SWITLIK MOM 8-A User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
This publication is issued as the owner's manual for the Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module, part number 800010.
All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2016 by Switlik Parachute Company, Inc.
This manual may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means, without
permission. For information, address all questions to:
Switlik Parachute Company
1325 E. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08607
[phone]
[phone] FAX
www.switlik.com

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
TOC
Table of Contents
Chapter
Page
WARNINGS
1
Description
2
Mounting Instructions
Locating the MOMTM 8-A
4
Adapters
6
Stanchion Clips
6
Spacers
7
Mounting the Canister
7
Fastpins
7
Installing the Safety Cable
8
Operating Instructions
Use of Equipment
9
Sight and Alert
10
Victim’s Actions
10
Windward vs Leeward Rescue
10
Retrieve and Deflate
10
Operating Limitations
11
Care & Servicing Instructions
Cleaning
12
Servicing
12
Storage
13
Replacement Parts
14
Servicing Record
15
Warranty
16

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
1
WARNINGS
WARNING! Read these instructions fully before use. Failure to do so may result in
injury or death.
WARNING! This device must be used in accordance with the instructions in this manual
for maximum performance. Failure to comply with instructions could result in a lower
level of performance or in failure of the device, which could result in death. Under some
circumstances, even if used properly this device may not save your life.
WARNING! Do not inflate this device orally via the included oral inflation tubes and then
pull the inflation tab. This could cause injury and may overstress the buoyancy
chamber.
WARNING! This device is not designed to satisfy the requirements of a life raft for
extended durations.This unit is designed for man-overboard or individual rescue
operations.
WARNING! This unit requires limited periodic maintenance to ensure operation in an
emergency. Do not use this unit if it has not been properly maintained. Maintenance
should be performed only by an authorized service center.See “Care and
Maintenance” section for additional details.
WARNING! Do not open or otherwise disassemble this device until needed.
Maintenance should be performed only by an authorized service center. See “Care and
Maintenance” section for additional details.
WARNING! Never use this device if it has obvious damage. Maintenance should be
performed only by an authorized service center. See “Care and Maintenance” section
for additional details.

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.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
3

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
4
Mounting Instructions
LOCATING THE MOMTM 8-A
The MOMTM 8-A must be installed vertically, outside the toerail, in a location free of
obstructions or possible entanglements. It is critical to the operation of the MOM that
there be a clear path between the bottom of the canister and the water to allow the
inflatable devices to fall freely without becoming entangled. Do not mount the MOM
on lifelines. Under no circumstances drill holes or put screws into the MOM
canisters. On most boats the best location is outboard on the stern pulpit. However, if
hull design or fittings on the transom impede the free deployment of the MOM into the
water, installation on the quarter is possible. The problem with quarter-mounting is that
there is danger of damaging the MOM unit during maneuvers at the dock.
The ideal location is at the intersections of all vertical and upper horizontal members of
the pulpit rail. If your boat is not equipped with conventional tubular stainless steel
pulpit, or if the pulpit is set more than a few inches from the toerail, a bracket can be
made from wood or metal and secured to the slotted mounting rails on the back of the
MOM canister.
This unit is mounted at the right angle
intersection of a rail and stanchion.
This unit is mounted at the intersection
of a rail and angled stanchion.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
5
ADAPTERS
This unit is mounted on parallel rails. The
rails must be no more than 11” apart.
Mounting on parallel rails more than
11” apart requires an Extension Rail.
If no other options are available, the unit
may also be mounted on a single stanchion.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
6
Add the adapters to the mounting rails. There are three (3) adapters in the mounting kit.
Typically, one adapter is mounted on one rail, and two (2) adapters are mounted on the
other mounting rail. The adapter fits over the rail snugly and is held in place with a
machine screw, approximately 2-1/4” in length. Line up the screw holes in the adapter
with one of the slots in the side of the mounting rail.
The image above is an arbitrary view of the position of the adapters. The final position
of your adapters will depend on the location of your handrail, and the rail or stanchion
beneath it. Generally speaking, the further away the adapters are mounted from each
other, the stronger your mount will be. Plan to have an adapter at the top of each
mounting rail. The third adapter must be able to reach a lower rail, or a stanchion. The
lower rail, or stanchion, cannot be further than 11” from the upper rail. If your
installation exceeds this distance, you will need to add an extension rail (P/N 840022) to
one of your mounting rails. The extension rail will give you approximately 7” additional
length to your mounting rail.
STANCHION CLIPS
To attach the adapters to the rails, you will need to install the stanchion clips included in
your mounting kit. Assemble the stanchion clips on the handrail, but don’t tighten them
until they match up with the adapters on the mounting rails. Once the handrail adapters
are installed, locate the third adapter to a nearby rail or stanchion. The kit contains
three (3) sets of stanchion clips sized to fit rails of 7/8”, 1”, 1-1/8” and 1-1/4” diameters.
If the clips don’t fit your rail, you can use a hose clamp to attach the adapter directly to
it. Use tape under the hose clamp to protect the finish on your handrail.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
7
SPACERS
If you use the extension rail, there will be an additional offset of about 5/8” from the
lower rail. To compensate for this offset, you can place spacers between the adapters
and the mounting rails on the top rail. The spacers are included in your mounting kit.
MOUNTING THE CANISTER
Place the adapters on the canister onto the stanchion clips. Adjust the clips for proper
fit. Then, remove the canister and securely tighten all stanchion clips.Re-install the
canister.
FASTPINS
Once your canister is mounted to the rails, slide fastpins through the holes in the
adapters to prevent the unit from hopping off the stanchion clips.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
8
INSTALLING THE SAFETY CABLE
The Safety Cable (PIN 840024) is an optional retaining cable. While the normal MOM
installation is secure, when mounted on the quarter, the safety cable provides extra
retention during vessel/piling interaction. The safety cable consists of a modified spacer
with a cable through it. The cable has a loop on one end and a spring clip on the other.
Mount the spacer onto one of the canister mounting rails, using the hardware provided.
Loop the cable around the stanchion(s), then secure the spring clip to the loop at the
other end of the cable.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
9
Operating Instructions
USE OF EQUIPMENT
Explain the MOM to everyone who comes aboard. In the event of a man overboard
emergency, every member of the crew must be prepared to act immediately. Although
the MOM provides the fastest way to get rescue equipment into the water, actual rescue
requires additional action by captain and crew. The captain should drill the crew
thoroughly and frequently on the procedures to follow in such an emergency.
As soon as a crewmember sees someone fall overboard, he must shout, “Pull the
MOM! Man Overboard!”. Immediately, the crewmember nearest the MOM should pull
the release pin on top of the canister. The inflatable equipment will fall out of the
bottom, into the water, and start to inflate automatically. All devices will inflate in 4 to 6
seconds and float clear of the boat.
1. PULL PIN
2. BOTTOM COVER FALLS
3. PYLON INFLATES
4. UFD INFLATES
5. SEA ANCHOR DEPLOYS

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
10
SIGHT AND ALERT
The helmsman should designate a crewmember to sight the person overboard and
shout to the crew that he is coming about. Immediately put the boat about causing it to
backwind. We recommend that all helmsmen study the Quick-Stop maneuver. Crew
members should perform tasks as assigned by the captain such as starting the engine,
taking down sails, preparing a heaving line, etc.
VICTIM’S ACTIONS
The person overboard should get to the buoyant MOM devices as quickly as possible.
The underarm flotation device should be placed under the arms and the waist strap
buckled. If possible, using the pylon lanyard attached to the UFD, bring the pylon close
to you. Wrap your feet around the portion of the pylon which is underwater, and your
arms around the upper part of the pylon. This position will provide added buoyancy,
stability and comfort. Expend as little energy as possible and stay calm. Do not attempt
to try to swim while in the MOM UFD.
WINDWARD VERSUS LEEWARD RESCUE
Some experienced sailors recommend rescue on the lee side of the boat. From the
viewpoint of the person in the water, the effort to “back pedal” away from the boat can
be exhausting. We recommend windward rescue for nearly every circumstance.
Keeping the person in the water to windward has several advantages. The helmsman
has the best visibility and can luff-up to slow the boat instead of having to fall off and
gain speed. The victim will not have to fear being run down by the boat. The best
procedure in any emergency must be determined by the particular situation.
There is no simple answer. Call out to the victim upon approach and ask if they are
OK. Stop the engine! A crewmember should throw a heaving line to the victim.Once
pulled in near to the boat, a crewmember should drop the end of the halyard to the
victim to secure to the UFD lifting rings.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should the victim leave the buoyant device before
being securely attached to the boat. Never put another crewmember overboard to
assist a person in the water unless they are wearing a PFD, harness, and are attached
by a line to the vessel.
RETRIEVE AND DEFLATE
Bring the MOM devices aboard. If possible, rinse it with fresh water and allow to air dry.
Deflate the underarm flotation device and pylon by pulling the black, dustcap off the oral
inflation tube. Reverse the cap and press it back into the oral inflation tube. Then, roll
up the devices to squeeze all the CO2out. Reverse the dust cap on the oral inflation
tube again to prevent air from coming back in. The Switlik Survival Products MOMTM 8-
AMan Overboard Module must be repacked after use by a factory-authorized service
station.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
11
Operating Limitations
PRESSURE:
Underarm Flotation Device 2 psi
Pylon 4 psi
TEMPERATURE:
The MOMTM 8-A is designed to operate between a temperature range of
32º F and 140º F.
At normal and higher temperatures, the raft will inflate to full-design shape within 10
seconds or less. At lower temperatures, inflation may take longer.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
12
Care & Servicing Instructions
CLEANING:
The MOMTM 8-A hard container and flotation devices may be cleaned with mild soap
and water. Never use harsh chemicals on or around this product. If exposed to harsh
chemicals such as hydraulic fluids, oils or solvents, have the unit cleaned and inspected
by an authorized service center.
SERVICING:
MOM systems are designed to provide long reliable use under severe conditions.
However, they require factory authorized inspection and service. First service is to be
24 months from the date of manufacture and every 24 months thereafter. Failure to
comply with this requirement not only voids any real or implied warranty, but also means
that the MOM may fail to perform as designed.
IMPORTANT NOTE! It is recommended that the MOM be removed from the rail and
stored below if the boat will be moored for extended periods. This is easily
accomplished by removing the fastpins on each adapter.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
13
Storage
Proper storage of your MOMTM 8-A is very important. The better the care it receives, the
longer it should last you. When not in use, we recommend that you store the device in
a climate controlled environment and not leave it outside. It should be stored in a clean
and dry environment out of direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is between
60º F - 70º F with no more than 50% humidity.
Do not stuff it into a tight container or locker when not in use, nor allow other items to be
stacked on top of it. Protect it against vermin, acids, gasoline, fuel oil, and other
chemicals or their fumes which may contaminate the material. Do not expose to
concentrations of ozone (produced by electric motors, generators, or switches). Do not
store the unit on the ground. Keep this manual near the MOMTM 8-A.

Switlik Survival Product’s
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
Owner’s Manual
14
Replacement Parts
800010
MOMTM 8-A Man Overboard Module
800012
Mounting Kit
103030
Adapter
103029
Spacer
103015
Machine Screw, 2¼ ” L, #10-32
103017
Nut, #10-32
840004
Fastpin
103025
103026
Stanchion Clip, 7/8” (Front/Back)
103023
103021
Stanchion Clip, 1” (Front/Back)
103024
103027
Stanchion Clip, 1-1/8” (Front/Back)
103028
103022
Stanchion Clip, 1-1/4” (Front/Back)
103014
Machine Screw, 7/8” L, ¼-20
103016
Nut, 1/4 -20
840022
Extension Rail
840024
Safety Cable
S-3652-1
MOMTM 8-A Owner’s Manual

15
Servicing Record
DATE
SERVICE STATION

16
WARRANTY
MOM 8-A
NOTE: Switlik cannot be responsible for the manner or location in which the MOM is
mounted on a vessel. Mounting of MOM assembly’s on the vessel’s stern or quarter,
sometimes exposes the unit to extreme forces or pressures due either to rough boarding
seas or broaches. Mounting on the vessel’s side may expose the unit to damage from
dock structures. MOM’s are not designed to withstand these forces. Care should also be
taken that the unit is not mounted in a location where running rigging could be fouled.
Switlik does not warrant the unit for loss under these circumstances.
Switlik Parachute Company, Inc. (Switlik). Warrants the MOM 8-A Man Overboard Module, supplied by Switlik or its
authorized agents, to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from date of
manufacture. If inspection by SPC or its authorized agent confirms defects are covered by this warranty, SPC will
replace the product or, provide the materials and labor necessary to correct any such defects at the choice of SPC.
Subsequent to the initial delivery, this warranty shall be of no force and effect unless these items have been serviced
at required intervals only by SPC or its authorized and approved service stations in accordance with manuals and
documents issued by SPC. This warranty does not cover physical damage such as cuts, punctures, abrasions, tears,
or other damage caused by use or improper stowage. In no event shall SPC be liable for any breach of warranty in an
amount exceeding the purchase price of the product.
This warranty shall apply only to the original purchaser and is expressly in lieu of all other warranties, express or
implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness or appropriateness of application or usage, and no
responsibility is assumed for consequential damage nor for damage due to accident, abuse, external force, or lack of
reasonable care. No person, firm or corporation is authorized to assume for Switlik Parachute Company, Inc. any other
liability in connection with the sale of these items.

Switlik Parachute Company
1325 E. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08607
[phone]
[phone] FAX
www.switlik.com
P/N S-3652-1 (rev C, 6/16)