COLUMBIA ESTUARY – Every summer thousands of hopeful boaters venture over the Columbia Bar in their quest for salmon, halibut and tuna, but in some instances emergencies occur, many times life-threatening.

It can happen on a 20-, 30-, 40-foot or larger boat in daylight or dark – five miles offshore or 50 miles out.

It happens every year in our part of the ocean and probably more than you realize – to boaters just like you and me.

Recently charter boat operators had an opportunity to meet with USCG officers covering a variety of subjects, one of which involves a situational subject that any recreational boater could face while boating this coming season.

Helicopter hoisting operations can pose great hazard to the aircrew, boat crew and whoever is being hoisted. A medical emergency or accident while at sea may require helicopter rescue. The safety and efficiency of helicopter hoist operations is greatly improved if the crew of the vessel is briefed in advance on what is required. We are talking about you, the boat owner, or crew of the vessel that you are on.

Boat-helicopter operations require team effort, alertness, and cooperation among crewmembers aboard both the boat and the helicopter. Since the noise level may hinder communications, the coxswain and pilot usually plan the operation before the helicopter is overhead. Once the helicopter is overhead, the aircrew member serving as hoist operator gives the pilot maneuvering instructions for guiding the rescue device to the boat deck below. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Imagine the scenario on your boat, where a fishing partner has a stroke, heart attack or serious injury. After calling out your mayday, giving vessel name, position, type of emergency and donning lifejackets, the USCG radio operator will ask you a series of questions: Name of patient, age, height/weight, sex, detailed explanation of injuries, type of First Aid being rendered, is the patient in shock? Other questions pertain to vitals, how long did the accident happen prior to contacting USCG, or about any medications someone may be taking. Still more questions may be about allergy tags, or if any passengers are skilled in First Aid.

The following answers are run past a medical officer to determine what actions are necessary:

Before the helicopter arrives, secure the vessel’s radar or put it on standby; the master/operator of the boat should establish communications with the helicopter as early as possible to exchange information and instructions. This includes: Use of primary and secondary working frequencies; on-scene weather; exact position; updated condition of injured person; and information to aid the pilot in selecting rescue device.

Also, know the total number of crew and other persons on board your boat, and total number on board the helicopter (in case the helicopter has to ditch, you know how many people you are looking for).

Conduct hoist briefing with the helicopter pilot.

Have those on the boat wear protective gear, since the helicopter will be very noisy and beads of water will be flying like BBs. If possible wear a helmet, as well as eye and hearing protection. Personal flotation devices and gloves for protection should also be on board.

The helicopter’s downdraft will be close to 100 mph as it approaches the boat and slightly less when it is directly overhead. So, stow all loose gear on deck, such as rods and reels, hats, cushions, lines and paper so that they are not swept up into the rotors or engines. Also, lower and secure all antennas, booms, rigging and the flagstaff if possible.

Designate one boat crewmember to give hand signals to the hoist operator.

Brief the crew and person to be hoisted regarding the type of hoist to be used.

Warning: Never attach, tie or secure anything to the boat that is attached to the helicopter.

Always allow the rescue device to contact (ground to) the boat, water or “deadman’s stick,” before you touch it. A helicopter in flight builds up a tremendous amount of static electricity, which can knock you across the boat.

Always wait for slack line in the hoist cable before attempting to hook onto the device to be hoisted. This precaution allows for the relative motion between helicopter and boat.

Always keep the trailing line and hoisting cable clear of the boat’s rigging.

Always unhook the rescue device before moving it inside the boat.

Helicopter boat positioning is a critical operation. When working with a helicopter at night, never shine a light towards or take flash pictures of the helicopter. The sudden light may temporarily disorient the pilot.

Hoists from standard boats are normally made from the stern. The pilot will normally direct the master/operator to assume a certain course and speed with a relative wind speed of 15-30 knots and 35-45 degrees off the port bow. Sometimes sea conditions may require departure from this rule, especially to minimize boat rolling. The boat must maintain a steady course and speed.

The rescue device will be lowered from the right side of the aircraft. The helicopter will approach the boat from astern (downwind) and hover off the port side, aft of amidships. This method of approach allows the pilot and hoist operator (located on the right side of the aircraft), a full view of the boat during the evolution.