Safety Tethers: A Valuable and Potentially Life-Saving Addition to Every Motor Boater’s Essential Gear

All too often, safety tethers are noticed in marine supply stores but disregarded by motor boaters. Prominent among sailors for their use during windy conditions or nighttime boating to prevent overboard accidents, they also have significant utility on motor boats.

Insights from a recent simulated ‘man overboard’ scenario emphasized their usage. The heavy, unresponsive dummy, intended to mimic an unconscious person, proved challenging to handle while maintaining one’s balance on the boat. Attachment to the boat via a safety tether provided a tangible advantage, allowing for the use of both hands in recovery efforts.

Standard tethers often come with clips at both ends, with some variations featuring elasticity and multiple clips. This design allows the crew member to stay connected while moving across different attachment points on the boat, providing continuous security. For instance, it could be advantageous when dealing with a loose anchor on a rough sea day.

Preference and convenience dictate the manner of attaching the tether to oneself. Lifeline harnesses and lifejackets with dedicated clip points are available options. Motorboats, unlike sailboats, typically lack safety lines along the deck. Therefore, secure points to clip onto, which can prevent an overboard fall, should be identified and shared with the crew. In scenarios where guardrails or cleats fall short of preventing an overboard accident, they can still keep one connected to the boat.

The choice of tether attachments varies according to personal needs and boat specifications, spanning fixed-length ropes, elasticated cords with one-handed clips, and strops with overload strain indicators. Lifejacket clip points also come in different styles, including strap clips, metal rings, or reinforced fabric loops. Regardless of hand strength, ensure the clip can be released one-handed before purchasing. Lastly, always be ready to detach instantaneously when using a tether, by keeping a knife within easy reach.

Ultimately, safety tethers can boost practicality by proving invaluable in enhancing safety while motor boating. By giving them due consideration, motor boaters can ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience on the water.