It's fair to argue that anyone who makes their living from the sea is pretty damn experienced. And pretty damn tough and capable. Let's not be fooled by a single incident.

And nobody on the water uses the word "rope." Let's not be lubbers in armchairs.

I agree that there were enormous lapses from a safety perspective, including those that were regulated -- but owner-operators who produce primary products operate on very thin margins, and cut corners and do their own work based on their experience. This is what farmers do also, and it mostly works, though not always.

All that said, I can't imagine being solo on the water, working lines under tension, and not having blades at the ready. This was a lapse in judgement, with serious consequences. I don't think the various UK/European restrictions are a significant factor, since a slip joint knife that is useless as a stabbing weapon is generally acceptable.