Installing the safety line properly is key to its effectiveness. Generally, you’ll want to run the safety line from stern cleats to the bow’s cleats on both the port and starboard sides of the keel line. However, this placement might not be ideal in all instances, as it can leave a crewmember hanging by the…
A tether will secure you to the vessel during rough weather, preventing falls overboard. But the question remains: Should I tether to my boat? The simple answer is yes – using a tether can be a crucial safety measure for those on board, especially when sailing in rough conditions or performing tasks that require moving…
A safety harness, in conjunction with tethers and jacklines, plays a crucial role in keeping you secure on deck during challenging weather conditions and preventing you from falling overboard. Harnesses are typically worn around the chest or waist and attach to the boat using a tether (or lanyard), which then connects to a strong point…
A sailing tether, also known as a safety lanyard, is a key component in personal safety equipment used in sailing. The components typically consists of: 🔗 Purpose: Its main function is to keep the sailor connected to the boat to prevent them from falling overboard. 🪢 Design & Material: A line or strap usually made…
Staying aboard a vessel is paramount to survival, even more so when sailing solo or short-handed. The chances of recovery of a man overboard when the crew is shorthanded and when the wind gets up are very slight. The cliché that “prevention is better than cure” is most apt with sailing. What is most important…
A jackline is an essential safety feature for sailors, especially when working on the deck in rough conditions. It is a rope, wire, or webbing that stretches from the bow to the stern of a sailboat, providing a secure attachment point for the crew’s safety harness. By connecting their harness to the jackline, sailors can…
When submerged in water, a Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) is activated by water pressure at a specific depth, usually around 4 meters. This pressure causes the unit’s release mechanism to function, allowing the liferaft or EPIRB to separate from the sinking vessel and float to the surface. There are different types of HRUs, some of…
As a seasoned sailor and maritime safety enthusiast, I’m excited to share my insights on Hydrostatic Release Units (HRUs) with you. This article introduces you to the world of HRUs, covering their operation, types, and crucial regulations. I understand the intricacies around maritime safety equipment and aim to provide clear, reliable guidance. Drawing from my…
Yes, personal flotation devices (PFDs) can be difficult to put on in the water due to buoyancy and mobility constraints. It’s recommended to wear them before entering the water. The most important safety equipment you will carry on your boat is PFDs and life jackets. They are the last line of defense for someone who…
Sea anchors and drogues are useful in maintaining boat stability during storms, controlling drift, and assisting in fishing or steering issues. It’s also crucial for facilitating quick stops, such as engine failure. Their slowing effect on a boat can be the difference between a rough storm that is weathered successfully or not. Over the course…