Before a survivor climbs into a helicopter rescue basket, what must the pilot do to discharge static electricity?

Prepare for the Water Survival 929 Test. Use flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get water safe!

Discharging static electricity before the survivor enters the basket is about giving any built-up charge a safe path to ground. Static can accumulate on the basket and the survivor as they move, and if that charge remains when contact is made, a spark or shock could occur. The reliable way to remove that charge is to provide a direct grounding path by letting the basket touch a grounded surface. Lowering the basket so it rests against the ship’s deck or against the water beside the raft or boat lets the charge flow away to ground, making entry much safer. Grounding by touching a metal surface on board can work only if that surface provides a complete, effective ground path, which isn’t guaranteed in all situations. Waiting for direct water contact later isn’t practical for safety—that grounding should happen before the survivor climbs in. In short, establishing a ground path through contact with the deck or water ensures the static is dissipated and reduces the risk of shocks during entry.