Not wearing a kill cord

[TonyC]

Originally Posted by BassBoy

(I don't think the RYA like using the word 'KILL' (cord) anymore when talking about powerboat safety)

The RYA does still use the word killcord.

One big issue with killcords is the numerous cords out there which are just twirly bits of plastic that will snap after UV exposure or from heavy use.

Type & Conposition of Killcords

Safe use of killcords

Using killcords when teaching children

[Doug Stormforce]

Originally Posted by simonnud

Looking throw motorboat and yachting this mourning I came across an article about the windy 760 and in the pictures where the boat been driven by someone clearly not wearing a lifejacket or kill cord.

This is pretty common place across adverts, brochures and magazines. I see it as a sign of company that does not understand the issues or really care about the sport or its customers.

I belive that in the UK there are still more people operating small high speed craft in the summer and not usinng kill chords than there are who are.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by simonnud

Looking throw motorboat and yachting this mourning I came across an article about the windy 760 and in the pictures where the boat been driven by someone clearly not wearing a lifejacket or kill cord.

Unless I am mistaken then there were three people in the latest PBO all on board a small open boat whilst the magazine tested its claims to be unsinkable. As far as I could see none where wearing l/j's or kill cord - despite clearly modifying the stability characteristics of the boat and trying to sink it! OK so there was a camera boat on hand - but it struck me that it was a bit of daft journalism - as they clearly had no expectation that they were going to sink.

Originally Posted by 9D280

Even the engine makers have wised up.

do you think they have been sued by someone, for not encouraging them to use theirs? thats the sort of thing that focuses the mind.

Originally Posted by Alt

According to MBY's editor, that's a stock photo from the manufacturers website

is that a defence?

Originally Posted by TonyC

One big issue with killcords is the numerous cords out there which are just twirly bits of plastic that will snap after UV exposure or from heavy use.

not sure that criticism is generally true for leisure boats though. - kill cord tends not to be overused or exposed to UV for long periods. Bigger issue for training centres etc - but then they should have more rigorous safety/inspection auditing procedures in place.

[Bigmuz7]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

Take for example this pic from a well known cruise line, don't they realise the danger they're putting these folks in without issuing correct safety gear.

Blimey .. Is that Peter Stringfellow finally eyeing up someone his own age ? ,..

[Phil]

is there a link between irresponsible advertising ( courtesy Rib net police) and the "lets go round Britain in a gale 8, 4m rib being indestructable, 4x4 of the sea etc....."

or is there only 1 side to the story

debate

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Phil

is there a link between irresponsible advertising ( courtesy Rib net police) and the "lets go round Britain in a gale 8, 4m rib being indestructable, 4x4 of the sea etc....."

or is there only 1 side to the story

debate

Only for those hoping to win Darwin awards or someone deliberately taking statements out of context.

Of course nothing is invincible. Only the terminally stupid would believe otherwise. However, only the terminally stupid would go out without lifejackets and the killcord not used. We can't be responsible for every idiot out there or what they read into what's said. However,showing use of basic safety equipment is a responsible thing to do.

Still, it's quite telling that common sense isn't common...

[simonnud]

is there a link between irresponsible advertising ( courtesy Rib net police) and the "lets go round Britain in a gale 8, 4m rib being indestructable, 4x4 of the sea etc....."

or is there only 1 side to the story

Not very constructive !

Example of 2 people being killed because of no kill cord.


http://www.maib.dft.gov.uk/publicati...tin_1_2005.cfm


This is not just the driver but inocent people. As a skipper you have to be resposible, the other people on the boat may not have a clue that you as a skipper not wearing a kill cord may kill them.

[Phil]

I would never go out without a kill cord and fully endorse the use of lifejackets when needed

Just interested in the application of "common sense" in each situation - as I said - debate ....

[PeterM]

I'l admit that common sense for me is when I'm going up the river ( flat calm ) at 4knts ( or less) I take it off as it allows me to move around the boat without stopping the engine every time . Like wise I dont always wear a life jacket in the same situation .

BUT common sense for me is when I get the end of the river & the water goes from river ( 4 ft deep ) to sea ( alot deeper ) & I will go from 4 knts to 40 kts I will always have a life jacket & killcord on/ attached. Yes there have been occasions when the want to have fun overtakes the 'common sense approach' I should have when I am doing 40 knts 4 ft off the water !- but isn't that part of the appeal of what we do in any boat ? - we can choose - we are not forced to do anything ( unlike most other 'fun' pastimes). We know the risk - we asses it & we act accordingly - isn't that what common sense is ?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Blackroady

We know the risk - we asses it & we act accordingly - isn't that what common sense is?

Yes.

But what we have hear is an example of a manufacturer not setting a good example and that not being picked up on by the publication.

No one is suggesting compulsory engine stop cords or lifejackets, just that it would be right and proper for the builders and journos to show photos of people "doing it right".

The RNLI spend (our) money advertising the valid fact that lifejackets are useless unless worn, all of which is undermined when a magazine shows a photo of the boat being driven naked.

[PeterM]

Hold on - naked pictures - surely thats a nother thread ?

[RichardB]

Just reading this thread and observing general behaviour...

- Use of killcords seems to be pretty widespread near universal in ribs. Ditto for lifejackets from my observations.
- Use of killcords in other fast powercraft is harder to judge out on the water
- But my impression is that use of lifejackets on other fast powercraft is pretty sparse. Big ones, quite rare and on smaller bowrider types it feels like this too.

Does this tally with others impressions?

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by RichardB

Just reading this thread and observing general behaviour...

- Use of killcords seems to be pretty widespread near universal in ribs. Ditto for lifejackets from my observations.
- Use of killcords in other fast powercraft is harder to judge out on the water
- But my impression is that use of lifejackets on other fast powercraft is pretty sparse. Big ones, quite rare and on smaller bowrider types it feels like this too.

Does this tally with others impressions?

Yes.

[JSP]

I can tell you that 99% of Motor yachts I've seen have had no life jackets on the people on board. But these have been 32-48ft ones. Does that make them safer? Nope but there is a false sense of security with larger boats where you can go below decks.
I've only ever seen one sailing boat go out from the local dock with no life jackets on and have never seen anyone stupid enough to be with out one in a RIB.
I have seen those open hard boats (silverfox?) with no signs of a LF.

[PeterM]

Yes 100% - smaller fletcher type ski boats - no chance of a kill cord/ lifejacket. Users seem to prefer wet demin to keep them afloat & general poor maintainence to stop the engine. If they drown the 15 cans of special brew will stop them feeling anything.

BIG BIG cruisers types - They will never fall off & as they dont ever do more the 2 knots they will swim to catch up- if they drown they wont feel anything due to the amount of GIN in thier system.

OK - General sweeping statement but I am guessing we have all seen the types alluded to ?

[Pablo]

Originally Posted by malthouse

a magazine shows a photo of the boat being driven naked.

My fantasy, sex at 50 knotts

[JSP]

Imagine the effect the wind and salt would have though

[m chappelow]

Originally Posted by Blackroady

engine. If they drown the 15 cans of special brew will stop them feeling anything.



?

or they could drink them and squash the cans into a carrier bag and hold it up ,would make a brilliant radar reflector .

[BruceB]

Originally Posted by JSP

I've only ever seen one sailing boat go out from the local dock with no life jackets on and have never seen anyone stupid enough to be with out one in a RIB.

You must be looking at different yachts from me then, a reasonably large percentage I see do not wear them.
Also on RIBs used for diving it is almost unknown for anyone to wear a LF and also pretty common for no kill cord to be used.

[Bigmuz7]

Originally Posted by m chappelow

or they could drink them and squash the cans into a carrier bag and hold it up ,would make a brilliant radar reflector .

This is descending into a boatmad thread, where they all end up comparing knob sizes and JF always loses