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Man Overboard, part2
Man Overboard, part2 | Man Overboard, part2 |
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To prevent headsails, young children or even pets going overboard, it's common to see netting laced between the upper wire and the deck, particularly forward: and remember, bowsprits also need safety netting. the safety of the cockpit, the risks will be reduced considerably. However, it will still be necessary to go forward at some time and the same precautions will need to be taken. Valuable extra protection can be gained by rigging temporary horizontal lines around the boat. They should be between waist and chest height and secured with clove hitches to the shrouds so you can easily lower them to avoid fouling the sails or rig. Shroud or stay terminals will need to be checked to see if they can cope with the transverse loading from these extra lines. In extreme weather conditions, crawling may be the only way to move around. If you have difficulty in keeping your balance, you should lower your centre of gravity, sitting or crouching where possible. The cockpit can also be criss-crossed with lines to give secure handholds and stop you from falling too far. Spring hooks on harness lines should be fitted with safety catches to prevent accidental release 4. Some prefer that the wearer's end is fitted with a snap shackle which can be released under full load - others fear that this can be tripped accidentally. A compromise might be a sharp knife in your pocket in case the line has to be cut in an emergency. Other harnesses employ a number of hooks, giving the option of a short or long tether, or both. Jackstay lines are usually in webbing or wire. The latter have the advantage of durability but also have a tendency to 'roll' underfoot if stepped on which can throw you off balance. Jackstay terminals should be regularly checked. Personally speaking A harness for each member of the crew is essential, and must be adjusted - beforehand please! - to fit the wearer. In an emergency, a rope around the waist or chest is better than nothing. Usually the crew will have both a harness and line. Another approach is to make the lines common to all, regarding them as extensions of the boat. A number of strategically placed lines are semi-permanently clipped around the deck, and the crew moves between them, connected to the boat by at least one line at any time. This method makes sure that the attachments are secure and well thought out in advance. It also avoids the crew hurriedly clipping on to less suitable parts of the boat, such as halyards and sheets.
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