RESCUE SEAT OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES.\ Ensure that the safety strap is on and that you hold tightly to the flotation chamber. Do not lean back; it will cause the rescue seat to swing and tilt away from the rescue hook.

Rescue Seat (Swimmer-Assisted Rescue)

During swimmer-assisted rescues using the rescue seat, the swimmer uses the following procedures to attach the survivor to the hoist cable:

1. After the rescue seat is in the water, faces the flotation chamber and assists the survivor in sitting on the seat.

2. Disconnects the safety strap; passes it under one arm, around the back, under the other arm, and reconnects the V-ring to the rescue hook.

3. Tightens the strap.

4. Has the survivor wrap his arms around the flotation chamber.

5. Signals the aircraft "ready for hoist."

WARNING

The survivor must not attempt to get off the rescue seat until directed by the crewman.

6. After the survivor is hoisted to the helicopter, the crewman assists the survivor into the helicopter.

Rescue Net

The rescue net is a simple and safe rescue device that can be used to hoist two survivors into a helicopter. It is designed for multiple rescue scenarios or for rescuing survivors who are unfamiliar with other rescue devices, such as the rescue strop or rescue seat. A lifting ring for hoisting is located at the top or upper portion of

Figure 5-34.\Rescue seat maritime rescue procedure.

the net, along with locking support rods. These rods incorporate sliding sleeves to prevent the net from collapsing while it is occupied. At the front of the net are two additional support rods that can be disconnected from the top section when it is stored. When in use, the rescue net tilts away from its open side. This design helps prevent survivors from falling out (fig. 5-35).

The following is a step-by-step procedure for the survivor to safely board the rescue net:

1. When the net enters the water, swim to the net and position the net with its opening directly in front of you. Grasp each of the lower support rib floats (fig. 5-36).

2. Pull yourself into the net and turn so you are facing the opening.

3. Move all the way to the back of the net with your back resting against the rear of the net and your arms and legs completely inside. Give a thumbs-up hand signal to the hoist operator and maintain a secure handhold during the hoist.

Rescue Net (Swimmer-Assisted, Single Rescue)

During swimmer-assisted rescues using the rescue net, the swimmer uses the following procedure to assist the survivor:

1. Places the rescue net opening directly in front of the survivor without disconnecting it from the rescue hook.

2. Places the survivor in a collar/equipment tow and swims into the rescue net backwards while positioning the survivor on either side of the net, facing out.

3. Ensures the survivor is completely inside the net.

WARNING

The survivor must not attempt to get out of the rescue net until directed by the crewman.

Figure 5-35.\Rescue net.

4. Places one arm across the net to ensure that the survivor cannot fall out and signals the aircraft when ready for hoisting. After reaching the helicopter, the crewman hooks up the safety strap from the rescue net to the decking of the helicopter. The crewman assists the survivor into the helicopter.

Rescue Net (Swimmer-Assisted, Multiple Rescue)

The following is a step-by-step procedure for the swimmer to-use when performing multiple rescues:

1. Places the rescue net opening directly in front of the survivors without disconnecting it from the rescue hook.

2. Has the survivors swim into the rescue net.

WARNING

The survivors must not attempt to get out of the rescue net until they are directed by the crewman.

3. Ensures that the survivors are completely in the rescue net with their legs inside. The survivors are hoisted to the helicopter. The crewman hooks up the safety strap from the rescue net to the decking of the helicopter. The crewman assists the survivors into the helicopter.