Boatyard Safety

[frankypettolina]

This topic probably would be better suited for the Mix It Up Forum, but I feel that Box's World gets more visitors, and this is important.

I know that I am extremely guilty of this one. Short haul out of boat, for survey, or prop change, zinc change whatever. I have worked underneath the boat in the slings many times, without any keel blocks in place. Well, yesterday, a surveying colleague of mine was under a boat for a short haul when the slings/lift failed. He suffered a broken shoulder, broken ribs and a punctured lung. He is still in ICU, but is expected to come out OK.

I, for one, will never get under a boat in the slings again, without a few keel blocks in place for safety. My colleague was very lucky to say the least.

[matey8941]

Sorry to hear about your friends and hope hes doing better...next time i go to touch up the paint ill think twice

[tolmaz]

Good point Franky. I guess it goes for workin under the truck too

[Capt. Brian Daley]

Sorry to hear about your friend Franky I hope he pulls through ok best wishes
for him and be safe

[WAHOONBOX]

FRANKY....YOU JUST SAVED SOMEONES LIFE WITH THIS POST!!! THIS IS A VERY GOOD WAKE-UP CALL!!!

MY PRAYERS TO YOUR FRIEND AND LET US KNOW IF WE CAN HELP HIM.....

[frankypettolina]

His wife posted in a survey forum that I belong to about an hour ago. He is able to stand up, and is coughing (which apparently is a good thing). talking is a bit of a problem, but his spirits are good.

I'll send the kind words along to him.

[anthony]

Wow, how many of us have gone under the boat while it is only in the sling...probably most of us. Glad he is on the road to recovery. Did that happen in OC Franky?

By the way, my rubrail turned out great. Thanks for your help!

[frankypettolina]

Glad to hear your rubrail worked out for you.

No it did not happen in OC, he actually surveys in Oklahoma (I know, but believe it or not, there are a pile of boats out there, lots of searays and such).

[divemaster]

As BOX said this is a very good wake up call sorry to hear of your friends misfourtune thank God he will be ok.

[Tuna Taxi]

Great point Franky, and glad your friend made it out as well as he did. Lucky guy! I've been under my boat in the slings several times and there is always a thought that if the slings failed, the last thing going through my mind will be the keel.