Operating the rescue boat
- Launch and recover the rescue boat safely in a range of sea conditions.
- Handle the boat to approach and recover a person from the water without endangering them.
- Use the boat's equipment and its communications with the parent ship.
- Care for the recovered casualty and hand them over for medical treatment.
The rescue boat is launched to recover a person overboard or survivors from the water, and the critical moment is the approach: the coxswain comes in slowly and under control, keeps the casualty in view, and keeps the propeller well clear of them. A person in the water may be cold, exhausted or injured, so the recovery technique is chosen to suit their condition, and a horizontal recovery is preferred for a hypothermic casualty. The recovered person is then warmed, treated and handed over.
WARNING — Keep the propeller clear of the casualty When recovering a person from the water, approach slowly and keep the propeller well clear of them. A person in the water can be struck by the propeller of a boat approaching too fast or from the wrong angle.
TIP — Recover a cold casualty horizontally A severely cold (hypothermic) casualty is best recovered as near horizontal as possible, because lifting them upright can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Handle them gently and keep them warm.