Your vessel is conducting helicopter evacuation operations for an injured crew member. Which of the following statements is true concerning the hoisting line?

Correct Answer: Option A — allow the line to touch the deck to discharge the static electricity

Helicopters build up extremely high static electrical charges during flight. Standard SAR procedure requires allowing the metal hoist cable or grounding device to touch the vessel's deck first to discharge static electricity before vessel personnel handle the hook or lifting device, preventing severe electrical shock to crew members.