Safety: We Can’t Do Or Even Learn About It All
These days it seems like hardly a month goes by without the announcement of a new and/or improved safety device, aggressively marketed as the latest thing that we all must buy, to the point that it’s getting impossible to keep up. Here is how John decides which of these new technologies to put energy into understanding and which to ignore.
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Cookies Won’t Keep Us Going in The Liferaft
Most every liferaft and many abandon ship bags have emergency rations in them. But is this stuff really useful? John opens a bag to find out.
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Jackline and Tether Availability – Good News
A new-old source for pre-made Dacron jacklines as well as the webbing to make them DIY.
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CrewWatcher Versus AIS POB Beacon—Speed of Alarm Claim
John happened upon a claim made by the manufacturer of the CrewWatcher smartphone-based person overboard alarm, that is, in his opinion, rubbish.
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A Conversation With Ocean Signal About AIS POB Beacons
A chat with Steve Moore, Product Manager at Ocean Signal about potential problems with the MOB1 Beacon and how to make sure these beacons work. Also a couple of other thoughts on water activation for AIS beacons and AIS/PLB combo beacons.
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5 Ways We Are Updating Our Thinking On Fire Fighting
Based on the great comments from experts on a previous post, Phyllis and John have substantially changed their thinking on fighting a fire aboard.
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Maus Fire Extinguishers—A Breakthrough?
Fire at sea. Those three words strike fear into the heart of any prudent mariner. John takes a look at a new fire extinguisher that may be uniquely suited for use on cruising boats.
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Don’t Swim Near Marinas
Most of us know about the risk of electric shock drowning in fresh water, but what about in sea water? Should we be concerned?
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Can We Really Be Seen By Ships at Night?
We all have navigation lights, and many of us AIS transponders too, so we assume that other vessels can easily see us at night, but can they really? John shares some tips learned from a real life night encounter with another yacht.
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Person Overboard Prevention—TeamO Backtow Lifejacket/Harness
John takes a look at the innovative TeamO Backtow Lifejacket/Harness.
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Bare Feet, Or Not
John sticks his neck out and gets right controversial but it’s really all about seamanship…it’s always all about seamanship.
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20 Things I Have Learned About Person Overboard Prevention
Just three years ago I thought I really understood Person Overboard (POB) Prevention. And then I found out how many of my cherished ideas about what would keep me and my crew safe were just plain wrong. Here are 20 things I have since learned that could save your life.
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Security Tips For Cruising In Risky Places
Some of the world’s most interesting cruising destinations are subject to theft and violence. Colin provides tips to stay safe. Fixation on risk plays no part in adventure…but planning does.
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Ten Ways to Make Propane Safer
Propane is an intrinsically dangerous fuel to have on a boat. Here are 10 tips to ameliorate the risk of an explosion.
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Thoughts on Spinlock Lifejacket “Failure” and Crotch Straps in General
To be safe we need to be open to reviewing our assumptions in the light of new information. John takes a fresh look at the Spinlock Deckvest that he and Phyllis have used for years, and also revisits the whole issue of wearing crotch straps, or not.
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