“RIGGING A BOSUN CHAIR”

A bosun's chair is made up of a 50 cm long, 13 cm wide, and 2.5 cm thick piece of wood. At
each end, two holes are drilled through which two strops are roved and spliced beneath. The
bights of both strops are then grabbed with a thimble, and a gantline is either shackled into
the thimble or secured with a double sheet bend. When a man is required to work aloft, this
device is used. The lowering hitch allows a seaman to lower himself and fasten the chair in a
new position. One hand holds the running part firmly against the standing part, or a brief
seizing secures it. The running part's bight is passed through the chair's bridge, over the man's
head, and then behind him and beneath his feet.

USING A BOSUN'S CHAIR

 When going aloft, the most important aspect is to make sure that everything is done for safety
and comfort so that the operation may be completed as quickly as possible. This begins with the
selection of protective clothes before approaching the chair. Long sleeved shirts and pants are required
to avoid getting chafed or pinched between the halyards and the mast, which can be quite unpleasant.

 When getting into the bosun's chair for the first time, it's important to fasten yourself so that
you can't fall out even if you lose consciousness. The shown safety line configuration should be utilized,
which is passed around both the chair and the back of the person seated in the chair. The safety line will
provide a lifeline if the hoisting line fails or comes loose. Using a Tarbuck knot experience as a backup
safety measure when ascending can add an extra layer of security.

 When going aloft, choose a halyard with the block nearest to the working point to limit the
chair's free-swinging scope if it becomes detached from the mast. Avoid utilizing any existing snap-
shackles on the halyard and instead use a screw shackle or a bowline to attach to the chair. When you
arrive at the job site, tie a line around the mast to keep it in place. This frees up both hands for the task
at hand and reduces the risk of bodily damage from being slammed against the mast if the boat rolls.

 All tools should be kept in a separate canvas bag connected to the bosuns' chair, which will be
less prone to catch and tip. Each tool should be attached to a safety rope in case it is dropped, causing
damage to the deck or, more likely, being lost overboard. If something does fall, keep the space beneath
the mast free as well.
This is especially true of the winch operator, who, if struck and injured by a dropped tool, will
exasperate the situation by releasing the rope tail. If the halyard winch is at the mast's base,
install a block and run the rope to a cockpit winch to get out of the risky situation. Even if the
line is already on a self-tailing winch, tie off securely when aloft and have the winch operator
belay the line on a cleat.