Test Summary
In the Water Test

Test Setup
A six-foot and a three-foot safety harness were attached to a genoa track slide located on the deck edge of the vessel. The COB would don the safety harness, and then enter the water. The COB would attempt several positions in the water, including face down, face up, and totally relaxed (as an unconscious COB would be). Weather conditions were air temperature 65-70 F, wind 8-10 knots, seas 1 foot, water temperature 60 F.

Test Results
For all harnesses, the leeward side will be easier to drag from, because the hull sets up a lee that knocks down the waves somewhat. On the windward side, there are many small waves that bounce off the hull and into the COB's face making breathing somewhat difficult. In all COB situations, it will be imperative to stop the progress of the boat. For all harnesses, the 3' tether put more strain on the ribs, because more of the wearer's weight was supported by the harness and less by the water. However, with the 3 foot tether more of the COB's body is out of the water, delaying the onset of hypothermia.

Static Test showing how the attachment point on the Forespar Passagemaker Harness comes close to the face. This also manifested itself during the in the water testing.

The standard harnesses were rated comfortable while being towed, and the ability to breathe was deemed adequate. The West Marine Securite' harness seemed to do a better job at keeping the wearer's head above water than the Forespar Passagemaker. The attachment point on the Forespar harness moved up into the wearer's face, causing him to declare this harness the most uncomfortable of the harnesses he tested. The West Marine Securite' harness is marketed towards women as being more comfortable for them. The male wearer of the harness declared it the most comfortable of the harnesses he wore that day.

We tested two models of foul weather coat with built in harness. One was a new Gill Southern Cross with Crewsaver harness, and the other was an older model Henri-Lloyd. We used the shoulder straps on the Gill/Crewsaver model, rather than using the chest strap only. The shoulder straps made it a little more difficult to put the coat on, because the straps had a tendency to fall down into the sleeves. A keeper would be a good idea to retrofit to the liner, or it may be best to leave the shoulder straps off. Leg straps were an option for the harness but were not fitted. This particular harness could be used as a stand-alone item, but installation into the jacket took approximately 20 minutes and required disassembly of the harness. It should be considered a permanent installation for that reason. The Henri-Lloyd model had only a single strap around the chest.
 

Henri-Lloyd jacket with integral harness being tested in the water.

The Gill/Crewsaver jacket/harness combination was comfortable and breathing was adequate. Both the Gill/Crewsaver and Henri-Lloyd would not keep the wearer's head out of the water, however. One item of note is that with a load on the jacket, it had a tendency to constrict around the neck as long as the zipper was zipped tight. When testing the Henri-Lloyd jacket, the wearer wore a type III PFD under the jacket. Normally, when under load the harness would slide up under the armpits. However, with the PFD underneath, the harness would not ride up. The wearer was in considerable pain because the pressure was being absorbed low on the rib cage and lower back. It appears that wearing a PFD under the jacket is not recommended.

The inflatable vest tested was comfortable under load and uninflated. Breathing was adequate, but the wearer's face is closer to the water with this type than with a good standard harness. When inflated, the bladder causes constriction around the neck, although breathing is still quite possible. Also, when inflated it had a tendency to funnel water up between the inflation tubes and into the wearer's face. When the COB was on his back the tether went across the front of the bladders. With a shorter tether this had a tendency to cause the head to take a "bow down" attitude, making it to go down towards the water and causing the wearer to strain his neck to keep his head above water.

Many foredeck crew wear a rock climbers harness. The foredeck ape who tried this harness without the chest harness didn't feel it was acceptable for being towed at speed, because it is difficult to control your attitude in the water. It is possible to get crosswise to the current and strain your back. It was an improvement to include the chest harness, as this prevented the wearer from getting crosswise to the flow. These harnesses are comfortable and don't interfere with breathing. There was some discomfort in the groin area from the leg straps when the wearer jumped in the water. Ostensibly that is only a problem for males.

Miller Industrial Harness

The Miller industrial harness had a tether attachment point between the shoulder blades. This has become the most common location for industrial harnesses. The disadvantage of such a position is that if the wearer went face down in the water, they would have to take active measures to get face up again. When facing backwards, this harness should allow the most comfortable breathing while being towed at speed. The cross chest strap constricted the neck slightly, although that may have been due to faulty adjustment by the user.

The 6-foot safety tether used had a quick release shackle, similar to the shackles used by smaller boats for spinnaker and jib halyards. It released easily under load at approximately 4 knots.

See Appendix II for details.

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