text: Chapter 5
  2. Rehearsals include all jumpers, the crew, the accompanying equipment, and support
  personnel. During live-casting rehearsals, the leader emphasizes the commands, positions,
  and timing of body exit and water entry.
  3. All equipment attaches to the jumper with l/4-inch, 80-pound test, cotton webbing. In or on
  this webbing, he normally carries a mask, fins, web belt with knife, flare(s), and life vest.
  4. When using rubber boats, the team must—
  a. Tie down and secure all equipment inside the boat.
  b. Secure the motor in the floor of the boat and pad it with honeycomb cardboard (for
  UH-60).
  c. Securely attach and isolate fuel cans.
  d. Secure paddles under the gunwales, out of the way of the rest of the gear.
  e. Secure the rucksacks as tightly as possible to the deck of the boat.
  f. Waterproof all equipment in the boat in case of submersion.
  g. Regardless of the type of aircraft used, tie down or secure all equipment. Tape or pad all
  sharp edges or items.
  h. If using side doors for casting (UH-60 or UH-1H), secure the doors in the open position,
  and tape all edges.
  i. With a CH-46 or CH-47, ensure the ramp is secured in the open or casting position (10
  degrees below horizontal).
  j. To use a wire ladder for recovery, secure it beforehand using a wire "donut" secured to the
  floor of the aircraft. Use 5/8-inch wire and secure the wire to at least five points
  using snaplinks.
  k. Ensure all personnel (cast master, pilots, and safety boats) use the same frequency.
  l. Ensure the casting area is clear of all surface and subsurface obstacles.
  5-28. When helocasting from a ramp, such as a CH-47, the cast master gives the commands
  GET READY, STAND UP, CHECK EQUIPMENT, SOUND OFF WITH EQUIPMENT CHECK, and
  GO. When using UH-60 or UH-lH, he omits STAND UP:
  1. The cast master ensures jumpers leave their seat belts on until they hear the command
  GET READY.
  2. If using a rubber boat, the team moves it to the end of the ramp. Just before the command
  GO, they push out until the boat is about halfway past the edge of the ramp. On hearing the
  command GO, they push the boat off the ramp.
  3. The cast master ensures that when the pilot drops personnel, he flies within 10 feet of the
  surface of the water at 10 knots or slower.
  4. When casting from the ramp, jumpers assume a normal prepare-to-land attitude.
  5. When casting from a side door, jumpers cast from a seated door position. On the cast master's
  command, jumpers push off and face the direction of flight, assuring a normal prepare-to-
  land attitude.
  6. The cast master throws bundles or rucksacks before the jumper exits on the command GO.
  7. Upon entering the water, the jumper signals "Okay" to the cast master and safety boat.
  8. When using a single rotor aircraft for recovery operations, the cast master lowers a wire
  ladder to the swimmers, who line up at 50-meter intervals in the recovery area.