A heaving line is a length of rope that needs to be kept handy ready to throw to someone over the side.
The line should have sufficient breaking strain to haul a person back to the boat.
Whilst no length is technically specified it is recommended no less than 15 metres. Ideally a handle should be attached to the end being thrown to the person in the water. Many on the market in years gone by have had a round rubber handle.
![](https://mast.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Heaving-line-02.jpg)
![](https://mast.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Heaving-line-01.jpg)