GB2471461A

GB2471461A - Man overboard recovery device

Info

Publication number: GB2471461A
Application number: GB0911214A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vivian Lidgett Gibbs
Original assignee: GIBBS AND Co MARINE DEVELOPMENTS LLP
Current assignee: GIBBS AND Co MARINE DEVELOPMENTS LLP
Priority date: 2009-06-30
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-30
Also published as: GB2471461B; GB0911214D0

Abstract

A man overboard recovery device comprises first and second ladder sections 20a and 20b and a platform 2. The second ladder section is slidably mounted relative to the first ladder section such that the device may be retracted or extended. The platform 2 is mounted on the second ladder section. The recovery device is arranged such that the platform 2 can be inclined at an acute angle to the second ladder section, for example it may be hinged, such that, during use, a man overboard may be cradled between the second ladder section and the platform 2 in a prone position.

Description

Man Overboard Recovery Device

Field of the Invention

S

This invention relates to a man overboard recovery device, a method of recovering a man overboard and a boat comprising a man overboard recovery device.

Background Art

Recovering a man overboard may be a difficult operation.

A number of different prior art systems have been disclosed for man overboard recovery.

For example, US5924521 discloses a marine vessel ladder system that is primarily used for overboard emergency situations. The ladder system is collapsible and includes vertically oriented upper and lower ladder sections with a horizontally oriented grate section therebetween.

DE3301179 discloses a life saving ladder for watercraft.

The life save ladder consists of three jointed together ladder elements, the first and third ladder elements being held mutually parallel by an elastic connection member. There is also a bracket attached to the third ladder element and a lifting device.

DE3317433 relates to a rescue elevator which can be attached to ships and is intended for saving persons in danger of being drowned. The elevator consists of three profiled rails, which form a system that can be telescopically extended. A seat web is arranged on the bottom end of the lowest profiled rail and a drive for the telescopic extension is arranged on the first profiled rail.

US4773887 discloses a rescue device for small boats including a rescue basket of open lattice work having a bottom wall with a high side wall inboard and a raised edge outboard.

Rollers mounted to the side wall engage guide rails extending downward along the hull of the boat. A winch and cable system raises the basket from a submerged position to a raised position. Continued operation of the winch causes the basket to pivot around the rollers bringing the side wall into a horizontal position. The victim, who is manoeuvred into the basket in its submerged position, rolls onto the side wall as the basket pivots.

Other rescue devices include tackles and slings, parbuckles and tenders.

Many prior art systems involve lifting a person from the water in a vertical or seated position. When a person is in the water, the hydrostatic pressure of the water may help to maintain blood pressure. If a person is lifted vertically from the water, blood supply to the head may be insufficient once the hydrostatic pressure effect is lost, which may be fatal.

Some prior art systems may be slow to deploy or require more than one person to operate. Alternatively or additionally, some prior art systems may require a person to descend a ladder, or otherwise approach the water, in order to recover a man overboard. In rough seas that may not be desirable.

The present invention seeks to ameliorate at least one or more of the abovementioned problems.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a man overboard recovery device comprising first and second ladder sections and a platform, the second ladder section being slidably mounted relative to the first ladder section, and the platform being mounted on the second ladder section, wherein the man overboard recovery device is arranged such that the platform may be inclined at an acute angle to the second ladder section such that, during use, a man overboard may be cradled between the second ladder section and the platform in a prone position.

By maintaining a person in a substantially prone position, the risk of fatality due to loss of circulation when the hydrostatic pressure of the water is removed may be reduced.

Preferably the acute angle is suitable for cradling a person in a prone position. Preferably the acute angle is in the range of 40° to 80°. More preferably the acute angle is in the range of 50° to 80°. Even more preferably the acute angle is in the range 60° to 80°. For example, the acute angle may be 70°.

The angle between the platform and the second ladder section may be adjustable. For example, the platform may be pivotably hinged on the second ladder section. The angle may be continuously adjustable. Alternatively the angle may be adjustable in increments. Preferably the increments are not less than 2°. More preferably the increments are not less than 5°. Even more preferably the increments are not less than 10°. For example, the angle may be adjustable in increments of about 10°.

The device may comprise a strut running from the second ladder section to the platform, for supporting the platform.

The strut is preferably extensible such that the angle of the platform may be adjusted. The extensible strut may be pivotably attached, in the region of a first end of the extensible strut, to the platform and pivotably attached, in the region of a second end of the extensible strut, to the second ladder section. The extensible strut may be telescopic. Preferably the extensible strut comprises a first part attached to the platform and a second part attached to S the second ladder section. The first and second parts may be arranged to slide past or over each other to extend or retract the extensible strut. The length of the extensible strut and, hence, the acute angle of the platform to the second ladder section may be fixable. For example, a fastener may fix the first and second parts of the strut relative to one another.

A fastener may prevent shortening of the strut. In that case, the weight of the platform or a body placed on the platform may urge the first part onto the fastener.

The acute angle may be fixed.

Preferably the platform may be positioned at an angle of about 90° to the second ladder section.

Preferably the first and second ladder sections are slidably moveable in a direction parallel to the length of the ladder sections.

Preferably the man overboard recovery device has an extended configuration in which the ladder sections are slidably extended relative to one another. In the extended configuration the second ladder section may extend substantially beyond the first ladder section. Preferably not less than 50% of the second ladder section extends beyond the first ladder section in the extended configuration. More preferably not less than 65% of the second ladder section extends beyond the first ladder section in the extended configuration. Even more preferably not less than 80% of the second ladder section extends beyond the first ladder section in the extended configuration.

Preferably the man overboard recovery device has a retracted configuration in which the ladder sections are slidably retracted relative to one another. Preferably at least 50% of the first ladder section overlaps the second ladder section in the retracted configuration. More preferably at least 65% of the first ladder section overlaps the second ladder section in the retracted configuration. Yet more preferably at least 80% of the first ladder section overlaps the second ladder section in the retracted configuration.

Preferably the man overboard recovery device comprises mounting means, suitable for mounting the man overboard recovery device on a vessel.

The man overboard recovery device, and more preferably the mounting means, comprise a pivot about which the first and second ladder sections may pivot. The axis of the pivot is preferably parallel to the width of the ladder sections. The ladder sections may therefore be pivoted, about the pivot, to enable better access to a man overboard cradled between the platform and the ladder section.

The mounting means may be engageable with a hull of the vessel. The mounting means may be engageable with a toe rail on the vessel. For example, the mounting means may comprise a mounting channel for engaging with the toe rail. Where the hull of the vessel extends above a deck of the vessel, the mounting means may be engageable with a portion of the hull that extends above the deck. The mounting means may be engageable with aguard rail of the vessel. The mounting means may comprise suction cups.

Preferably when the man overboard recovery device is in the retracted configuration, the platform is substantially adjacent to the pivot. y arranging the man overboard recovery device in this way the platform moves only a relatively small distance upon pivoting the man overboard device about the pivot. Preferably the platform is mounted on the second ladder section at a point of attachment. The point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is preferably adjacent to the pivot. The point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is preferably not more than 50 cm from the pivot. More preferably the point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is not more than 30 cm from the pivot. Even more preferably the point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is not more than 10 cm from the pivot.

The platform is preferably at least wide enough to support a man overboard in a prone position across the length of their body. The platform is preferably located at one end, or in the region of one end, of the second ladder section.

Preferably the man overboard recovery device comprises hauling means. The hauling means may be operable to move the man overboard recovery device from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration. The hauling means may comprise a hauling device, for example a winch, and a hauling line, for example a rope, a chain or a wire. The hauling line may run from the hauling device to the second ladder section.

The hauling means may comprise a first hauling device and a second hauling device. A hauling line may run from the first hauling device to the second ladder section and from the second ladder section to the second hauling device. In that way either hauling device may be operable to raise the second ladder section and the second ladder section may be raised even if one hauling device is inoperable. Alternatively both hauling devices may be operable to raise the second ladder section. In that case the second ladder section may be raised at increased speed compared to when one hauling device is operated. The hauling means are preferably manually operable.

When the hauling line is described as running to the second ladder section, it will be understood that the hauling line is simply arranged to transmit a force to the second ladder section. For example, it may be attached to the second ladder section, for example it may be secured to a rung of the second ladder section. Alternatively the hauling line may pass through a block or pulley attached to the second ladder section.

The man overboard recovery device may comprise two ladder sections. The man overboard recovery device may comprise a multiplicity of ladder sections, slidably mounted relative to one another.

When a ladder section is described as slidably mounted relative to another ladder section it will be understood that the two ladder sections are substantially adjacent to one another and that the ladder sections are moveable relative to one another in a lengthwise direction, but are restricted from moving apart from one another perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The ladder sections may be slidably mounted on one another. For example a bracket may be attached to one ladder section and the other ladder section may fit loosely into the bracket.

Preferably one or both of the ladder sections comprise stops. The stops may be arranged to prevent the ladder sections from separating from one another in the lengthwise direction. That is, the ladder sections may be slidable relative to one another in a lengthwise direction until the stops engage. In that way at least some overlap between the ladder sections may be maintained.

It will be appreciated that the ladder sections may allow a crew member to descend to the platform, for example to assist a man overboard or to perform maintenance tasks.

The platform may be a solid platform. Alternatively, the platform may comprise a plurality of bars.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of recove�'ing a man overboard comprising the steps of: (a) providing a man overboard recovery device comprising first and second ladder sections and a platform, the second ladder section being slidably mounted relative to the first ladder section, the platform being mounted on the second ladder section; (b) sliding the ladder sections relative to one another such that the man overboard recovery device is in an extended configuration; (c) placing the man overboard on the platform, such that the man overboard is cradled between the second ladder section and the platform in a prone position; and (d) retracting the man overboard recovery device.

A man overboard will be understood to be a person who is in the water and whom it is desired to bring aboard a vessel.

The man overboard may, of course, be a woman. The man overboard may be placed on the platform by manoeuvring the vessel or by manoeuvring the man overboard or both.

Preferably the method comprises the step of providing, for example by positioning, the platform at an acute angle to the second ladder section.

Preferably the acute angle is in the range of 40° to 80°. More preferably the acute angle is in the range of 50° to 80°. Even more preferably the acute angle is in the range 60° to 80°. For example, the acute angle may be 70°.

The acute angle may be adjustable. For example, the angle may be adjustable by means of adjusting an extensible strut running from the second ladder section to the platform.

The angle may be continuously adjustable. Alternatively the angle may be adjustable in increments. Preferably the increments are not less than 2°. More preferably the increments are not less than 50 Even more preferably the increments are not less than 100. For example, the angle may be adjustable in increments of about 10°.

The acute angle may be fixed.

The acute angle may be chosen based on sea conditions.

As the vessel rolls the angle of the platform to the horizontal may change. The acute angle may be chosen such that, as the vessel rolls, an outboard edge of the platform is at all times higher than an inboard edge of the platform. The outboard edge of the platform may be the edge of the platform on the side away from a hull of the vessel. The inbound edge of the platform may be the edge of the platform on the side toward the hull of the vessel.

At least part of the platform is preferably below the surface of the water during step (c) . Preferably the platform is not less than 10 cm below the surface of the water. More preferably the platform is not less than 30 cm below the surface of the water. Even more preferably the platform is not less than 50 cm below the surface of the water.

Preferably, the man overboard recovery device comprises a mounting means, the mounting means comprising a pivot about which the ladder sections may pivot. The method may comprise the step of raising the platform such that the platform is adjacent to, and more preferably at substantially the same level as, the pivot.

Preferably the method comprises the step of rotating the first and second ladder sections around the pivot. In this way the man overboard can be better accessed.

Preferably the point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is higher than the pivot. In that way the man overboard will be carried inboard of the pivot if the first and second ladder sections are rotated through about 90° around the pivot.

Preferably the platform is substantially above the pivot at the end of the step of rotating the first and second ladder sections around the pivot. When the platform is described as "substantially above" the pivot, it will be understood that the point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is preferably not more than 50 cm from the pivot in a horizontal direction. That is, the horizontal displacement between the point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section and a vertical line running through the mounting is not more than 50 cm. More preferably the point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is not more than 30 cm from the pivot in a horizontal direction.

Even more preferably the point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is not more than 10 cm from the pivot in a horizontal direction. Preferably the point of attachment of the platform to the second ladder section is inboard of the pivot.

Preferably the man overboard is in a substantially prone position during the step of raising the platform and the step of rotating the first and second leader sections around the pivot. By maintaining a person in a substantially prone position, the risk of fatality due to loss of circulation when the hydrostatic pressure of the water is removed may be reduced.

The platform may be raised by sliding the second ladder section relative to the first ladder. The sliding may be accomplished by use of hauling means as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a vessel comprising the man overboard recovery device according to the first aspect of the invention. The vessel may be a boat, for example a commercial or non-commercial fishing boat or leisure craft. Advantageously, the man overboard recovery device is operable by a person located on a deck of the vessel.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a man overboard recovery device comprising first and second ladder sections and a platform, the second ladder section being slidably mounted relative to the first ladder section, and the platform being mounted on the second ladder section, wherein the man overboard recovery device comprises a pivot about which the first and second ladder sections may pivot. The axis of the pivot is preferably parallel to the width of the ladder sections. The ladder sections may therefore be pivoted, about the pivot, to enable better access to a man overboard cradled between the platform and the ladder section.

It will be appreciated that any features described in relation to one aspect of this invention will be equally applicable to other aspects of this invention. For example, features described with respect to the man overboard recovery device of the first aspect of the invention may be equally applicable to the method of the present invention and vice versa.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An illustrative embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a man overboard recovery device in a retracted position; Fig. 2 is a view from above of the man overboard recovery device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of part of the man overboard recovery device of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a front view of the man overboard recovery device of Fig. 1 in an extended position; Fig. 5a is a side view of the man overboard recovery device of Fig. 1 in an extended position; Fig. 5b is the side view of the man overboard recovery device of Fig. 1 in the retracted position; and Fig. 5c is a side view of the man overboard recovery device of Fig. 1 in a rotated position.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a side view of a man overboard recovery device, according to a first embodiment, in a retracted position. The man overboard recovery device is mounted on a commercial fishing vessel 22 (only part of which is shown in Figure 1). The commercial fishing vessel 22 comprises a hull 21 and a deck 23. Where the hull 21 joins the deck 23 there is a toe-rail 24. The man overboard recovery device comprises a mounting channel 13. The mounting channel 13 sits over the toe-rail 24. On top of the mounting channel 13 there is a pivot 12. The man overboard recovery device further comprises a first ladder section 20a, and a second ladder section 20b and a third ladder section 20c located either side thereof.

The third ladder section 20c is attached to the pivot 12 by means of a bar 25. At either end of the bar 25 there is a rod 17, which passes through a circular cross-section tube 8a or 8b, held in place by pins 9. The first tube 8a forms part of the pivot 12, while the second tube 8b passes through the third ladder section 20c. The first ladder section 20a is slidably mounted relative to the third ladder section 20c and the second ladder section 20b is slidably mounted relative to the first ladder section 20a.

A mounting channel 16 fits over the top of the third ladder section 20c. A winch support channel 19 sits on the mounting channel 16 and a winch 15 is attached to one side of the winch support channel 19. A line 11 extends from the winch 15, over a guide 14 and onto the second ladder section 20b. Figure 2 is a view from above of the man overboard recovery device of Figure 1. There are winches 15 on opposite sides of the winch mounting channel 19. Each winch 15 is provided with a winch handle 26.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a platform 2 is pivotably attached to the second ladder section 20b. A tube Bc passes through the second ladder section 20b and a rod 17 passes through the tube 8c held in place by a pin 9. The rod 17 is attached to a circular hollow section tube la by a bar 10.

The tube la forms a first edge of the platform 2. A second edge of the platform 2, opposite the first edge, is formed by a tube lb. A strut 3 is connected at one end to the tube lb by means of a clevis connection 6 attached to a lug 5. The other end of the strut 3 fits over a solid spigot 4. The solid spigot 4 is pivotably attached to the second ladder section 20b by means of a tube 8d, a bar 17 and a pin 9.

Figure 2 is a view from above the man overboard recovery device. The platform 2 is formed by tubes la and lb and by bars 27 extending from the tube la to tube lb. Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of part of the platform 2 and surrounding structure of the man overboard recovery device of Figure 1. Solid spigot 4 comprises holes 28. The angle 29 of platform 2 to the second ladder section may be altered by sliding strut 3 along spigot 4 and may be fixed by placing a pin (not shown) into an exposed hole 28 so that the end of strut 3 rests on the pin.

Figure 4 is a view from outboard the commercial fishing vessel 22 of the man overboard recovery device of Figure 1 in an extended position. There are capping plates 18 on the ends of tubes 8. The line 11 runs from one of the winches 15 down to the bottom rung of the second ladder section 20b and up to the other winch 15.

The man overboard recovery device is operable between extended and retracted configurations, and may also be pivoted to a rotated configuration. Figure 5a is a side view of the man overboard recovery device of Figure 1 in an extended configuration. Second ladder section 20b extends substantially below first ladder section 20a, which extends substantially below third ladder section 20c. There is an overlap 30 between the first ladder section 20a and the second ladder section 20b and between the first ladder section 20a and the third ladder section 20c. The first ladder section 20a, the second ladder section 20b and the third ladder section 20c are substantially vertical.

* Figure 5b is the side view of the man overboard recovery device of Figure 1 in the retracted position. The first ladder section 20a and the third ladder section 20c are level with one another and the second ladder section 20b is partly raised above the first ladder section 20a. The platform 2 is at substantially the same level as the pivot 12. The first ladder section 20a, the second ladder section 20b and the third ladder section 20c are substantially vertical.

Figure Sc is a side view of the man overboard recovery device of Figure 1 in a rotated position, in which the first ladder section 20a, the second ladder section 20b and the third ladder section 20c have been pivoted about the pivot 12.

The first ladder section 20a, the second ladder section 20b and the third ladder section 20c are substantially horizontal.

The platform 2 is substantially above the pivot 12.

Operation of the man overboard recovery device will now be described with reference to all Figures. In use the man overboard recovery device is stored in a retracted position.

Before deploying the man overboard recovery device for a rescue, the angle 29 between the platform 2 and the second ladder section 20b is fixed by sliding strut 3 along spigot 4 and placing a pin (not shown) in the appropriate hole 28. The man overboard recovery device is deployed for the rescue by lowering the first ladder section 20a and the second ladder section 2Db by letting out the line 11 from the winches 15.

As the line 11 is a let out the first ladder section 20a will slide past the third ladder section 20c with the second ladder sectioh 20b maintaining a constant position relative to the first ladder section 20a. When the first ladder section 20a reaches its lowest extent of travel relative to the third ladder section 20c, this position being determined by stops (not shown) on the first ladder section 20a or the third ladder section 20c or both, the first ladder section 20a becomes stationary and the second ladder section 20b slides down past the first ladder section 20a. The second ladder section 2Db is lowered until the platform 2 is below the surface of the water in which the commercial fishing vessel 22 is floating. The man overboard recovery device is thus in an extended position.

The man overboard is guided onto the platform 2 in a substantially prone position. The man overboard is cradled in the "V-shape" formed by the platform 2 and the second ladder section 20b and is thus restricted from rolling off the man overboard recovery device. It will be appreciated that the acute angle 29 of the "V-shape" chosen will depend upon the prevailing conditions. In rough seas a smaller angle 29 may be chosen so as to prevent the man overboard from falling off the platform 2 as the commercial fishing vessel 22 rolls.

The second ladder section 2Db is raised by using the winches 15 to haul in the line 11. Once the second ladder section 20b is raised to the upper extent of its travel relative to first ladder section 20a, that position being determined by stops (not shown) on second ladder section 20b or first ladder section 20a or both, further hauling of the S line 11 using winches 15 will cause first ladder section 20a to slide upwards past third ladder section 20c. When first ladder section 20a reaches the upper extent of its travel relative to third ladder section 20c, that position being determined by stops (not shown) on first ladder section 20a or third ladder section 20c or both, the man overboard recovery device is once more in the retracted position and the platform 2 is at substantially the same level as the pivot 12.

To bring the man overboard onboard the commercial fishing vessel 22, the first ladder section 20a, the second ladder section 20b and the third ladder section 20c are rotated around the pivot 12 so that the first ladder section 20a, the second ladder section 20b and the third ladder section 20c are substantially horizontal and the platform 2 is substantially above the pivot 12. During the rotation the man overboard will be rolled through about 90°, but will remain at all times.

in a substantially prone position. When the rotation is complete the man overboard is in a substantially prone position across the second ladder section 20b and is prevented from falling overboard by the platform 2. The man overboard may therefore be safely removed from, or treated on, the man overboard recovery device.

When a person is in the water, hydrostatic pressure from the surround water may help to maintain blood pressure. When the person is lifted from the water the hydrostatic pressure is lost and the decrease in blood pressure may be fatal. By maintaining the person in a substantially prone position at all times during both retraction and rotation of the man overboard recovery device the risk of death due to insufficient blood supply to the brain may be reduced.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to a particular embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A man overboard recovery device comprising first and second ladder sections and a platform, the second ladder section being slidably mounted relative to the first ladder section, and the platform being mounted on the second ladder section, wherein the man overboard recovery device is arranged such that the platform may be inclined at an acute angle to the second ladder section such that, during use, a man overboard may be cradled between the second ladder section and the platform in a prone position.
2. A man overboard recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the acute angle is in the range of 40° to 80°.
3. A man overboard recovery device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acute angle is adjustable.
4. A man overboard recovery device according to claim 3, wherein the acute angle is adjustable in increments of about 10°.
5. A man overboard recovery device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the platform is pivotably hinged on the second ladder section.
6. A man overboard recovery device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the man overboard recovery device comprising a strut running from the second ladder section to the platform, for supporting the platform, the strut being extensible such that the angle of the platform may be adjusted.
7. A man overboard recovery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the acute angle is fixed.
8. A man overboard recovery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second ladder sections are slidably moveable in a direction parallel to the length of the ladder sections.
9. A man overboard recovery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the man overboard recovery device has an extended configuration, *in which the ladder sections are slidably extended relative to one another.
10. A man overboard recovery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the man overboard recovery device has a retracted configuration, in which the ladder sections are slidably retracted relative to one another.
11. A man overboard recovery device according to any preceding claim further comprising a pivot about which the first and second ladder sections may pivot.
12. A man overboard recovery device according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 10, wherein, when the man overboard recovery device is in the retracted configuration, the platform is substantially adjacent to the pivot.
13. A man overboard recovery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the man overboard recovery device comprises mounting means, suitable for mounting the man overboard recovery device on a vessel.
14. A method of recovering a man overboard comprising the steps of: (a) providing a man overboard recovery device comprising first and second ladder sections and a platform, the second ladder section being slidably mounted relative to the first ladder section, the platform being mounted on the second ladder section; (b) sliding the ladder sections relative to one another such that the man overboard recovery device is in an extended configuration; (c) placing the man overboard on the platform, such that the man overboard is cradled between the second ladder section and the platform in a prone position; and (d) retracting the man overboard recovery device.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises the step of providing the platform at an acute angle to the second ladder section.
16. A method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the man overboard recovery device comprises a pivot and the method comprises the step of raising the platform such that the platform is at substantially the same level as the pivot.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the method comprises the step of rotating the first and second ladder sections around the pivot.
18. A boat comprising a man overboard recovery device according to any one of claim 1 to claim 13.
19. A man overboard recovery device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.