I mentioned earlier that the lifeline is only one integral part of the
system and then included stanchions and Doug brought in the issue of
stanchion bases. Finally we mentioned jacklines. But's thats' not all of
it.

A word on harnesses and tethers. Again this is of interest only for those
who go where they are needed, or those who need them regardless of where
they go.

Tethers. I was tempted once upon a time to use one long one. Then I had
occasion to test what it was like to be dragged alongside a self steering
boat and try to get back on board. Not a pretty picture. No it wasn't an
accident it was a tested conducted at speeds from one to seven knots. Based
on that days work we came up with the following:

Use short tethers. That coupled to a centered jackline will keep you from
going over.

Use two tethers in heavy weather. Snap in to the next section of jackline
before unsnapping the first one. In the worksite use both.

Use snaplinks that are positive locking. The best one's don't come from the
marine stores. Go to a store specializing in gear for blue collar folks.
My personal favorite isWork Wear in Lynwood WA.

Harnesses. The SOSpenders and the stand alone harnesses are neat,
comfortable and do the job PROVIDING they don't pop open. The kind with the
buckle that goes through an opening sideways then falls into place is not
worth the money. On our fullharnesses we use the kind where the chest and
leg straps are a sturdy belt buckle arrangement or a positive snap link with
safety release arrangement.

For going aloft or for veryheavy weather I use the industrial kind
withtheleg straps. On these the tether goes in the middle of the back or to
two chest rings. For standard work around the boat I had my comfortable
chest only harness modified with positive snap hooks to ensure it wouldn't
come undone.

This sort of gear also makes it easy for other crew to get you back on board
or lower you down from an aloft worksite.

Stay away from the belt only kind for deck or going aloft purposes. These
are banned from commercial ships anymore. Sudden falls to tether end save
the sailor from going over but damage the spinal cord severely.

When choosing your gear keep this in mind. No one is going to show up in a
few minutes when you are way out there. What you have with you is all you
have. Tools not Toys. And those who choose to use none of the above won't
be out to help you either.

M.