Fog

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davedpc

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Started over to the IOW last evening on our regular trip for a drink and a steak. It was overcast and as we went out into Southampton water off Hamble Point the viz. dropped down to less than 1000yards. So little in fact that the car ferries were sounding their fog horns. Now as we always wear lifejackets except one stubborn individual and even due to the abnormal conditions,he still refused to wear one. Therefore it was decided that we would not 'go across ' but to have a trip up the well lit southampton water where the vis. was better,and have a rubby on our way home. What is the responsibility of the skipper towards the crew should we have lost someone overboard in the water without a lifejacket?
 
I had a similar situation last year when I was asked to take some teenagers for a 'taster' sail - one who already had dinghy sailing experience initially said no but when I said "No lifejacket, you're not coming" he reluctantly put one on and had no further problems for the rest of the weekend.
 
IMHO it's not just about getting him to wear a LJ but also about him acting on your wishes (any wishes) for the safety of the boat, last thing you need is someone doing what they like when you need to be in control...
 
No LJ no trip out!

What was his problem?

My Father in Law, a VSO in the RAF didn't want to wear one on our boat the 1st time out.
"Do I need it?" he asked
"Only if you fall in" I replied

He wore it! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I am glad to say that around our way you look a bit odd if you're not wearing one.
 
No LJ - no trip.

For me it isn't really about what he wants. As skipper we are responsible for the soles on board and the last thing you want if things go pear-shaped is to have your mind distracted when the stuff hits the fan because some plonker wanted to be macho. Him not having an LJ on could endanger others and for me that is unacceptable.

I make it clear from the start that if I say "LJs on" then they MUST go on without delay or argument. They go on at night or in reduced vis or bad wx. If the wx is good then I leave it up to the individual but even then, if on foredeck or in a postion where there is risk of MOB, then LJ must be on whilst under way.

It is one of the few things I insist upon.
 
Think the only time I was wearing a life jacket, was when we were sinking, and only then cos SWMBO said. the life boat will play hell, if I have not got one on. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I cant swim, by the way. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Anyway, whats this only 1,000 yards vis. Fer Christ sake how much do you need, as long as you've slowed down, just a few boat lengths is plenty. Fogs bad when you cant see the anchor, but still no reason to be in any real danger these days.

Sounds a bit like buying a rubber car,cos the driver cant drive. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Fog is always an added problem in the dark. There is always less private traffic in the solent at night but the various ferries and cats dont stop or slow down. What you cant see or hear is the wash from these vessles which can catch you offguard. I never used to want to wear a seatbelt in my car until i was forced to,but a head on collision with a drunk at speed soon changed my mind and his life.
 
I dont disagree with the point that you are the skipper, so you make the decision. If you like, the LJ is just an instance. You always make the decision.
Would I have not gone ?.. dont know.. depends on how severe the situation was.Might have, and just never invited that person again. his actions alone probably,probably,wouldnt have jeopordised the ship or crew. Different say, to if he was rolling drunk.
Still, you took the safest route, and nowt wrong with that.
 
Silly irresponsible me. I should have fitted seat belts to the boat. Dam blast!

But I do have radar and would not go to sea without it.

Bit confused now. Am I irresponcible or a wuss. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
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