Page 296 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

Figure 7-13. Prusik Knots are an inexpensive equiv- rior to an ordinary safety belt in the event of a fall,
alent to ropewalkers. Make a 15–18-inch-circum- because it distributes so much better the force of
ference grommet in line smaller than the halyard. fetching up against the safety line.
Ring-Hitch the grommet to the halyard, then pass Cam-grip devices used in conjunction with one
the bight through once more. Draw up securely, and or two belayed halyards allow you to get aloft under
hitch on foot pendants and safety line. Pull out- your own steam, an invaluable ability in short-
ward, then downward before each step to keep knots handed vessels. Again, climbers’ stores are your
drawn up. sources. It is most advisable to practice with these
devices at low altitudes before walking up a mast.
A rope or webbing “diaper” and Prusik Knots
(Figures 7-13 and 7-14) are low- or no-cost equiv-
alents of harness and cam grips. Like the plank-
and-rope bosun’s chair, they are not as comfortable,
convenient, or foolproof as their manufactured
cousins, but they are adequate for some jobs and
excellent in an emergency. For a primer on their use,
see the excellent booklet, “Ropes, Knots, and Slings
for Climbers,” by Walt Wheelock (La Siesta Press,
1985; Box 406, Glendale, CA 91209).

Figure 7-14. Not quite as uncomfortable as it looks, a rope harness is good for emergencies or limited budgets.
To make, tie the ends of a 7–9-foot piece of line together (the thicker and softer, the better), and arrange it in
three bights as shown. Bring the middle bight up between the legs and the other two outside the legs. Shackle
or tie all three together and to the halyard or safety line. Be sure to use a reliable knot to tie the ends together.
Shown here is a Strait Bend (see Figure 3-34).

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