I should have been thinking in that direction all along. I use a lanyard on my underwater camera housing in case I drop it when diving. I'll need to check the rating and I may have one set that is strong enough, in fact it is so big I never use it. If not, simple to build something that is. Thanks.
Sounds like you have experience/a rating --
As you know you must not impinge the operation of your life vest/life jacket or its fit. Mine is inflatable so I cannot wear a strap over it (mine is made by Baltic and has a built in harness and safety line fixing point).
While I could wear a black-rapid twin harness or similar under the vest and attach to it -- but I consider it safer to attach a safety line from the same fixing point to my gear.
Now if you are on calm seas and a large stable vessel -- then you can probably shoot like you are on land; but if you are on a 30' sailboat or a chasing launch OR rib - like I was not long ago -- then you will need to work out with the skipper how you are going to shoot -- presumably as a group.
I have been on Ribs in groups with saddle seats and we had to sit down while shooting as a group and so a monopod (which can be dangerous if not tied to you) or hand holding gear was essential (including 400 or 600).
In fishing vessels in the Mull on a calm day shooting white tail eagles -- we were not "required" to wear life vests and could "wander about" but when the weather picked up the rules changed and we all donned life jackets. When I skipper everyone wears a vest. {the rules of the road are a little different with locals -- but safety is key}
I self drive a rib fairly often around the solent/poole harbour and between and shoot whatever is interesting (and a few races) - most of the time I am sitting behind the wheel shooting. Sometimes I bring along a skipper and I shoot out from the bow. I am always attached to the boat and my gear attached to me.
Shooting while racing yachts is more challenging -- and lots of fun -- but small light gear is what is needed. Unless you and your client/host just want to go for it.
You will need to keep the gear you are NOT using at the time dry and salt free - I tend to strap a peli-case in front of the helm in the ribs I hire for quick access or strap a pack into a spare seat in the dry. Never change lenses in the open.
Some folk use camera/lens rain coats on their gear to keep the salt/spray out - I tend not to these days.
Just take lots of dry lens cloths and wipe your gear down at the end of the day.
I prefer NOT to use zoom lenses which extend significantly in/out while zooming -- unless they are wrapped. Otherwise salty water can get inside and that can be trouble.
I will be attending a racing shoot during cowes week on The Solent next year using a catamaran (which can do 28 knots) and there will be 10 shooters+2 guides and lots of deck and stern space -- it is a stable platform upto force 4 -- but above that -- it becomes interesting above that ........ A not untypical day on a rib with my skipper and two shooters (me behind the lens)
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