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| conradmb |
Posted - 12 Sep 2009 : 22:46:33
The RYA give instructors advice about entrapment - ie, getting caught and dragged under the boat. I understand that main concern is that trapeze harness hook gets caught on the shroud and the person is dragged under although becoming entangled in ropes is also a possibility. Their advice to safety boat crews is to right the dinghy asap - and having practised it with some of our helpers I know some of the difficulties.
To avoid getting trapped you might consider the following...
Check out the new quick release harness systems
Ensure the crew knows to keep clear of the shroud when in the water when the boat is on its side
Carry a serrated/sharp knife, easily accesible, and know how to cut the harness/hook free - think this through and have a practice (with a pretend knife!) whilst in the water or at least blindfold.
Increase masthead buoyancy - specially made bags are on the market.
Understand your boats characteristics - and does your safety boat team know what to do?
Look at http://www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/news/Pages/lessonstobelearnedfromdinghytragedyreport.aspx
for more info |
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