
RAY
Retrieval Assistance for Overboard Incidents
The goal of this thesis project was to achieve a design system that enables commercial fisherman the ability to perform their jobs safer and more efficiently. Through the standpoint of user interaction, convenience of use and functionality. Commercial fishermen have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Injuries and fatalities caused in the workplace are a result of many factors like; lack of experience, visibility, inclement weather and most proficiently, drowning. Current lack and neglection of personal protection equipment have exhibited challenges with comfortability, accessibility, sustainability, and ergonomic factors related to the line of work. The design process will incorporate the use of research methods like surveys, video observation, interviews and conversations with the target user base.
Detailed analysis of evaluation process is aimed to minimize the negative experiences and maximize the positive experiences of ingress and egress related to personal protection equipment. Focusing on ergonomics and comfortability to allow user the ability to perform the tasks required from a commercial fisherman while wearing the required personal flotation equipment to keep them safe. A one-to-one scale ergonomic buck is planned to be built to evaluate the ergonomics and human factors in context of the personal protection equipment to establish a full-bodied human interaction design solution. Results from the specific studies will be used to design the next generation of personal protection equipment to be used by commercial fisherman. The product could eventually be installed on small fishing vessels all around the world; allowing the product the chance to revolutionize the way we think about water safety.

ENHANCEMENT OF HUMAN LIFE STYLE
ENHANCEMENT OF HUMAN LIFE STYLE
CLOSE RANGE SONAR

Rescues victims who fall overboard, especially for one-manned small commercial fishing vessels. close range sonar can locate user in low visibility and steep waves. Securing themselves to the retrieval device will improve their odds of surviving and gives the user a sense of security being able to hold onto something that wont sink.
TELESCOPIC LADDER

Vest allows for maximum flexibility while providing ultimate support and security to the user.
EASY TO REACH

Allows for a more accessible option to climb in to the boat through the telescopic ladder.
HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS
RIP-CORD

The vest allows for an adjustable lower strap that fits to an appropriate size for the user.
TELESCOPIC LADDER

Interaction with lower body through the telescopic ladder and making sure each rung is wide enough and spaced apart enough to allow for a comfortable climb.
COMFORTABLE

Arms and fingers interact with the flotation vest to comfortably pull the rip cord in an emergency. The user can then interact with the retrieval device by laying their arms over the cushioning for a comfortable trip back to the boat.
HUMAN INTERACTION DESIGN
CONDUCTIVE VELCRO

When the user slips on the vest and connects the conductive velcro they are enabling the vest to begin pinging out their location to the retrieval device.
PROXIMITY SENSORS

Interaction with lower body through the telescopic ladder and the rescue arm of the retrieval device, proximity sensors make sure that the device has a secure fit of the individual but that they are not being squeezed.
TACTILE CUSHIONING

Arms and fingers interact with the flotation vest to initiate the rescue system. The user can then interact with the rescue device and lay their hands on the top of the device for a comfortable trip back to the boat.
SUSTAINABILITY
AL & PP COMPONENTS

The main components of RAY are fully recyclable. Aluminum and polypropylene make up the majority of material.
PET CUSHIONING

Cushioning on the retrieval device, straps and webbing for the vest are made from polyester derived from recycled PET products.
RE-USABLE AIR PACKETS

The air packets are able to deflate and then pack back into the vest allowing it to be used a number of times. The c02 cartridge and battery are also recyclable, limiting the ammount of waste created.