Using the swimplatform for line handling...

PascalG

PascalG

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Maybe I m just a little bit too careful but I don't want anyone on the platform while docking or handling line. Never.

Yesterday I was watching a 50ish sea ray coming in here in the Exumas, with mom at the bow and a kid, maybe 14 or 15 on the swimplatform close to the edge along the side trying to pass a stern line up to a high fixed dock at the same level as his head. Obviously they had done this many time before and this is they operated.

One mis step, one accidental bump and disaster strikes What are they thinking? There was no reason not to handle the line from th aft deck (aft cabin)

Recently I saw a stew slip and catch herself just in time on a 100 footer backing down into a slip while She could have safely handle the line from the deck

Worst a couple of months ago I was a guest on a 150 footer for an evening party here at Staniel. Coming back I was up on bridge watching the operations when we heard a splash and the captain calmly said... "well someone went overboard". Boat wasn't fully secured and he had to wait till the first mate gave the all clear to be able to finish tying up. Could have been tragic Again big boat and professional crew

Bottom line. Never allow anyone on a rainless platform when engines are running
 
I suppose "accidents happen", but in my experience, only when you permit them to do so.

When docking all persons ( and their pieces/parts ) should be "inside the hull". And I've not ( yet, I suppose ) had an issue.

A swim platform can extend beneath a dock. There is no rail so there is a huge opportunity for a swim in the water just in front of a reversing prop, beneath the line of sight of the helmsman.

I can't think of a good reason for a person to be on the platform, and many reasons not to.

Be safe. Be happy.
 
My rule is no one on the swim platform if engine is running.
 
That's it, Pascal, Jim.

Don't open that door to mishap.
 
No one ever on platform when boat in motion.
I wouldn't say when engine running because I start motors and go out and get lines which I tie to swim platform cleats at my home dock.
But normally noone on my swim platform unless I say so.
I don't even like people going up around on gunwales when running but you have to to get fenders and rafting.
When boat is in motion everyone is in cockpit or at helm.
 
Yes, and especially when backing into a slip. You got that sharp, spinny thing under the platform.
 
Nice that everyone agrees on this. I make it a point to go over it with people who don't join us often. NOBODY on the swim platform when the engines are running. Period.
 
Interesting conversation.
Are you talking about engine running in gear or while in neutral? While warming up my engines I and my wife normally step in and out using the swim platform. Also, after I return to my slip, my wife steps out to secure the stern line while I am in neutral with the engines still running.
 
It s fine to got on the platform to secure stern lines last when engines are in neutral AND th operator knows someone is there... but not while the boat is being backed into the slip.
 
I don't like it when the engines are running. Period. No one on the platform. No one mentioned exhaust gases. They are bad enough in the cockpit on a big diesel.
 
I agree with the 'no people on the swim platform' while boat is under power.
 
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