text: Chapter 6
  RESCUE BOAT
  6-64. A boat detail is required for personnel drops if a water obstacle is within 1,000 meters of any edge
  of the drop zone, at least 40 feet wide at the widest point, and at least 4 feet deep at its deepest point. If the
  water is at least 4 feet deep, but less than 40 feet wide, a boat detail is not required. However, jumpers
  must still use approved life preservers. The DZSTL may declare any body of water an obstacle based on
  jumper safety.
  6-65. Units may supplement the requirements in this paragraph. When assessing DZ risk for a training
  parachute jump, the commander should consider the distance from the water obstacle to the DZ and the
  depth and width of the water obstacle.
  6-66. The following factors may also enter into risk assessment of a water obstacle: the bottom,
  the current, the water temperature, the number of obstacles, the equipment available to reduce the risk,
  jumper experience, available or artificial light, and the importance of the DZ to mission success.
  Personnel
  6-67. The OIC, NCOIC, and boat operators must all be qualified and licensed to operate the boats and
  the issued boat motors. Each boat needs one primary and one assistant operator and two recovery
  personnel, ideally one of whom is lifeguard qualified and combat lifesaver certified. Everybody in the boat
  should be a strong swimmer.
  6-68. The DZSTL must--
  y Determine if a follow-on assessment of the DZ has been conducted to confirm the
  current status.
  y Ensure the OIC or NCOIC is fully briefed on the plan. Ensure all boat detail personnel have
  been trained and have all necessary equipment available to conduct the mission.
  y Read all applicable regulations, FMs, and SOPs. Ensure copies are available throughout the
  mission.
  6-69. The Jumpmaster must-­
  y Ensure that, if approved life preservers are used, they have been inspected within the last 180
  days and are serviceable.
  y Ensure that all jumpers have received training on life preserver wear, fit, and use (to include
  manual inflation).
  y Ensure all personnel have received prejump training within the 24 hours before drop time, with
  special emphasis on unintentional water landings.
  Time Requirements
  6-70. The OIC or NCOIC ensures that at least two boats must be in place one hour before TOT. At least
  10 minutes before TOT, both boats must be in the water with their engines running. Otherwise, a no-drop
  situation exists.
  Communications
  6-71. Two-way communications with the DZSTL must be established at least an hour before TOT, and
  maintained throughout the jump operation.