RNLI Atlantic 85, Manual

Page: 49 / 122

Activity 4 - SAR Unit Handling and Seamanship
49
B Class Atlantic 85 Manual – First Issue, June 2017
Activity 4 - SAR Unit Handling and Seamanship
Static transfers
Static transfers generally, but not exclusively, include the
use of a hi-line. The hi-line technique is used when sea or
wind conditions make it too difficult to lower a person or
stretcher directly on to the lifeboat. The Atlantic 85 will
either lay starboard side to the weather in order to present
the bow to the helicopters cargo door, or the helm may
choose to deploy the sea anchor which will then turn
the boat head to sea and present the port side to the
cargo door.
Sea direction
Starboard side
to weather
Slight sea/Light
wind
Sea direction
Deploy sea anchor
Moderate or
greater sea state
Hi-line
This technique involves passing a weighted line from the
helicopter to Atlantic 85. The weighted line helps reduce
any swinging and spinning motion of the winch cable,
winchman or stretcher and reduces the amount of time
the helicopter remains directly overhead.
One crew member must be situated at the bow of the
Atlantic 85 wearing the issued orange high line gloves and
handle the line, taking in ONLY the slack, whilst a second
crew member is feeding the line down the port side of the
boat (to stay away from the throttles) and placing it into
the foot well of seat 2 & 3. The hi-line must never be made
fast to the vessel.