Figure 5-25. - Attaching the rescue hook to the gated D-ring.

in the life raft and await instruction from the swimmer.

The aviator and the aircrewman must be familiar with a number of rescue devices to ensure a successful rescue. These devices are covered in the Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 3 & 2, volume 1, NAVEDTRA 10328. In this chapter we will discuss the use of the various rescue devices.

In each case when a Navy helicopter is the rescue vehicle, the Navy rescue swimmer will be employed to effect the rescue. Follow the swimmer's instructions and do not assist his efforts unless directed by him to do so. Because other SAR forces may not employ a rescue swimmer to assist survivors, this text will explain procedures for assisted and unassisted rescue using the following rescue devices.

Rescue Hook

The rescue hook is the primary rescue device (fig. 5-24). All other rescue devices can only be used with the double rescue hook. In accordance with Aviation Crew Systems Rescue and Survival Equipment, NAVAIR 13-1-6.5, the large hook, rated at 3000 pounds, shall be the only hook used to hoist personnel; the small hook, rated at 1000 pounds, is to be used only for lightweight items such as mail. The equipment ring, rated at 1000 pounds, can be used to hoist light equipment and mail.

Hoisting personnel by the equipment ring or small hook can lead to failure of the ring or hook and can result in injury or death of hoisted personnel.

When wet and cold, an individual may have difficulty handling the latch on the rescue hook. However, by pushing down on the latch with the gated D-ring, you will force the latch open on either the hook or the gated D-ring (fig. 5-25).

Rescue Swimmer's Harness

During swimmer-assisted rescues, the swimmer's harness may be used to attach the survivor to the hoist cable. When the rescue swimmer's harness is selected as the rescue lifting device, the rescue swimmer uses the following procedure:

1. He approaches the survivor from the rear and pulls the chest strap from the pocket of the rescue harness.

NOTE: When connecting to a survivor who has an SV-2 vest, he ensures that the chest strap on the survivor is loosened slightly to avoid injury. If the survivor is wearing an integrated torso harness, he uses extreme caution to ensure that the gated D-rings are not disconnected before hoisting.

2. Connects the gated D-ring of the rescue swimmers harness to the survivors lifting device. The connection of the survivor's lifting device to the rescue hook will negate the survivor's quick release feature of the swimmer's harness.

3. Signals the aircraft "ready for pickup." When the rescue hook is lowered in the water, connects the lifting V-ring of the rescue swimmer's harness to the large rescue hook.

4. Signals the aircraft "ready for hoist."

NOTE: If the survivor is wearing an integrated torso harness, the swimmer ensures that the gated D-rings are not disconnected before hoisting. Upon reaching the aircraft door opening and while bringing in the survivor, he ensures that the gated D-rings do not twist and inadvertently disconnect.

5. Upon clearing the water, he places his arms and legs around the survivor.