tethers, harnesses, clips, caribiners, quick release, drowning

[sarabande]

spurred on by the developing thread on the way that PBO has gone, I looked around at other practical sites, including

http://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/-10559-1.html


and the article about deaths caused by the inability to release a loaded tether quickly.

It started a train of thoughts when I realised that all my tethers (I'll use the word instead of "safety harness") are of the caribiners type, some with locking safety catches (Wichard).

There is no 100% way that if hanging off the boat by a tether will I be able to pull myself forward by a foot or so, hold the tether and then release it. The article shows a pic of a quick release mechanism which has failed, and discusses various options.

Tether failure is also noted here

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f122/safety-tether-recall-43968.html



QR tethers are available in the

motor racing world

http://www.nickygrist.com/stand-21-quick-release-tether-470-p.asp

horse world

http://www.equinedesigns.co.uk/Equi-Ping_Blue/p578255_2625238.aspx

but these do not appear to answer sailing design issues.




Does anyone have an answer to a normal tether clip either failing to unclip under load, or not being easy to release ?



EDIT

What about spinnaker quick release shackles ? e.g.

http://www.tylaska.com/T5.html

 

[prv]

Precisely why I have a snap-shackle as the harness connector on my tether. The long and short ends are the normal Wichard hooks. The pull on the snap-shackle is a piece of orange webbing (actually a free Jaegermeister lanyard given out in some pub ) with several knots in it and reasonably easy to find by sight or feel without being too likely to snag on things.

This approach seems to be standard in the US, but rare over here.

The article (for those who haven't clicked on the link) was US-based and was actually about even snap-shackles failing to open under load, and unwinding the split-ring on the pin instead. I know I intended to replace the ring on mine with something more robust, but can't remember whether I actually did or not. Even if not, it's pretty chunky (I got the biggest snap-shackle on the stand at SIBS) and still easier to release than what 95% of British sailors are using. I've opened similar shackles under a fair bit of load when dropping spinnakers.

I guess the Tylaska shackles you linked to are easier to open under high loads? I do wonder about being able to find the finger-hole at a funny angle under a fold of oilskins though.

Pete

 

[bbg]

What about spinnaker quick release shackles ? e.g.

http://www.tylaska.com/T5.html

That's what I've done. I've got a standard tether with three snap hooks (central, short tether, long tether). The central hook is snapped onto the bail of one of these Wichard shackles:

Wichard shackles

and the shackle is then clipped onto my harness, so I can release (from me) under load if I need to.

 

[Alfie168]

If all else fails should we not be carrying some form of knife on a lanyard to enable a cut away.

As suggested in the article. I agree its problematic, but I'd still say essential.

"There is a lot to be said on this topic, so please stay tuned for our full report in the October issue. In the meantime, when you're on board, carry a sharp knife and know how to use it . . . blindfolded and hanging upside down. Do not expect any of the existing safety tethers to release safely and easily under load."

Tim

 

[bbg]

If all else fails should we not be carrying some form of knife on a lanyard to enable a cut away.

Tim

I have no confidence that, if I were in a situation that required me to release the tether under load, I would be able to fumble for my knife and cut away.

Yes, I carry a knife but I'm not sure it would be useful in time in this situation.

 

[Seajet]

Some of the spinnaker shackles mentioned rely on a rather weak plunger.

As safety harnesses have evolved, some lessons have been paid for the hard way.

When harnesses first started being used, they were often spliced on at the user end; resulting in a few people being drowned when boats sank quickly.

In the 1979 Fastnet disaster it was discovered that simple single action snap shackles could undo themselves if rotated through the wrong movement; Gibb double-action hooks were brought out as a result, also combined harness and lifejackets, which seem a good idea in case one is caught with the harness disconnected or even parted or broken somehow.

In the 1979 Fastnet it seems that some harness lines - which were rope rather than the webbing used nowadays - parted under load when people were hit by waves, due to knots in the line; this must be avoided at all costs.

Short of carrying a knife ( always a good idea on a boat ) one has to pull a few inches of slack to release a double action hook from one's chest attachment, which could be a problem if injured.

Looking at modern double-action hooks ( which can be easily released with one hand apart from the tension on the line ) they are much stronger than those spinnaker shackles; the shock load of someone being washed over the side into the water at 6 knots or so is quite something...I once had a crew washed out of a dinghy in surf, one moment he was there, the next a blur as he went past !

Double action hooks illustrated here.

 

[Croak]

The simple answer is to not have the tether long enough to fall in in the first place.

 

[rowanloh]

Wichard do models which seem to meet your design requirements. Check out the ORC models which have their snap shackles at the harness end of proceedings.
http://www.proboat.co.uk/item.asp?prod_id=436&cat_id=37#

 

[Seajet]

The simple answer is to not have the tether long enough to fall in in the first place.

A good idea, but how does one go forward or anywhere to handle sails, anchor etc ?

I have found on my 22' boat that harness eyes beside the mast foot can be left with the line attached to clip on to before leaving the cockpit, and allow one to reach the bow for sail handling etc, also are relatively close to the boat centreline so if washed overboard one won't go too far.

I fear it would still be far enough to be a big problem though, and using jackstays on the windward side will be difficult to say the least, and require re-clipping to get around the mast.

There was a rather clever harness jackstay system in about 1980 called 'Latchway' which had a sort of traveller one clipped onto and the thing walked straight over stanchion bases etc, but it was quite expensive and didn't seem to catch on, if you'll pardon the pun; maybe it's simpler to advertise for more crew !

 

[bbg]

Some of the spinnaker shackles mentioned rely on a rather weak plunger.

Really? Of the type I use, the smallest has a breaking strength of 2 tonnes, and the largest over 7 tonnes. I think I use the middle-sized one (I would have to check) but if something is pulling at my harness at over two tonnes, I think I might want something in the system to let go.

Shackles

 

[bbg]

A good idea, but how does one go forward or anywhere to handle sails, anchor etc ?

Run the jackstays inboard of the shrouds, to the cabin top. Then you can use a short tether.

 

[Croak]

A good idea, but how does one go forward or anywhere to handle sails, anchor etc ?

With a line to clip on, from the mast foot to somewhere near the bow.

With my cat being sort of square, you can get to most places clipped on at the mast foot, and have no chance of taking a swim.

 

[Seajet]

All the harness lines I've ever come across are a standard length, with no means of adjustment.

Please note I already have lines clipped on by the mast foot.

In answer to load and shackle strength, it seems judging by unfortunate experiences that it's best to stay attached no matter what, as if you don't it's pretty much Goodnight Vienna anyway !

'Heavy Weather Sailing' originally by Adlard Coles then later revised by Peter Bruce goes into this, a recommended read but don't show it to novices or wives...

 

[bbg]

All the harness lines I've ever come across are a standard length, with no means of adjustment.

Please note I already have lines clipped on by the mast foot.

In answer to load and shackle strength, it seems judging by unfortunate experiences that it's best to stay attached no matter what, as if you don't it's pretty much Goodnight Vienna anyway !

'Heavy Weather Sailing' originally by Adlard Coles then later revised by Peter Bruce goes into this, a recommended read but don't show it to novices or wives...

Standard offshore tethers have two lines - one long and one short, with a mid-line hook (for the harness). One might also consider Rule 5.02.6 from the ISAF Offshore Special Rules (excerpt):

Warning - a safety harness is not designed to tow a person in the water and it is important that a harness is used to minimise or eliminate the risk of a person's torso becoming immersed in water outside the boat.

 

[prv]

Wichard do models which seem to meet your design requirements. Check out the ORC models which have their snap shackles at the harness end of proceedings.
http://www.proboat.co.uk/item.asp?prod_id=436&cat_id=37#

My tether is more or less a home-made version of WD-7008-ORC on that page (minus the elastic and overload indicator).

(Before anyone starts questioning my sewing, the starting point was an extra-long tether made for me by Jimmy Green, and none of my modifications involve load-bearing stitching)

Pete

 

[PatrickB02]

I have found on my 22' boat that harness eyes beside the mast foot can be left with the line attached to clip on to before leaving the cockpit, and allow one to reach the bow for sail handling etc, also are relatively close to the boat centreline so if washed overboard one won't go too far.

I like this idea a lot, but I don't have any harness eyes beside the mast. Would it be OK to just pass the harness around the mast and clip it back onto itself..?

 

[Seajet]

I like this idea a lot, but I don't have any harness eyes beside the mast. Would it be OK to just pass the harness around the mast and clip it back onto itself..?

Errr... as a stop-gap maybe, but personally I'd be keen on something like Wichard U-bolts with hefty wood & stainless backing pads.

 

[TQA]

Never thought of this before and went out and tried to release myself when my harness strop was under tension. I could not do it. I tried a snapshackle and could not undo that either under tension.

I am in the process of altering my current jackstay and harness setup anyway so need ideas. I have a fixed dodger and at the moment the jackstays run outside this so if I fall I could go overboard with no chance of climbing back.

Also the recent Mackinac race tragedy where two people were found dead and still attached to their overturned boat has made me think.

There are several of clips or buckles for car and aircraft seatbelts that will release under tension . I would rather have one of those than a snapshackle or krab.

SNOOKS we need some tests please.

 

[Lady Campanula]

Double action hooks illustrated here.

I have several, similar to the above, made up from rock-climbers' fall arrest loops - which are rated substantialy higher than the ORC SpecRegs requirements - and commercial Gibb double-action snaplinks designed/rated for commercial fall arrest systems. Both stronger and cheaper than 'yottie' products....

The length is such that it is convenient when clipped in to a ring in the cockpit, so I can reach winches, mainsheet, tiller and, when I need to go forward - usually crouched and using handrails - the personal lifeline is looped around the jackstay and clipped back onto my harness, effectively halfing its length and making it close to impossible for me to go overboard.

In wild and bouncy conditions, I use two - even in the cockpit - to reduce the distance I could 'fall' or be thrown. This is especially important when helming in violent seas - such as through a tide race - so that steering control isn't lost by the helmsman sliding/falling about. Several accidents/losses have had that situation as major contributory cause, including one trimaran in the Needles Channel.

 

[Conachair]

I haven't worn a lifejacket for years, i use a lightweight climbing harness and one of these..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigri_(climbing)

Instantly adjustable.

Single handed I am of the opinion that the best thought process is to assume over the side is dead.

Stay on the boat.