Sep 23, 2024 | Articles

Man overboard!

Since the beginning of time, the sea has always been synonymous with danger for those who venture on it. In a man overboard rescue situation, both timing and having the right equipment is critical. The rigid Dacon Scrambling Net is a solid and stable rescue net, allowing individuals to safely climb on board without specialized equipment or assistance, significantly enhancing rescue operations.

Safety at sea

Through history shipping has become more and more industrialized, and so has the safety measures to keep crews and passengers safe. From early maritime laws and lifeboats to modern GPS systems, automated distress signals and advanced rescue gear, safety at sea has evolved dramatically. These developments have saved countless lives by improving navigational accuracy, communication, and emergency response capabilities. The versatile Dacon Scrambling Net is one such key innovation.

The origin of the scrambling net

The concept of scrambling nets originated from the need for fast and reliable boarding solutions in maritime emergencies. During World War II, scrambling nets were employed on military vessels, allowing quick evacuation or boarding under fire. Over time, they became standard in the commercial shipping industry for rescue and boarding purposes. Scrambling nets have since evolved tremendously in terms of material, design, and function.

Worker on a ship holding a walkie talkie

Easy to deploy, easy to climb

In high-pressure situations such as man overboard rescue, quick and easy deployment of effective safety equipment is crucial. Initially, the scrambling nets were made from basic ropes tied together, an unstable solution that is very difficult to climb for a distressed person who has fallen overboard. Moreover, it is very tiring to climb steps that collapse. The rigid Dacon Scrambling Net on the other hand, is equipped with a non-slip surface which makes it much easier to climb and grip, even in rough sea conditions. The robust net is made of high-strength synthetic materials for durability and resilience in extreme weather, making it a reliable tool in emergencies. The lightweight net unfolds effortlessly, and when not in use, it can be rolled up to use minimal storing space.

Read more about Dacon Scrambling Net here

 

Proven at sea 

The Dacon Scrambling Net is used on vessels all over the world and has proven its worth on several life-threatening occasions – including the time an unlucky crewman fell overboard during rough conditions. The Dacon Scrambling Net was deployed, and the crewman was able to climb back on board with minimal assistance, thanks to the net’s steady steps and easy-to-grip structure. According to the crew onboard, the quick deployment of the net was crucial in ensuring his safety.

 

So, what`s next

As development progresses we will see increasingly advanced safety equipment in the shipping industry, including the development of unmanned rescue drones, automatic man-overboard detection systems, and wearable tech that can monitor the health and location of crew members in real-time. The integration of AI in navigation and safety monitoring is also on the horizon, which will likely reduce accidents caused by human error.

New technologies are rapidly changing safety at sea.
You can trust us at Dacon to be there with you, every step of the way.