The rescue net is used to assist the rescue swimmer performing rescue work from a helicopter over water or land. The rescue net may also be used to ferry or pick up cargo. WARNING THE SEA ANCHOR MUST NOT BE USED WHEN HOISTING PERSONNEL OUT OF THE WATER. Maintenance The aircrewman’s responsibility for maintenance of the rescue net is limited to a freshwater wash after use. Repairs or other actions required are performed by organizational-level maintenance or above. Inspection All rescue nets are given a calendar inspection upon issue and at intervals of 225 days. The calendar inspection for the rescue net consists of the following visual inspection: 1. Erect the net by unfolding its lower frame assembly and forcing the assembly down. The frame will snap open. 2. Suspend the open section of the net and slide sleeves or the upper support ribs between the swivel joints. The sleeves rest on the support rib stops. 3. Inspect all hardware for security of attachment, corrosion, damage, wear, and ease of operation. Cleaning To clean the rescue net, proceed as follows: 1. Wash the rescue net with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse well with fresh water. 2. Allow the net to air dry. RESCUE HARNESS The rescue harness consists of nylon webbing shoulder straps, riser straps, back strap, an adjustable chest strap, and a lifting strap (fig. 5-19). The end of the lifting strap, equipped with a gated D-ring, adapter assembly, release assembly, and parachute harness triangle link are stowed in a pouch on the front of the harness. A handle on the pouch allows for ease of accessibility of the gated D-ring during rescue operations. Right and left pocket assemblies are located at each junction of the riser and lifting strap. The left pocket is designed to hold one Mk 13, Mod 0 marine smoke and illumination signal and the right pocket is designed to hold the other Mk 13, Mod 0 marine smoke and illumination signal and the suspension line cutter. A knife scabbard is attached to the left side of the lifting strap. The rescue harness is designed specifically to be worn by the rescue swimmer, providing him maximum mobility and a means for performing rescue operations in the water. Maintenance The aircrewman’s responsibility for maintenance of the harness is limited to freshwater wash after usage. Repairs or other maintenance actions required are performed by intermediate- level maintenance or above unless otherwise specified. Preflight Inspection The rescue harness preflight inspection is accomplished prior to each flight, and at intervals not to exceed 14 days. This inspection is made by the aircrewman. To perform a preflight inspection, examine the following: 1. Fabric and webbing for cuts, tears, open seams, and loose or broken stitching 2. Signs of contamination, such as stains and discoloration Calendar Inspection The calendar inspection is performed by organizational-level maintenance or above upon issue before placing the rescue harness in service and every 90 days thereafter. To perform the calendar inspection, proceed as follows: 1. Service life check. The service life of the rescue harness is 7 years from the date it was placed in service or 8 1/2 years from the date of fabrication, whichever oc- curs first. When an assembly reaches its 5-18