HELICOPTER RESCUE OPERATIONS

U.S. Coast Guard Boat Crew Seamanship Manual

COMDTINST M16114.5 Series

HELICOPTER RESCUE OPERATIONS

Hoisting operations off a vessel can be hazardous to aircrew,
boat crew, and whatever is being hoisted!

Requires team effort and alertness by boat crew and air crew.

Briefing of crew, in advance, is very important.

Maintain radio contact with helicopter.

Clear area on port stern for hoisting.

Lower all masts, antennas, etc.

Secure all loose gear.

Secure the radar in standby mode just before the helo arrives.

HELICOPTER RESCUE OPERATIONS

The helicopter will approach the
vessel from astern (downwind)
and hover off the port side, aft of
amidships allowing full view of
the vessel during the evolution.
Non-standard boats may require a
different technique:

The helicopter will hover and
lower the rescue device to a
stationary position near the
surface.

The vessel should approach and
maneuver under the hoist for
delivery.

HELICOPTER RESCUE OPERATIONS

Do not shine any lights on the
helicopter! The pilot can be
blinded by these lights .

Illuminate the hoisting area on

the deck at night.

When the helicopter arrives,
change course to place the
wind at 30 on the port bow,
maintaining steady course and
steerageway.

One boat crew member is
designated to give hand
signals to the hoist operator.

HELICOPTER RESCUE OPERATIONS

A line will be trailed from the
helicopter for the boat crew to guide
the rescue device as it is lowered.

Do not touch the rescue device
as it is being lowered! Allow it to
touch the vessel first! (STATIC
ELECTRICITY)

If the rescue device is to be moved,
unhook the cable and lay it loose on
the deck. Do not connect the
cable to the vessel!

Life jacket on patient along with
papers, meds records, etc.

HELICOPTER RESCUE OPERATIONS

When patient is securely loaded,
signal helicopter to lower the hook.

Do not touch the hook as it is
lowered! Allow it to ground on the
vessel first.

Re-attach the hook to rescue device
while supporting both ends of
the basket.

Signal the hoist operator with a
thumbs up when ready to hoist.

Tend the trail line to prevent rescue
device from swinging.

At end of trail line, gently toss it
over the side.

HELICOPTER RESCUE OPERATIONS

Emergency Breakaway Procedure:
Safety comes first!
If either the coxswain or pilot feel the
operation is unsafe then a breakaway
should be conducted, as follows:
1. The coxswain directs the boat crew to
push the loose cable, rescue device, and
trail line over the side towards the
helicopter.
2. Transmit the word, BREAKAWAY to the
pilot.
3. Turn boat away from helicopter.

HELICOPTER RESCUE OPERATIONS

For more detailed procedures and

operations, please see Coast Guard Boat
Crew Seamanship Manual, COMDTINST
M16114.5 Series, Chapter 19.