Safety Tether

[Brion Toss]

Hi Dan,
Yeah, I know that after a ton or so we'd be shedding body parts in a shock load; I just want a safety factor that signifies relative to a survivable shock load. Energy absorption is of course an issue, and there are a variety of ways to get that, but again, short tethers limit acceleration wonderfully. Likewise again, rope works fine, but bulk and stiffness can be an issue. As for cutting vulnerability, I rather like the idea of being able to cut a tether away quickly, at least in circumstances where accidental cutting isn't likely.
Fair leads,
Brion

[Ian McColgin]

Sometimes I think we're talking about different things.

I like jacklines inside all rigging so I can move to any part of the boat without having to unhook. I've happened to use three strand line but there's a good argument for purpose made tube tape jacklines that won't roll out from under foot.

I've used three strand, braid, and tube tape for the tether that connects the harness to the jackline or whatever. Frankly makes little difference to me.

I much prefer the basic figure 8 pattern harness with the cross at the back.and the tether through a D ring (if flat tape sewn harness) or 'biner (if rope) one one side, through a D ring or biner on the other, and back out the first ring. Size it so the closed up position is tight but not breath constricting. It needs to be tight enough that any harness parts, 'biners and whatnot don't clock you good under the jaw.

Such a harness can be worn loose until you fall and it will then close up nicely. Because it turns you around as you reach the end of your tether, the stress is spread across your upper back - the best muscled and protected part of your torso. Webbing is less uncomfortable in a fall, less bruising, but either will stop you.

Given how easy it is to make up a figure 8 harness, there's no reason for any crew to whine if they need harnesses and none are provided. Make it, like we all did in the 50's and 60's before modern rock climbing and the outdoor consumer products revolution from which we've all benefited.

G'luck