Rescue Procedures

RECOVERY OF PEOPLE & CRAFT RECOVERING A PERSON IN THE WATER

Always approach a person in the water, heading across the wind at a low speed. Switch off the engine and remove the kill cord when near a person in the water to prevent a ‘prop-strike’. 

Recovery methods:

• Basic lift: Move the person to the lowest part of the boat, face in towards the boat (to prevent back injury), and lift in towards the boat.  
• The roll/slide - Lie the conscious person alongside the lowest part of the boat with their head towards the bow. Lift one leg up with their hands on the side of the boat. Reach down to get a firm grip on the person and roll them onto the boat 

RECOVERY OF CRAFT

It is important to consider if a person is in the water or onboard their craft. If a craft is in need of assistance, take the approach that you are recovering a person from the water first, and then complete the recovery of the craft.  

DINGHY

To come alongside a dinghy, approach the boat using the same method as coming alongside a dock (slow and at an angle). If a dinghy is capsized, approach across the wind so you are in a position to see the sailor(s). 

• To right a capsized dinghy, try lifting the mast out of the water and ask the crew to be positioned at the centreboard. Work your way slowly up the mast to keep control of the dinghy and it comes alongside the safety boat. 
• To tow a boat upright, pass a line to the dinghy and attach it to a strong point. The safety boat should reverse, pulling the ‘gunwale’ towards the wind and bringing the boat upright. The sailor should remain on the centreboard in this process so they can step onto the windward side of the boat as it is righted. As the boat is righted, the safety boat crew should pull the line in tight to move closer to the craft. This will prevent it capsizing again.  

WINDSURFER

Approach a windsurfer and equipment from the mast tip and switch off your powerboat engine.

• Make your way down the mast edge (luff) of the sail, drawing the rig over the safety boat and the board and sailor closer.  
• Bring the boom in the boat if possible and raise the daggerboard if there is one. 
• Lie the rig across the safety boat with the mast foremost into the wind (at the front if going upwind or at the back if going downwind) 
• Windsurf boards and rigs have a lot of power, so it is critical to take care at all times—do not adjust the board's controls unless you have knowledge of the systems! 

TOWING

It is important to have one person driving and one person observing. Choose your tow type depending on conditions and the type of boat being towed.  

STERN TOW

This is the method for ‘pulling’ the boat(s) behind. This method is good for long distances and in large swell/choppy water.  

• Use a long tow line that absorbs shock. Two wavelengths in swell, or a few boat lengths. 
• Attach to the tow vessel either on the bow or through a fairlead. Try and attach the line forward of the engine if possible, or use a bridle.  
• Set the tow speed appropriately according to the weather and sea conditions, and other factors such as speed limits and stopping etc 
• If towing a sailing vessel, manage the apparent wind 
• Be cautious of the propellor when lines are in the water 

TOWING ALONGSIDE  

Effectively, we are pushing the boat (like a tug tow). This method is good for short distances and manoeuvring vessels alongside a dock.

• The towed vessel must be toed in slightly (nose in) 
• The outboard engine of the towing vessel must be behind the towed vessel 
• Use the bowline to keep the vessels nose-in 
• The stern line holds the vessel while turning 
•  A tug’s forespring takes the weight when moving forward
• A tug’s aft spring takes the weight when operating astern   

Check out the videos below for class-specific details