The lifting system for bringing a secured casualty back on board.

Once the MOB Lifesaver has secured the casualty to the boat, the next step is to get them out of the water.

Serious lifting power. Simple to use.


Once the casualty has been secured to the boat with a MOB Lifesaver, the next challenge is getting them back on board. The 6-part Harken ratcheted block tackle provides a controlled lifting system designed specifically for man overboard recovery.

With a 4 metre drop*, locking Kong Tango carabiners and a ratcheted block, it provides the mechanical advantage needed to lift a person with significantly less effort. It has been tested specifically for lifting people, with a 1,700 kg break load and a 170 kg Safe Working Load.

The ratchet also allows the rescuer to control the hauling line without a cam cleat at the top of the system. This is particularly important during MOB recovery, where the casualty may need to be lowered or repositioned as the lift progresses.

• Custom options / lengths available

Designed as part of a complete recovery system

The Lifesaver provides the crucial connection to the casualty. The 6-part tackle provides the mechanical advantage to bring them back aboard.

Together with a suitable rescue sling, they form a practical recovery system designed to be deployed when a crew needs to get someone out of the water. MOB Lifesavers’ demonstrations have shown the system being used for short-handed recovery, including lifting a larger casualty with a smaller rescuer.

Professional Validation from Harken

A Complete System for Securing and Recovering a Casualty

Harken Safety & Rescue featured MOB Lifesavers in a case study examining a retrieval rig developed for rescue operations. The system combines the MOB Lifesaver — providing the crucial first connection between the casualty and the boat — with a Harken mechanical lifting system to provide the controlled lift needed to bring them back aboard.

It demonstrates exactly how the two products work together: secure the casualty first, then set up the retrieval.

The case study provides independent professional recognition of the practical role the MOB Lifesaver and Harken tackle can play as part of a complete man overboard recovery system.

Read the Harken Safety & Rescue case study →


Make your own bag to stow your Harken 6 part ratcheted block tackle

We keep ours extended and coiled in a bucket in a cabin down below. We tie silks into the blocks and around the falls to prevent the blocks turning in and causing a tangle. Or you could make your own bag as the BBC Yacht Club have done, like this… neat.’

  1. Make a bag with four pockets
  2. Loop the extended tackle into the four pockets
  3. Note the different colour carabiners. Blue and Red. The blue goes at the top – easy !
  4. Fold the top down
  5. Roll up and buckle up . Ready to go !

Watch the Retrieval Video – See how it works