Multiple Kill Cords

[rickuk3]

I am thinking of installing kill cords in each of the jockey seats on the rib, the main reason being that if a passenger goes overboard it will kill the engine instantly and no chance of not knowing someone behind you has gone overboard The thought is to have the extra kill cords via a dashboard switch so that they can be switched out of circuit if the engine needs to be started to recover the mob.
What do others think? pros and cons?
Richard

[Hugh Jardon]

sounds like a great idea

however

my concern would be if someone accidentally pulled one by accident just at an awkward time that could cause a potentially difficult or dangerous situation

perhaps having some kind of break cord to you, your arm or leg that you would feel a short tug if they exited without impacing your driving control would be preferable in my mind

good discussion point though

[Tim M]

I was thinking about this for use in a commercial situation where the console was at the front of the seating rather than at the back. I think the engine cutting out would be more dangerous than not in the case of passengers falling out. I think I would install maybe a light and alarm in the console so that the skipper can see/hear if someone falls out.

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by Tim M

I was thinking about this for use in a commercial situation where the console was at the front of the seating rather than at the back. I think the engine cutting out would be more dangerous than not in the case of passengers falling out. I think I would install maybe a light and alarm in the console so that the skipper can see/hear if someone falls out.

Tim, Something along THESE line would be ideal but pricey

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by rickuk3

What do others think? pros and cons?

I can see why you think it is a good idea - but I would ask:

• Have you ever lost someone overboard?
• Where they sitting on a jockey?
• Did you notice straight away?
• How likely is it to loose someone sitting on a jockey - unless you are doing a high risk (e.g. very fast turn) manouvre? - where a quick check afterwards will confirm all are present.

Out of all the "oops" events I have heard on ribnet or seen reported in press/maib etc I can't think of a crew overboard where it has gone unnoticed.

It sounds like there would be scope for someone to be wearing a kill cord but it not be "live" within your description ("switched out of circuit") that sounds vulnerable to being forgotten about to me.

Given that kill cord switches have a reputation of being unreliable does multiplying the switches not increase the risk of a problem preventing starting?

There is an article in this months MBY on MOB alarms which alert you to a MOB, and fancy ones which help you find the casualty again. Not cheap though.

There was a recent incident in training where one of the Kinghorn ILB crew fell overboard and hit his head on the prop as the boat passed. Although very seriously injured his Gecko possibly saved him. I think at 25 knots the boat only takes quater of a second to do half a boat length - so I imagine the prop would still be spinning (although possibly not as fast or powerfully) even if the kill cord was activated.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Polwart

...one of the Kinghorn ILB crew fell overboard and hit his head on the prop as the boat passed...

Shit, that would smart!

[The Garfish]

Originally Posted by rickuk3

What do others think?

de besst waiy ov doin itt iz too bungee strapp forr dait ikspired rokkit flairs too de dashbord. atach de fyring rinng wiv a bitt ov strinng too eech nobbur inn de fkin bote.

ifn yew cann flikk orl forr ov de bastuds owt att de saym tyme yew gett a tirbo lyke increese inn spead, a ortomatic disstress signul an yew gett rid ov yorr owld flairs wivowt settin hornchirch onn fyre.

fuk mee iym a jeenius

Originally Posted by Polwart

I can't think of a crew overboard where it has gone unnoticed.

we aynt sean codsporn forr a bitt

garF

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by ashbypower

Tim, Something along THESE line would be ideal but pricey

the systems in MBY start at around £400.

For about well under £100 you should be able to wire up some alarms/lights to standard killcord type swithes.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by The Garfish

we aynt sean codsporn forr a bitt

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Shit, that would smart!

Thats one way of putting it:

"He was struck on the head at least three times by the propellers, piercing his protective helmet in two places."

from http://www.maib.gov.uk/publications/...7/kinghorn.cfm

I believe he was it intensive care for about 2 weeks, stayed in hospital for another 4 and is still recovering at home.