For heavy weather SB launch/recovery, what sea height is considered for the operation?

When considering heavy weather small boat (SB) launch and recovery operations, sea height plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the mission. A sea height of 3 feet or greater is significant because it indicates the conditions under which operations may become hazardous.

In situations where waves are 3 feet high or more, the risks associated with launching and recovering small boats increase because the higher waves can impact the stability of the boat during the process. The crew needs to be prepared for potential swells that could affect both the safety of the crew onboard and the integrity of the small boat.

Operating in such conditions requires careful assessment and should only be undertaken if the crew is adequately trained and if all safety measures and protocols are followed. The decision to conduct these operations must also account for the capabilities of the fast response cutter and the associated equipment to handle the environmental conditions safely.