Steve
I was one of the so-called JUMPERS (in german sailor language , SPRINGER=JUMPER) with
the MV"Paula Howaldt Russ" sometime in May 77 at the waiting berths ahead of the locks a few times
Of course to a certain degree it is dangerous. But from my own experience I would say
better this way then to be attached with a safety harness. To what you want to attach the harness, the same rope which holds you. Therefore it would have to be a 2nd rope for the harness which means two guys on the ship slacking independently the ropes. Don,t think that,that would work good. Then, Just imagine that the guy stumbles or getting really injured and can,t detach the harness.
I would say I did not want a harness doing it.
brgds
capt ted