manageable, versatile and lower maintenance than any comparable device.
The Fibrelight Cradle is SOLAS approved by Lloyd's Register.
What can it be used for?
The cradle is designed for overboard recovery by rescue craft, rigid inflatables and ship's lifeboats. It can also be used for recovering casualties from falls into trenches, ditches or similar after accidents.
Can I see it in action?
Who's using it?
A number of independent lifeboat and rescue organisations are currently evaluating the cradle with a view to issuing it as standard equipment.
"Having tested the cradle regarding recovery of a person from the water, we found it was easily operated by one able-bodied person with a simple hand-over-hand technique, allowing the casualty to be securely pulled from the water rapidly.
"Our crew were very happy with the cradle and with the correct training, would operate the item with confidence in a real-life rescue situation."
— Cameron Critchfield, Solent Rescue
"Out of all the crew who used [the cradle] on both boats, they found it far easier to climb up and pull on-board than the conventional home-made nets which were on both our boats.
"Even when we rolled the people up, as though they were a casualty, it was far more comfortable for them."
— Paul Williams, Caister Lifeboat
"The test subjects used during the practical performance tests were asked for any comments they had after using the Fibrelight Cradle.
- "Superb!"
- "Very easy to use"
- "Lightweight"
- "Compact when stowed"
- "Is able to accommodate the full body of the casualty and not just the torso"
"The test subjects were asked if they had any negative comments regarding the Fibrelight Cradle but there were none."
— Fleetwood Testing Laboratory, Blackpool and the Fylde College, an associate college of Lancaster University
How is it used?
The inboard end is secured to the craft, and the outboard end is held outwards by hand, boat hook or bridle depending on the size of the vessel.
The casualty is guided into the cradle and the outboard end is hauled in, recovering the casualty in the medically-preferred horizontal position.
If the casualty has the strength to climb, the outboard end may be lowered into the water to serve as a boarding ladder or scramble net.
Operating instructions are also available.
Is training available?
Sea Training International provides training on the use of the Fibrelight Cradle. Please contact them for more information.
How is it made?
A square grid of woven polyester webbing reinforced with carbon fibre. A 10mm-wide carbon fibre rod is enclosed in a flanged webbing which is fitted into and sewn between the double-thickness pockets of the vertical webbing.
A cradle 1.3 metres wide by 3 metres long weighs approximately 5 kilograms.
The cradle can be produced in any width or length based on 300mm squares.
The unique construction is patent pending (UK: GB2451127, Europe: EP2178743, USA: 12/669084).
How can I find out more?
For more information, contact MFC Survival:
The Fibrelight Cradle is produced and distributed by MFC Survival under contract from Fibrelight Developments Ltd.
