TM 5-1940-322-10
0038 00
PERSON IN WATER (PW)/FLOATING OBJECT RETRIEVAL (Contd)
SAFETY BOATS
When conducting operations on water, the commander should always consider
designating one of the watercraft as a safety boat. This boat must be large enough
and powerful enough to cope with the conditions at the work site. The safety boat
should be crewed by at least two persons who are qualified and experienced boat
operators. Both crew members should be trained in the correct methods of recovering
personnel from the water, basic first aid artificial respiration, and correct radio
procedures. A combat life saver and a strong swimmer must be on the safety boat.
The safety boat should be equipped, as a minimum, with the items listed:
Anchor and Line
Boat Hook
Ring Buoy and Rope
Combat Lifesaver Bag
Blankets
Radio
Searchlight
The designated safety boat should perform no duties other than to stand by. Safety
boat location is usually downstream within a safe distance of the work site. In some
situations the commander might be required to designate more than one safety boat.
REACH RECOVERY METHOD
WARNING
In fast moving currents, do not position boat directly
downstream in front of overboard person. Overboard
personnel may be swept under boat. Failure to comply may
result in injury or death to personnel.
Approach overboard person at slow speeds. Failure to
comply may result in injury or death to personnel.
1.
Shout, "man overboard" and, if available, designate a crewmember to spot the
person's position in the water. The spotter should not take his eyes off the
overboard person.
2.
Boat operator should take directions from the spotter, maneuver, and hold boat
in position. Refer to WP 0017 00.
3.
Crewmember may use extendable boat hook to pull overboard person along side
of boat.
4.
Once person is along side boat, using a two-man lift, grasp person and PFD to
raise and secure person aboard boat.
5.
If needed, perform first aid (FM 4-25.11) and seek medical attention as soon as
possible.
0038 00-2
