Seamanship: Jacklines

Can we call it "Jacktrack"?

At sea, falling overboard is one of the leading causes of death in boating. Fastening oneself to the vessel with a safety harness reduces this risk, but finding a convenient and reliable place to attach a harness tether can sometimes be a problem. 

A jackline is a temporary line that is strung from the vessel's bow to a point near the stern to which a safety harness can be conveniently clipped on, allowing a crew-member to move about the deck safely when there is a risk of falling or being swept overboard. Nylon webbing is normally used for jacklines, as the webbing lies flat on the deck and won't roll under foot like a round line would.

Harken has introduced a more permanent, built-in solution to the problem with what might be called "jacktrack." Harken calls it their Tight Radius System (TR-31)

This would be ideal for vessels that normally venture offshore.

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