comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 2 – Mission Planning
Boat Considerations
A.7. Boat
Selection
A.8. Mission
Planning
Deciding which boat to use is one of the most critical decisions made in
mission planning. An inappropriate choice may result in an inability to
complete the mission or severely diminish the team’s effectiveness. The
following factors should be considered in boat selection decisions:
(01) Expected distance to travel.
(02) Expected duration of the mission.
(03) Expected distance offshore (radar, GPS, and/or HF
communications may be required for certain offshore missions).
(04) Number of potential passengers/survivors and their condition.
(05) Equipment status.
(06) Day/night (radar desirable for night and search operations).
(07) Search and Rescue Unit (SRU) speed.
(08) Boat Crew Communications capability.
A f ull understanding of the goals of the mission and its likely duration
are essential to determine the appropriate boat-mission match. Prior to
getting underway, consideration must be given to the following:
(01) Boat limitations.
(02) Boat readiness.
(03) Boat capabilities.
(04) Boat endurance.
(05) Crew experience.
(06) Weather limitations.
(07) Towing capabilities.
(08) Habitability for both crew and passengers.
(09) Ability for helicopters to safely hoist personnel and/or equipment.
(10) Damage control capabilities.
Boat capabilities and limitations are found in each Specific Boat Type
Operator’s Handbook.
2-15