SABOT – TEACHING NOTES
UNIT 5 (MOB/PIW RECOVERY)
Use magnetic board and magnets for classroom demonstrations. (Unit #1 must be done first)
TERMINAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE:
5.1 While underway on an Auxiliary facility (in seas under 4 feet), given a man overboard (MOB) or person in the water (PIW) scenario,
RECOVER a simulated MOB/PIW, using the DIRECT approach method. Recovery is completed when the MOB/PIW is maintained alongside under positive control of the crew. Task is to be accomplished without prompting or use of references in accordance with the Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, COMDTINST M16114.5 (series) and the Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guides, COMDTINST M16794.52A, Volume I – Crew (Section G), COMDTINST M16794.53A, Volume II – Coxswain (Section G) and the SABOT Job Aid.
Instructors can employ various PIW and MOB scenarios to solicit various student responses in assessing risks and employing acceptable methods to recover the PIW. These methods include but are not limited to the following:
DIRECT – Recovering PIW using the reach and grab technique (preferred).
DIRECT – Recovering the PIW using a boat hook.
IN-DIRECT – Recovering the PIW using a throwable device.
MULTIPLE RECOVERIES – Recovering multiple PIWs using a combination of
direct and in-direct approaches and recovery methods.
GENERAL
: All Auxiliary Boat Crews should be able to recovery a "Man Overboard" in under 3 minutes! This is the Coast Guard Standard as the brain begins to die if the person can’t breath for 3 minutes. It could be you! In SABOT we train for the worst condition; that is, to recover an unconscious person, face down in the water.
For SABOT purposes we consider the PIW recovered when along side and under positive control. That is, in position where you can keep their head out of the water. On small boat crews you may not be able to lift the PIW from the water especially if alone. Radio for help once you have them alongside and under your control.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES:
5.1.1
DEMONSTRATE sounding the DANGER signal (if applicable) and establishing
electronic datum (MOB Function on GPS).
5.1.2
DEMONSTRATE directing the crew to deploy datum within close proximity to
the PIW (if applicable).
5.1.3
DEMONSTRATE executing the appropriate turn considering associated risks and
prevailing weather conditions.
5.1.4
DEMONSTRATE assigning crew positions and tasking based on the PIW
condition.
5.1.5
DEMONSTRATE energizing adequate lighting to assist in recovery (if
applicable).
5.1.6
CONFIRM visually and verbally the position and condition of the PIW.
5.1.7
ANNOUNCE to the crew the pick-up point on the boat.
5.1.8
DEMONSTRATE making a safe approach to the PIW using proper helm and
throttle controls, based on prevailing conditions.
5.1.9
DEMONSTRATE ability to station keep alongside the PIW during recovery.
5.1.10
DEMONSTRATE recovering the PIW within 3 minutes of notification.
5.1.11
DEBRIEF the controlling unit (Instructor verbally, using simulated radio transmission).
INSTRUCTOR OUTLINE:
In the classroom review/demonstrate using the magnetic board the following:
1. As soon as the MOB alarm is given the person observing the MOB should point until relieved and the coxswain/helmsman should do the following:
2. Note the position of the PIW
3. Hit the MOB/MARK button on the GPS
4. Sound the "Danger Signal" on the horn/whistle
5. Turn the boat around and stop to determine the relative set and drift of the
PIW.
6. Be sure that a TYPE IV PFD was deployed.
7. Brief crew on duties:
* Keep pointing until coxswain has the PIW in sight
* Break out the Rescue line, boarding ladder, and boat hook.
* Assign a lookout to give the relative position of the PIW as
you make your approach and loose sight of PIW under the flare of the boat.
8. The coxswain should make the approach into the wind or prevailing force.
9. As you approach keep minimal speed, only enough for steerage.
10. Have a lookout calling out PIW’s position relative to the boat, that is;
* Alongside off the bow
Alongside off the first stanchion, etc.
At the pick-up point
11. As the PIW reaches the recovery point and before bringing the boat to a stop, the
coxswain should give the boat a slight turn toward the PIW and broadside to the
wind. This is done so that the PIW doesn’t drift away when alongside.
12. When the PIW is at the pick-up spot the lookout should call out stop and the
coxswain should bring the boat to a complete and immediate stop with a shot of
reverse power. This should allow for a direct pick-up of the PIW.
(NOTE: If the PIW is conscious, you may simply be able to stop the boat as the
PIW swims back to the boat.) In SABOT we always train to recover an
unconscious PIW.
13. The boat should keep its engines running but in neutral.
This is very important!
You always want to be able to instantly maneuver the boat if necessary.
14. At this time the coxswain or helmsman is free to assist with the recovery.
15. If the person can not be recovered due to size, weight, or a shortage of crew the
coxswain should radio for help.
16. When the PIW is recovered administer first aid as required. Always treat for
shock.
17. Notify the controlling unit (CG Station).
18. Conduct a de-briefing on the MOB/PIW Recovery evolution.
19. If the MOB/PIW is not found make a PAN, PAN, PAN call on channel 16 of t he
VHF-FM radio and initiate a VS search.
20. For multiple PIWs it may be necessary to use a combination of windward and
leeward approaches. Consider the following:
* PIW without a PFD first.
* How close are the PIWs to a beach, dock, or jetty.
* How old are the PIWs
* What is the physical condition of the PIWs
21. Do Exercise #9 as practical underway training. Evolutions should be done at least
3 times with each coxswain onboard.
EXERCISE #9
See JOB AID, Section C
REQUIREMENTS:
a. Requires an Auxiliary facility and crew equipped with a
life-like dummy (OSCAR or RESCUE RANDY) if
possible.
(NOTE: A PIW is much more susceptible to current
and these devices do a much better job of simulating a
PIW than does a fender. Also, these devices are
weighted to give the crew a better feel of recovering a
person.)
b. An Auxiliary Facility
c. Facility gets underway and at random times the QE will deploy the MOB.
d. Crewperson observing the MOB gives the alarm, deploys a throwable and points at the PIW until relieved by the coxswain.
e. After giving the alarm, the coxswain hits the MOB on the GPS and sounds the "Danger Signal" while crew continues to point at the PIW.
f. Coxswain initiates a turn and stops to determine the relative set and drift.
g. Coxswain assigns duties to crew.
h. Heaving line (Rescue line), Boat Hook, and Boarding
Ladder are readied for possible use.
i. Pointer stops pointing when coxswain has in view.
j. Coxswain makes approach from down-wind, (Down from the prevailing force).
k. When making the approach the coxswain will bring the vessel alongside the PIW (Against the hull)
l. As the PIW disappears from the coxswains sight due to the flare of the boat, a crewmember will give the PIWs relative position to the coxswain.
m. When the PIW is at the "Pick-Up" point on the vessel the crew will shout "STOP" and the coxswain will turn the vessel broadside to the wind and instantly give the vessel a shot of REVERSE to bring the vessel to a complete stop.
n. The PIW is considered "Recovered when alongside and under the positive control of the crew. (Crew may not be capable of recovering a large person from the water and help may be needed to do an actual recovery. This is especially true with small crews that may now be short one person who is now in the water.)
o. The PIW is then recovered and first aid is administered.
p. The controlling land station is then notified of the MOB/PIW. Doing this any sooner will cause the station to start asking questions when the coxswain is busy doing the recovery operation.
