When should skippers insist on wearing lifejckets

[Poignard]

I always wear a life-jacket when I'm single-handing and, when sailing with the Old Guv'nor, she insists we both wear them. As she does the catering, I know better than to argue

 

[Ubergeekian]

Safest of all: if you have only the slightest inkling that your crew might sue you - take someone else sailing (if you must).

It's not your crew you have to worry about. It's their widow(er)s.

 

[Babylon]

There shouldn't be any need for confrontation with anti-LJ crew. Just send any new crew member a helpful briefing email well in advance of a trip which includes the point that LJs must be worn at all times everwhere except below decks. That way we all know the score, and anyone who can't live with it needn't turn up.

Agreed. LJs worn all the time by everyone unless moored, anchored, or below decks, whatever the conditions. Also LJ must be donned before stepping into the dinghy. No-one on my boat is exempt.

In the case of my 4-year old, he isn't allowed in the cockpit without his LJ on whether we're underway or otherwise.

As I've nearly been tipped off the coachroof flaking down the mains'l by the wash of motorboats on several occasions, SWMBO has additionally instigated the rule that I must clip on when outside of the cockpit - whatever the conditions - as she's not confident (yet) that she'll be able to recover me.

 

[awol]

 

[Poignard]

It's not your crew you have to worry about. It's their widow(er)s.

Or their widow[er]s' lawyers!

 

[shaunksb]

I always insist that all crew don a lifejacket immediately prior to falling overboard. If they are not sure of the exact timing then wear one until they are sure it won't be happening soon.