BOSUN’S CHAIR

A bosun's chair is a device used to suspend a person from a rope to perform

work aloft. Originally just a short plank or swath of heavy canvas, many modern
bosun's chairs incorporate safety devices similar to those found in rock climbing
harnesses such as safety clips and additional lines.

Bosun chair is a wooden board slung by a rope and used to sit on while working
at height or over the side of a ship. Boatswain chairs should only be used where
the work is relatively short duration and light work. They should only be used
where it is not practicable to provide a working platform.
 Preparing a bosun’s chair

A bosun’s chair is a seat used by sailors when working on rigging or sails

high above the deck of a ship. The chair is rigged so that it hangs from a
single point, allowing the sailor to move freely along the length of the
rigging. Making your own bosun’s chair is a relatively simple and
inexpensive project that can be accomplished in an afternoon. Here are
the steps:

1. Cut two pieces of 2-by-12 lumber to length using a circular saw. These
will form the side rails of the chair.

2. Set the side rails on the edge,and position them parallel to each other
with the ends flush. Drill four evenly spaced pilot holes through both side
rails at each end.

3. Cut four lengths of 3/8-inch diameter rope, each long enough to reach
from one side rail to the other when strung between them. Thread a length
of rope through each set of pilot holes, and tie square knots at each end
to secure the ropes in place. These ropes will form the seat of the chair.

4. Cut two more lengths of 3/8-inch diameter rope, each long enough to
reach from one side rail to the other when strung between them. Position
these ropes at either end of the seat ropes, and tie square knots at each
end to secure them in place. These ropes will form the backrest of the
chair.

5. Tie a loop in one end of a length of 3/8-inch diameter rope, and thread
the other end through all four loops formed by the intersections of the seat
and backrest ropes. Pull on both ends of this rope until all four loops are
tightened down onto it, forming a single point where all eight ropes come
together. This is where you will rig your halyard when using the chair.
 How to Tie a Bosun Chair

A bosun chair is secured with a series of rope lashings that allow it to be

attached to a variety of surfaces. While a bosun chair may look
complicated to tie, it can be easily done with a few simple steps.

1. Start by tying a bowline knot in the center of one end of the rope. This
will create a loop that can be used to secure the chair to a support beam
or other structure.

2. Take the other end of the rope and thread it through the loop created in
step one. Pull the rope until the second knot is snug against the first.

3. Make a half hitch knot around the support beam or other structure. This
will help keep the chair from slipping while in use.

4. Repeat steps two and three on the other side of the support beam or
structure.

5. Take the remaining length of rope and tie it off around the middle of the
support beam or structure. This will help distribute weight evenly and
prevent tipping.

 The Benefits of a Bosun Chair

It can be used for tasks such as cleaning windows, washing vehicles, and
even handing over to emergency services for rescuing people from high
places. There are many advantages to using a bosun’s chair over other
types of seats or ladders, such as the fact that it is much more stable and
secure. It also allows the user to have both hands free to complete their
task, which is not possible when using a ladder.
 Rigging and Unrigging Bosun's chair.

Two holes are drilled at each end through which two strops are rove and
spliced underneath. A thimble is then seized into the bights of both strops
and a gantline is either shackled into the thimble or secured with a double
sheet bend. It is used when a man is needed to work aloft

 Safety equipment in using bosuns chair

 Life Jackets.
 Rescue Ladder.
 Roll Gliss rescue kit.
 Water Rescue device.
 Gloves
 Goggles
 Safety harness
 PPE

 Safety Precautions When Using a Bosun Chair

When working at heights, it is imperative that you take the necessary

safety precautions to prevent injuries. Here are some general safety tips
to keep in mind when using any type of chair:

 Inspect the chair before use to make sure there are no cracks or damaged
parts.
 Never stand on the chair – always sit down.
 Use a chair with a backrest for additional support.
 Do not lean too far to one side or the other while sitting in the chair.
 Make sure the chair is on a level surface before sitting down.
 Do not attempt to move the chair while you are sitting in it.

https://selectsafety.net/how-to-make-tie-a-bosun-chair/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosun%27s_chair