Double manning rescue

A single manned rib can do a lot as long as it is small enough to reach boats and people without leaving a reasonable driving position, it's gets more difficult otherwise.

I spent 2 summers with Sunsail where they single man all their ribs and never had an issue with any situation I had to deal with being alone be it hobie cats, sport 16s or RS800s. 2 people would have made it easier but I would take 4 ribs single manned over 2 ribs double manned; the coverage the extra boats provides response time will be much improved and if 2 people are needed to sort something out the driver can quickly get on the radio. It's perfectly possible to right capsized cats and inverted boats by yourself.

I would support more boats single manned than fewer boats double manned. For the same amount of boats teh question of double and single manned is a no brainer.

Edited by narc

Originally posted by narc A single manned rib can do a lot as long as it is small enough to reach boats and people without leaving a reasonable driving position, it's gets more difficult otherwise. I spent 2 summers with Sunsail where they single man all their ribs and never had an issue with any situation I had to deal with being alone be it hobie cats, sport 16s or RS800s. 2 people would have made it easier but I would take 4 ribs single manned over 2 ribs double manned; the coverage the extra boats provides response time will be much improved and if 2 people are needed to sort something out the driver can quickly get on the radio. It's perfectly possible to right capsized cats and inverted boats by yourself. I would support more boats single manned than fewer boats double manned. For the same amount of boats teh question of double and single manned is a no brainer.

if you only have one person on the rib how would you deal with a situation where someone is trapped under an inverted dinghy?

I agree - you need to move fast.  Having only one in the rib then leaves you in a real mess, but hopfully at last everyone survives

Edited by asterix

Originally posted by Alistair426 I think people are confusing 'getting away with it' with 'proper rescue cover'. Inland, in moderate wind, you might, with an experience driver, be able to render some assistance. But add high winds and waves and then you need a driver to concentrate on driving. What if you are single-manning and have to get in the water? Which brings me to the point of rescue crew, neither of whom are dressed to get in the water....but that is a whole 'nother thread

i'd agree with alistair

there is also the idea of changing attitudes and
mindsets

back when i was sailing actively (15 or so ) years ago (
job and lack of cash got in the way (plus the way in
which the uni scene is so rah!)

used to get looked at funny for wearing appropriate kit
when doing rescue boat duties i.e. dressed to enter the
water rather than hiking kit with a BA as some of the
others did ...

Originally posted by asterix I agree - you need to move fast.  Having only one in the rib then leaves you in a real mess, but hopfully at last everyone survives

errr the bit were you add the word "hopefully" into any statement regarding potential serious injury or loss of life is the bit were you need to start insisting on double-manned boats, not picking on your asterix but been reading this thread for a while and can't really see the need for such a debate..... single manned boats provide coverage of big areas, double-manned boats are the only way forward in any sort of rescue situation, both during and after the rescue... ask yourself this, who's going to help the injured sailor with the suspected broken arm/dislocated shoulder/cut head/heart attack while you're driving back to the shore if you're on your own?