https://afloat.ie/safety/mcib/item/60065...ent-mcib-report

How someone would go out on a boat without a knife on your person is beyond me.

Wow! He's lucky to have survived that one, at least he had someone designated to get help if he was overdue. But pretty careless about safety gear so say the least.

Even a regular SAK would have been able to get him free.

Reminds me, still haven't seen the 127 Hours movie.

This is why I'm forever being described as having OCD. First, this "qualified and experienced boat operator" and lobsterman allowed his leg to get tangled in the ropes -- okay, so we need to define "experienced".

One thing to take into account is that this happened in Ireland and they may have the same issue with pointy, sharp tools that the Brits have so the tendency to always carry a sharp is simply not there.. No excuse or rationale for lack of a PLB.

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.

Yeah, no reason for him to have a knife.

Quick look at the Irish laws, and seems unclear if they make distinctions between fixed, locking and slip joint knives.

So any knife (unless its banned, like flick or butterfly knives) with a blade less than 8cm you don't need have to have a reason to carry in public.

But as a working fisherman would be good reason enough to be able to carry longer bladed knives.

I asked a Garda in Ireland if my SAK was legal. An incredibly dumb move, even by my standards:
"Is this item in my hand, reason enough for you to arrest me?"
What's wrong with that sentence?

Answer; it was. But the legendary Irish easy going attitude meant he told me it was and then did nothing! :-)

qjs

Haha, great story QJS!

Have heard of someone getting their SAK confiscated and charged not because of the blade, but the corkscrew. Turns out the guy was acting like a moron, so cop wanted to cause him hassle.

Eventually the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) dropped the charges, and the SAK was returned I believe.

Dealing with the police 101: They never think it's as funny as you do.