---
title: Buoyant heaving line - Purpose and length
description: Characteristics of a buoyant heaving line - Purpose - Minimum required length is 15m. What is the minimum length of the buoyant heaving line under 24?
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/pcoc2021/images/buoyant-heaving-lines.png
---

## What is a heaving line used for?

A buoyant heaving line is a floating rope that has a soft buoyant mass on one end.

## What is the purpose for carrying buoyant heaving lines on a boat?

A buoyant heaving line is used to be thrown toward a person in distress in the water. To improve the accuracy of the throw overboard to a person overboard, a balloon or other floating object should be fixed to the buoyant heavy line. In addition, boaters should practice throwing the buoyant heaving line in order to develop their ability to be effective if an emergency occurs.

## Characterictics of a Buoyant heaving line:

- A buoyant heaving line is approved for use as long as it floats and is in good condition.
- It must be made of one full length of rope, not many shorter ropes tied together
- The length of the buoyant heaving line should be long enough for the boat you will be using and it is used only as safety equipment so that it is easy to find and use in an emergency.

## Minimum required length of a Buoyant heaving line

### 15 meters (50 feets)

- Minimum required length of the buoyant heaving line is 15 meters for all pleasure craft under 24 meters (78'9'')
- Minimum required length of the buoyant heaving line is 30 meters for all pleasure craft over 24 meters (78'9'').

 

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