Abstract: A compact, lightweight, self-contained rappel apparatus by which a person such as a parachuting smoke jumper, aviator, or other person may safely descend a line or rope from a tree canopy or other high perch to the ground or a lower elevation. The invention is designed for one-handed use with a preferred figure 8 system of descent line reeving around and about the top pipe and bottom pipe of the descender that results in multiple frictional line-to-line contact points as the line crosses itself in each figure 8 wrap in the area between the top pipe and bottom pipe.

Abstract: An inflatable ice mud water rescue craft has an inflatable closed-loop tube that encircles a floor member and two rescue openings, one inboard at the bow and one inboard at the stern of the craft. Preferably the floor member is inflatable. The tube and floor member form the boundaries for the two rescue openings. The tube turns upward fore and aft of the floor member at an angle in the range of 30 to 65 degrees relative to the plane of the floor member and encircles the rescue openings. The tube and rescue openings at the bow and stern arch more than half as high as the overall beam of the craft above the surface of the rescue scene. Drowning victims or imperiled persons may be brought into the craft through the rescue openings.