Module 4 - Safety
Helicopter Rescue
What you will learn
Prepare the yacht for helicopter winching, follow the aircrew's course and speed, and handle a hi-line without securing it or taking a static shock.
A helicopter rescue is directed by the aircraft crew. The yacht provides a clear working area, obeys the requested motion and keeps every line and person free of obstructions.
Maintain the listening watch on Channel 16 or the frequency specified and repeat the aircraft's requested course, speed and working area. Clear loose gear before the helicopter arrives and keep unassigned people away from the winching area. Do not invent a universal heading or stop the vessel unless directed; the safe profile depends on the aircraft, wind, sea, yacht and casualty.
A hi-line is a light line used to guide the winchman or strop when the helicopter cannot hover directly overhead. Tend it, keep it clear of obstructions and feed or recover slack as directed. Never secure a hi-line or winch wire to the yacht and never wrap it around a person or hand.
The wire and the person being lowered may carry a dangerous static charge. Do not touch either until earthing or discharge has occurred and the aircrew or winchman directs contact. Do not assume one universal instruction to touch a particular part of the yacht first.
Once aboard, the winchman controls the transfer. Keep the working area clear, continue the requested course and speed, and report any fouled line or new hazard immediately. Never cut a fouled wire unless the helicopter crew directs it.
Prepare a controlled winching deck
A rescue helicopter is approaching a yacht with one injured crew member. The aircraft asks for a steady course and says a hi-line will be used over the aft deck.
1. Confirm
Read back the requested course, speed, working area and any instructions about aerials, sails or lighting.
2. Clear
Secure loose gear, move unassigned people away and nominate one crew member to tend the hi-line.
3. Follow
Keep the line free, never make it fast, avoid contact until discharged or directed, and obey the winchman's transfer instructions.
Sense check: The yacht must not control the aircraft through a secured line; every part of the arrangement must allow the helicopter to move away immediately.
Common mistake or limitation
- There is no single yacht course, speed or static-discharge routine for every rescue; the aircraft crew's live instructions take priority.
- Making a hi-line or winch wire fast creates an uncontrolled load path between yacht and aircraft and can endanger both.
- Standing in a bight or wrapping a line around a hand can turn a guidance line into a trapping or dragging hazard.
Recap
- Helicopter rescue is aircrew-directed: confirm the requested course, speed, area and communication channel.
- Clear the deck, keep lines free and never secure the hi-line or winch wire to the yacht.
- Treat static as a live hazard and wait for earthing and direction before touching the wire or person.
Optional quick check
Section 6 of 14
The helicopter lowers a hi-line to the yacht. What should the nominated crew member do?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 2 September 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
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