Safety, Fire & Survival · Survival — Helicopter Rescue
During a helicopter winch rescue, why should the crew NOT secure the helicopter's winch wire or hi-line to any part of the ship?
- AIt would interfere with the GPS
- BIt would block the radio signal
- CA fixed wire could snag and endanger the helicopter; static must also discharge, and the wire/hi-line is tended by hand, never made fast✓ Correct
- DSecuring it is required to steady the load
Explanation
The winch wire is never made fast — a fouled or fixed wire can drag the helicopter down. The crew lets the hook touch the deck/water first to discharge static, then tends any hi-line by hand (flaked, not secured) and follows the helicopter's directions throughout.
Authority: IAMSAR Manual; helicopter operations guidance
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