Harnesses and life jackets

[Rum_Pirate]

While there is always the cry/movement for getting people to wear life jackets why isn't the same move to wear harnesses?

When sailing we do not continually move about the boat or move occasionally.

Surely it is far far better not to go overboard by being prevented by a harness in comparison to going overboard, and albeit kept bouyant by a life jacket, and having to rely on the boat and crew to successfully carry out a MOB drill?

 

[PetiteFleur]

All my lifejackets are the Automatic with harness & crotch strap. Upgraded from a harness + Manual L/J. I feel this is a good compromise.

 

[flaming]

I think it's to simplify the message.

I'm no powerboater, but as I understand it falling off a fast mobo and being dragged by a harness is a really bad idea. So a lifejacket is a better solution.

I think the general perception by the RNLI/ coastguard etc is that sailors are, in general, more experienced and more aware of safety devices, and that their major message needs to get through to the "Birmingham Navy" types.

And if harnesses are a bad idea for MOBOs, you can imagine that if the RNLI were to advise using them, and there was an accident attributed to wearing one, they would take some flack.

 

[lw395]

The lifejacket thing applies to all aspects of boating, harnesses are more specific to coastal/offshore yachting. Since my offshore LJ's are harness types (other than that I've got dinghy BA's), the harness goes on at the same time. Personally, when it gets rough or is likely to, or at night I make sure there are tethers on deck and ask people to clip on.

 

[ChrisE]

While there is always the cry/movement for getting people to wear life jackets why isn't the same move to wear harnesses?

When sailing we do not continually move about the boat or move occasionally.

Surely it is far far better not to go overboard by being prevented by a harness in comparison to going overboard, and albeit kept bouyant by a life jacket, and having to rely on the boat and crew to successfully carry out a MOB drill?

My dear Rummy,

You are lucky enough to sail in Caribbean, when we sailed there we did as you do and wore harnesses and clipped on, ljs were too damn hot. Now back, we use May Wests to keep the weather off.

Hope this helps

usedtosailinhotnowluckyifthewatertempgetsabovefreezing