I simply added two lines (one to each latch) that extend down to the edge of the transom. A slight tug on each one releases the ladder and there's a third line that is primarily used for pulling the ladder up when on board, that is used to pull the ladder down. It's been tested (purposely) and it works well.
I added an AIS radio with chartplotter and integrated them with my AP so a push of a button will guide my boat back to an MOB (may not work so great under sail) so I can tend to other things, like deployment of flotation, adjusting sails, keeping and eye on the MOB. Will be adding a PA speaker to the radio for automatic sound signals (fog, anchor, etc.)
I also purchased whistles and added those C-Lights to every PFD on board as well as strobes to the family's permanent PFD's.
As far as training goes, my wife, son and I practice MOB routinely (my son loves the game) and I spend time training him on how to stop the boat (release jib sheet, release main halyard under sail/throttle down, neutral under power) so I can get back. I quiz him every once in a while. He's too young to work the lines to sail back just yet but that training will start this season (he's 9).
Thanks to my careers making me very safety conscious, I also maintain an Emergency Operations Plan in a small binder that has a map of the boat clearly showing thru-hulls, breakers, fire ext, signals, PFD and other flotation devices, and basic emergency instructions that new passengers look over while I'm preparing the boat and before I give them the "pre-sail briefing". It may sound goofy but most think its cool and it gives them a sense that we are prepared for anything and it makes first timers more comfortable.
Don't mind the dirty boat in the pic. I have to walk through mind and dirt to get to the ladder. Why won't spring get here???
