Throwing Bag, Heave Ho, etc...

G

gljjr

New member
Roger's kindhearted tale of rescuing the gentleman on the beach last weekend brought up a good point. How do you go about getting a line to the dock, towed vehicle, or worse yet someone who has fallen overboard? I know I have always carried a heave ho on my sled that is attached to a 30' line (usually more than enough in a river). I also know it is difficult to toss the whole length of line. After reading the http://www.boatus.com/foundation/findings/line_launch.htm that Roger provided and thinking about it a little more I can see where this is something that definitely needs to be practiced more often.

I also thought about being able to extend the length of the throw by using the boat hook to add leverage to the toss. IE: Cast it like a fishing pole with the line looped over the end of the boat hook.
 
Great topic.....something we routinely use and practice in the CGAUX. I have a dedicated haeaving line aboard that is polyprolene with a heavy, but soft red ball on the end. This give the weight that make the throw carry. I also carry a life ring with about 50' of line attached to throw to a man overboard. The heaving line is use more for passing a tow line. It's definetely something worth practicing so it can be done properly in a stressful situation.
 
There have been a number of improvements over the decades in heaving lines. The traditional Navy "Monkey Fist" 3-4 lb ball and line was still in use during Vietnam between replenishment ships and warships. Dunno about the "Modern Navy" but I suspect more than a few old retired Chief Bosun Mates still have 'em hanging in their garages.

The accuracy and range of, essentially, a "sling" with a long line attached in the hands of an expert is remarkable, considering the linesman sometimes had to hit within 3 ft. of a moving target as much as 20 meters away from the deck of his own less than stable platform. Shot lines fired from "long guns" are fine conveniences, however situations occur where it's safer (and faster) to get an experienced old salt to get the line over where it's needed.

Most sailors will recognize the "throw" which is nothing like that used with "Heaveho" devices. Mike, you CG AUX guys probably get more experience to the old fashioned technique than any of us. The thrower holds the coiled line in one hand and spins the Monkey Fist and the diameter of the spin circle varied as a function of the distance required. Like the sling shooter of ancient times, he releases at just the right moment and the job is done. It takes both practice and a "talent" as Dusty and Charlie will attest. Few have that talent. Seeing it in action performed by an artist is awesome and never forgotten!

Don
 
On "Sea Shift" we carry a "Line Throw Bag" with 70' of line and a throwable flotation device.
I've always felt that a flotation device that is thrown should not be attached to a line so that the device will continue to float (hopefully) near the victim and as a visual for locating the victims postition. If the victim is able to swim to it then he has additional flotation until you can safely secure him on your vessel.
By all means it takes practice with a line throw bag, and practicing while you are on your vessel is best so you can find the best place to position yourself for the throw. You should also practice quick retrieval and "rethrow" for when the initial throw is not adequate.
I've had numerous "practice" opportunities with the "swift water rescue" classes I've participated in and still find it necessary to keep in practice.
Our technical rescue team has a "Line Gun" in its' equipment cache. It is powered by CO2 and is capable of shooting a line approx. 200'. We've used it a number of times in training, but as of yet have not needed it for an actual rescue. (I'm certain that I would not bother carrying one of those on my vessel as there are too many "toys" on it already). :roll:
 
:thup We have been using my Kayak throw bag for sometime now...has worked great in retrieving scuba divers....all you have to do is dip the bag in the water for weight and throw....They are cheaper to buy if you stay out of the specialty kayak shop.....! GI Joes or most sporting shops have them.....

make sure that you pull the line out of the bag if you use it and dry it out now and then, just a tip!
 
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