For years I have been asking the people that make yachts WHY they fit safety lines that allow people to be thrown overboard and their answer is that's where we fit them. I will explain where and how the lines are fitted. I fit a strong "U" shaped fitting made of 15mm S/S to either side of the companion way then I fit a S/S wire 6mm thick with bottle screw to this and take the cable to the stem
head fitting. This line is under tension to make sure it stays in position. The safety lines for the crew's harness is made of 15mm three strand polyester
rope spliced at both ends and has a gibb attachment that can not come un done by
accident on both ends this line is made to suit the yacht's size but is just long enough to be able to walk on
deck with knees just bent a little. If the crew should be taken off his or her feet they can only fall ON the deck and therefor nobody needs to be recovered back on board. I have used this system on all my boats and when teaching and have never had a person fall overboard in 60 years. These are of course just my thoughts but it is something I have given great thought to over the years. Happy sailing to you all Pete