There are a series of strategies that were examined in the first series of tests including:

* Multiple loops of line that formed a rough rope ladder.

* Multiple life jackets joined together and dropped over a winch that also formed a rough rope ladder.

* The elevator method that consisted of a line affixed to a cleat and then dropped in the water. The victim places his or her feet on the middle of the line that is then led to a winch. The victim is then slowly lifted until a leg can be brought over the toe rail. This procedure worked very well with the Lifesling.

* Ladders of all sorts were looked at with mixed results depending on a variety of design features.

As with all elements of these tests, we intend on refining this list over time.