SAR - from below.

SAR from RNAS Culdrose visited Penwith College yesterday.....

here is a reminder of the procedure to follow should you end up under the downdraft of a Sea King for real:

Helicopter Rescue Procedures

All operations will be directed by the crew of the Helicopter – follow all instructions they issue.

Do not be distracted by the noise of the helicopter overhead, it may be necessary to have a crewmember positioned inside the boat to maintain radio communications with the helicopter due to the excessive noise on the outside decks. Keep your oilskins on or be prepared to get soaked.

Prepare well in advance of the arrival of the helicopter; ensure crew are well briefed on correct procedures.

 

Clear all obstructions on deck prior to its arrival ensure there are no items of loose or moveable gear on deck.

The pilot will give specific instructions regarding course and direction he may wish you to steer, generally boats will maintain a course to give the wind at 30 degree to the Port Bow, and the preferred area to conduct winching operations is normally the port quarter. This affords the Pilot visual contact with both the boat and his winch man.

Due to the risk of static build up from a hovering helicopter, follow the pilots instructions exactly with regard to earthing of a static discharge wire (it hurts!) prior to placing the winch man on board, generally the wire is dropped into the sea to discharge static, prior to the commencing the operation.

Under no circumstances should the winch line made fast at any time to the boat.

On arrival of the winch man on board, he will assume command of all subsequent operations - follow his instructions at all times.

Do not fire parachute flares when a helicopter is operating in the vicinity.