Fisherman lives to tell the story

[Gloucester]

Thought I would share a success story from the East side. You never know how fast you'll need that lifejacket! Where's yours stowed? Under the seat, down below? When we do our inspections, we use the old "readily accessable". For me, that would 5-10 sec. (especially on smaller boats) and it's in my hand. Be safe.
CS

Safety at Sea

[HiouchiMike]

Thanks for the friendly reminder for us all. Seconds could be all we have to prepare.

[Nordic Sun]

NEVER STOP SELLING SAFETY!!!!!

And congradulations on your next post #100!!

[Rip'N'Lips]

USCG-

I guess I take it a step further. Since you can never be fully prepared for everything, why not wear a lifejacket at all times. It's required for kids 12 and under, but once you reach 13 what? Are you a magical swimmer? Do dangerous situations no longer exist?

Go to Fisherman's, but a lifejacket you can live with and wear it always....

Rip'N'Lips

[craigc]

A friend of mine rolled his boat off the Nehalem bar a couple years ago. The only thing that saved his life is that he was wearing his pfd. He said a person is not thinking about getting his pfd ON during an emergency in a small boat.

I met another guy on the Westport docks that slipped on a rode when he going forward on his boat to remove a bow line. He hit his head on the railing, rolling over into the water, and no one was nearby to see the accident. The only thing that saved his life was that he was wearing a pfd.

As a result, I always wear my pfd on my boat, and request the same of my guests.

Craigc

[Lepper]

I always have mine on when heading out over the bar.. but The blasted thing is so dang uncomfortable.. how are those inflatables? are they worth the money??

dave

[elron]

for me its on me, and I'm going to the show this weekend to buy inflatable sospenders. Not to hijack the thread but I did see a cool show on the columbia tonight on the travel channel. If nobody has said so today "thanks for doing what you do"

[Spoonplugger]

USCG, thanks for the link. The videos on that page are also very informative.

[skein]

I'll say it again. If you're on my boat, you will be wearing a pfd. I have inflatables for everyone so they can be comfortable, or you can bring your own.

Emergencies don't just strike while you're crossing the bar or when the seas get rough. You'll be a lot easier to find or get back into the boat if you're floating. I want the odds in our favor.

Skein

[Herring Problem]

I have always been pretty relaxed about wearing PFD's for everyone on the boat. Always mandated that everyone wear one buckled up for going and coming across the bar.
Then I made my first Halibut run out to the ranch and I asked my crew to keep the vest on for the entire trip. While we were out, the USCG boys were checking boats and when they came by my boat, the four of us had life jackets on and buckled while we were fishing. Thumbs up from the Coasties. After that day, I have made all of my ocean runs with the crew wearing jackets. I wear an Auto-inflater and use the heavy neoprene USCG approved body jackets for my crew. Planning on getting more suspender still jackets. Very comfortable to wear while fishing and being on the boat.
I finally got it, I can't tread water long enough to justify not having a PFD on. Can you?

[Gloucester]

Had to post...100, did not even realize. I'm not sure what I'll transform to, but right on. :grin: Nothing beats wearing a lifejacket at all time. But bottom line is, it does not always happen, that's your choice, that's your right.
It's not against the law, unless your under the age of 12. So, if your one of those that does not wear a lifejacket while underway, at least make sure you can grab it and grab it quick. Be safe, boat smart.
CS

[Gloucester]

COHO!!! Right on! Fish on!