Operations
Next - PrecautionsPrevious - CrewWorking aloft with a bosun's chair and safety line
It is only a matter of time before a sailor has to go aloft to inspect the rig or attend to some repairs.
Securing the forehatch for heavy weather sailing
The foredeck of a vessel can take a pounding in heavy weather conditions. Many forehatches are secured only by a small bolt and violent pounding can loosen them, allowing them to blow open. If the forehatch latch were to fail a quantity of green-water would go down below deck very quickly placing the vessel in jeopardy. The hatch, blown open and hanging loose on its hinges, then runs the risk of being torn away itself making the situation worse.