Planetary Rescues (Horizons Not Required)

The safest way to perform planetary rescues is to have the client log in to a 1.5 version of the game, which will give them the option to teleport into orbit.  Once there, the client can be performed normally even by non-Horizons players.

Limpets cannot get under craft that are landed to refuel them, and if a client attempts to lift-off and runs out of fuel they will crash back into the planet.

Client missing Jumponium (Horizons)

Occasionally, clients use FSD boost materials to jump beyond their normal maximum range — and fail to leave themselves enough materials for the return trip.  If a client does not have a SRV this is particularly problematic, as they cannot easily find more boost materials.

If a client is in this situation, have them check their maximum jump range on a site such as coriolis.io and see if they have a route that would be viable if their tank is near-empty.  If so, either they can scoop on the other side or we can perform a rescue there.

If that option fails, it’s worth noting that ships can scoop mined minerals from planets if they’re careful and the main difficulty is locating those materials.  Thus, rat(s) can survey planets that the client is capable of reaching and — upon determining that the correct materials are possible to acquire — can use their SRV to attack meteorites/etc while the client follows in their ship scooping up the resulting materials.

Client Being Attacked by NPC or Player Pirates

If the client is being attacked by or is in proximity of an NPC or Player pirate, there are a number of actions that can be taken:

• If the rat(s) haven’t reached the client yet, have the client log out.  Note that combat logging is discouraged, but a logout with the 15 second timer should be fine.
• Many rats use lightly shielded/armored and/or unarmed ships.  Because of this, it is advisable to send additional rat(s) to distract the pirate ship(s) so that fueling can begin on the client and they can relocate to a safer location to complete fueling and for debriefing.
• If the rat(s) are currently fueling the client when a pirate appears and the rat(s) are armed, the rat(s) can attempt to secure the area if they are properly prepared.  While doing this inform dispatch and have them direct the client to an SC Hop to a safer location.  If enough fuel has been transferred having the client jump to another nearby system to complete fueling is the safest course of action.
• If a rat is capable of tanking NPC attackers for at least a short time, they can attack the NPC once to get it to stop attacking the client while the client gets at least one successful fuel transfer and escapes to supercruise.  
• If the rat(s) don’t have any weapons and/or the client is CR (with sufficient remaining O2) and the rat(s) haven’t arrived yet, the client can log out to the main menu and wait 1-2 mins. This will result in NPCs jumping away from the instance.

 In any of these situations, it’s important to notify dispatch what is going on and of the rat(s) anticipated actions

Resource Extraction Sites or Combat Zones

Resource Extraction Sites and Combat Zones add an additional level of threat to the client and rat(s) on the case.  These are similar to a pirate attacking a client, but with more numerous and more powerful ships potentially interfering with the rescue.  It’s critical to get the client to a safe location to complete fueling and debriefing.  In these situations notify dispatch immediately.

Client Ran out of Fuel In/Near a Station

Long Range Rescues

Long range rescues are rescues that are over 1,000 LY from the bubble. Special procedures for this are covered in Long Range Rescue Standard Operating Procedures.