Life jackets on when approaching heavy water.
They are the Stearns #429-02 with the head-up flap.
Too bulky to wear 100%.

I have a knife that was given to me that is a flip out, serrated type.
The handle and curved blade make it look like some sort of Klingon battle weapon.
Perfect configuration for cutting through rope on the first pass.

I wear a PFD quite often when rowing unfamiliar water for the first time and when I am on sections of river where my personal risk-o-meter indicates medium to high likelihood and high consequence.




Short haul is riding the line





We have to keep a knife real handy to cut away if the ship loses control.

Loses control ?!

I think I would go to Goodwill, pick up a good-looking mattress (without too many stains) and rig it for a 4-point pick.
Then I would park my puckered butt on top of said mattress !

Magic Carpet Ride, hillbilly style.

Edit:
The mattress method can also be used to rescue the helo....
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_n...ing-3764153.php

Coley that looks like a blast. Just livin the dream up there. Are you riding the line for search and rescue, fire or just to access your favorite fishing/hunting grounds.

Rescue.

One person's dream is another's nightmare

You got a point. Home is home. Last time i was in hawaii asked one of the locals how they liked living in paradise. Her response was its no longer paradise, its just home. They come to Washington for their vacations.

"His name is G......00 Coley G"

You wear a whistle on a lanyard around your neck?

At all times?



Really?

This!