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

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 2 – Mission Planning
E.3. Rescue and
Assistance
When responding to a request for rescue and assistance, the unit boat
crew’s first responsibility is to save lives, not property.
CAUTION! Crews must exercise extreme caution when responding to sinking or capsized
vessels due to the inhe rent dangers associated with being onboard a sinking
watercraft.
Part 2, Chapte r 2, Secti on A , Underway Mission Planning, of this
Manual details what level of risk is ap propriate given the likelihood of
saving lives in distress. All boat crew members should be familiar with
those guidelines.
E .3.a. Towing Boat crews will be called upon to tow disabled vessels. Boat Coxswains,
OOD and unit CO/OIC must be thoroughly familiar with the Coast
Guard’s non-emergency assistance policy contained in Reference (p).
Boat Coxswains must be familiar with the towing limitations of each unit
boat to ensure safety of their crew an d the assisted vessel. Specific
guidance regarding towing safety, equipment, and techniques is found in
Reference (o). Boat type towing limitations can be found in their
corresponding specific boat type operator’s handbooks.
WARNING
E.4. Marine
Protected Species
The SPC-LE was built and outfitted for speed and tactical maneuverability.
While capab le of towi ng vessels up to 20 gross weight tonnage or 50 FT in
length, towing with the SPC-LE induces stress on the high performance engines
result ing in premature lower un it/engine failures.
The SPC-LE should not be used for routine towing.
Marine protecte d species includes those species covered under both the
Marine Mammal Protection Act (M MPA) and the Endangered Species
Act (ESA). The Coast Guard must ensure its operations are
environmentally sound and comply with the MMPA and the ESA, and
other Federal, State, and local regulations.
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