RNLI Atlantic 85, Manual

Page: 53 / 122

Activity 5 - Search and Rescue
53
B Class Atlantic 85 Manual – First Issue, June 2017
Activity 5 - Search and Rescue
Searchlights
Two portable, handheld searchlights are stowed
under crew seats 2 and 3. There are four sockets
that the searchlights can be connected to, two on
the front of the helm console, and two at crew
seats 2 and 3. Glare can be an issue when using a searchlight
in poor weather, especially in misty or foggy conditions.
The effectiveness of a searchlight can also be reduced when
there is strong backlighting on the shore. Care should be
taken NOT to direct the searchlight towards the other crew
members, or down into the boat as this will hinder the crew’s
night vision. Under no circumstances should the light be
directed anywhere near the helm.
Visual scanning techniques
To carry out a successful visual search, a number of factors
must be considered:
1. The crew members must all be briefed as to what they
are looking for
2. Each crew member should be given specific sectors to
scan, e.g. Port bow to Port midships. The technique to
use is look at an area, focus and search, before looking
ahead again, and focusing and searching. The speed of
the 85 needs to be adjusted to ensure that the area
can be searched effectively before it has been passed.
Travelling at a higher speed will also affect the vision of
the lookouts by means of spray and wind.
3. To reduce the effects of fatigue and boredom the
crews lookout positions and roles should be rotated at
regular intervals.
Effective lookout
The method of searching used by lookouts is called visual
scanning. This is a systematic step-by-step method of
visually searching for objects. A good scanning technique
will ensure casualties are detected as quickly, and from the
greatest distance, as possible. Scanning also reduces eye
fatigue allowing the searcher to perform well for longer
periods of time and with less discomfort than ‘normal’
looking.
The sequence of SCAN-FOCUS-SCAN should be
performed in segments of 10-15 degrees, as this technique
allows your eyes to register objects within an 8 degree
radius around the focused position.
Fatigue, boredom and environmental stresses can affect
your ability to scan. Be aware that after prolonged
scanning in light conditions that offer little or no contrast,
your eyes develop a tendency to focus short of where you
think you are looking. To prevent this, periodically focus on
an object closer to you.
Link the speed for searching the assigned area to the speed
of the boat. The faster the boat proceeds through the
water, the faster you have to search the sector.
RNLI issued sunglasses can be used, and are recommended
for continuous use during searches in bright daylight or
high glare situations.
For daylight searches, the position of the sun will be
important. The searcher will see objects more easily and
from greater distances when looking away from the sun.
There is less glare and coloured objects will contrast more
with their backgrounds.