Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
2
Description
The Switlik Survival Product’s MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module is designed to
rescue a man overboard victim. The device consists of an underarm flotation unit, a
sea anchor and a lighted pylon in a compact canister. All devices are tethered together
and folded in the canister in a specific manner to allow deployment. In a man overboard
emergency, the equipment is deployed by pulling out the stainless steel pin marked
“Pull to Release” on top of the canister. The devices fall clear of the vessel, inflating
automatically in a matter of seconds, with the flotation unit providing buoyancy to the
victim while also acting as a lifting sling to pull the victim back onto the boat.
The underarm flotation device and pylon are inflated by small CO2cartridges. Gravity
initiates the inflation sequence of the devices. First, the bottom lid drops out, followed
by the pylon and the underarm flotation device, with the sea anchor close behind.
The underarm flotation device (UFD), has 35 pounds of buoyancy when inflated. Lifting
straps built into the device aids in recovery of the person overboard. Records of the
inspection and owner’s name are noted in a data block on the UFD.
A pylon is tethered to the underarm flotation device and supports a water-activated
light approximately six feet above the water. A ballast bag at the base of the pylon
helps keep it vertical. Two strips of reflective tape are provided for increased
visibility at night. The bottom canister lid is attached to the pylon with a short tether.
A sea anchor is also attached to the underarm flotation device. The sea anchor is
designed to minimize drifting. There is a wire cable in the mouth of the sea anchor to
hold it open.
The canister is made from molded polyethylene, 1/8″ thick. There are three mounting
rails located on the back of the canister. The mounting hardware supplied can be
attached to both the mounting rails and the stern pulpit. Recesses on the upper sides of
the canister are finger holds to make it easy to put on and take off the rail. Located on
the top of the canister is the deployment pull handle. Under no circumstances, other
than an actual emergency, pull this handle out!
The mounting hardware supplied with every MOM unit consists of pieces to fit around
rails, with all necessary stainless steel nuts, bolts and fastpins. The kit allows a wide
variety of possible mounting configurations that will suit nearly all vessels. The plastic
pieces are glass-filled nylon for maximum strength. They are designed to provide
breakaway failure in the event of a severe blow to the unit. Each "knob" has a
breaking strength of approximately 244 pounds.
The MOMTM 8-A must be serviced by a factory-authorized service center.
