What we have here, I think, is a failure to communicate.

When sunbvi says "lifelines", I"m assuming he means a safety harness and a line hooked to something - not the lifelines that run through the stanchions around the gunwales.

Sunbvi, yes, you are right, it's better to not fall off but if someone does, what do you do? I don't think anyone is suggesting that prepping a non-sailor for MOB involves days of book learning and rigorous tests in all conditions but you've got to give them *something* in case it happens. If all they remember is "throw a seat cushion over the side", it still might save a life.

In bad conditions and/or an unconscious MOB, yes, it will be difficult to get them on board but you are certainly not going to give up are you?

Tom