"Capt. JG" wrote in message
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"News f2s" wrote in message
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(lots of good comments snipped, review thread if needed)

My thought with the inflatable in the water, assuming the MOB is able to get
into it, is that it gets them safely out of the water before the mothership
can get itself properly positioned for recovery (inflatable still tethered
to m.s.). In the inflatable, they can regain composure and calm down a bit
(if possible after the big splash). Bringing the m.s. abeam the inflatable,
the MOB is protected from the hard surface of the m.s.'s hull, and they can
"stand on the water," as it were, making recovery easier. In theory, but I
think a theory that is worth consideration. Most people can't levitate
themselves to water level, so having that "step up" advantage could be very
useful.