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Submitted by: Frank Rijkers
Many people out boating never consider how easy it is to go overboard until they unexpectedly find themselves in the water. Some C.O.B (crew over board) will remain relaxed and wait to be rescued, while others will panic increasing their chances of drowning. Hopefully they are wearing a life preserver and the conditions are calm.
It is very easy to accidentally go over the side and here are 5 common ways.
1. Being Hit By The Boom
One often reads about the crew or passengers on sailing yachts being hit by the boom and knocked into the water. This happens on smaller cruising and racing boats where the boom is low. An accidental jibe catches many unwary sailors off- guard with the swinging boom causing serious injury and even unconsciousness. If they are not wearing a tether and harness when they fall into the water, things can turn fatal.
2. Landing A Big Fish
Boaters can easily be pulled over the side and into the water while trying to gaff a big fish. By the time the fish is brought alongside the vessel it is usually perceived to be exhausted. After gaffing and then trying to lift the fish onboard, a sudden violent movement by the fish can easily upset ones balance and into the water you go. It s amazing how many people will not let go of the gaff although it seems the obvious thing to do.
3. Relieving Oneself
Men relieving themselves while not tethered to the boat can be a reason for their unexplained disappearances. Balancing against the rail or lifeline with both hands occupied, it is very easy to go over the side if the boat lurches unexpectedly. If they carried some electronic alarm that could get the attention of the crew onboard, or a device that cuts off the engine if motoring, they may still have a chance of being rescued. However, if sailing alone the chances of recovery are slim. Rather pee in a bottle or bucket and then send its contents over the side.
4. Unexpected Movement
A sudden unexpected movement by the boat often helps sailors over the side. The old phrase that is still recognized today as good seamanship, one hand for the boat and one hand for yourself” is still without doubt one of the best safety rules. Sailors have gone overboard because they thought they were still clipped onto the jack line or a strong point. It sometimes happens that when moving about on deck and under a bit of stress while attending to an emergency, the sailor either did not clip on correctly.
Don t become complacent, always check to make sure you are secure, and have one hand holding onto the boat.
5. Loosing Control
It is easy to loose control of any sailboat, motorboat or even the dinghy. As you are not secured with a seat belt, if the vessel strikes something or suddenly veers off coarse it is very natural to be sent flying over the side. I once hit a sand bar on a 34ft sailboat doing about 5 knots. The sudden and totally unexpected impact sent me flying right out of the cockpit. Luckily my wife who was holding on in the cabin at the time, managed to cut the engine.
Going fast or slow, if you are not holding on over the side you are bound to go.
About the Author: Frank Rijkers is a Certified Offshore Yachtmaster.He has sailed the oceans around world in his home built 34ft sailing yacht (Footloose). Having been a charter boat skipper in the Caribbean on private yachts, go to
coolboatingsupplies.com
where he reviews safety products for yachts/boats.
Source:
isnare.com
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