Hercules - The Hercules (CC-130) is the primary fixed-wing search airplane at all SAR units except 442 squadron in Comox. It is a medium lift transport airplane ideal for long-range SAR operations. Because of its large size and equally large turning radius, it is limited in the scope of its operations in mountainous terrain. Because they are also used for tactical airlift operations, the Hercules are painted either gray or camouflage. The Hercules' SAR crew consists of two Pilots, a Navigator, a Flight Engineer, a Loadmaster and two Search and Rescue Technicians.
Category: - SAR

High - In the Northern Hemisphere, an area of high atmospheric pressure with a closed, clockwise movement of air (circulation). Also known as an anticyclone.
Category: - Weather

HMCS - A prefix used before a navy vessel's name to denote that it is owned by the crown (Her Majestys Canadian Ship)
Category: - Maritime - Acronym

Hogging - Straining of the ship which tends to make the bow and stern lower than the middle portion.
Category: - Maritime

Hoist - All SAR helicopters are equipped with an external hoist, either electric or hydraulic, used to raise and lower rescuers to and from the ground or water (the Labrador also has a backup hoist which is located internally, and operates through a hole in the belly). When someone is raised or lowered on the hoist, they are "hoisted." Hoisting is always vertical. Hoisting should not be confused with winching, which involves pulling objects horizontally, as in the case of the Buffalo and Hercules which have winches to pull large loads of cargo onto the plane when on the ground or to pull the SAR Techs back in if they get caught on the side of the plane when parachuting.
Category: - Weather

Hold - A general name for the spaces below the main deck designated for stowage of general cargo. A hold on a tanker is usually just forward of #1 cargo tank. Some newer tankers have no hold.
Category: - Maritime

Hovercraft - A vessel used for the transportation of passengers and cargo riding on a cushion of air formed under it. It is very maneuverable and is also amphibious.
Category: - Maritime

Hull - The body of a ship, including shell plating, framing, decks, bulkheads.
Category: - Maritime

Humanitarian Incident - A search and rescue (SAR) incident (not aeronautical or maritime) which requires a response by the SAR system to preserve human life or relieve suffering. "incident humanitaire"
Category: - SAR

Humidity - A measure of the water vapour content of the air. Usually relative humidity is expressed as a percentage of total possible moisture content.
Category: - General