Snatch Recovery:
A snatch recovery is where one end a snatch strap is attached to a vehicle that is either stuck in mud or has simply lost traction. The other end of the snatch strap is attached to a mobile vehicle with traction. The vehicle with traction drives off and the kinetic energy generated in the snatch strap extracts the stuck vehicle.

Recovery coordinator:
Usually, this is the Trip Leader, but it is not always possible for them to be in close proximity, depending on the terrain or the length of convoy. The Trip Leader will appoint a recovery coordinator if they are unable coordinate the snatch recovery.
First and foremost, it must be determined why the vehicle is stuck. In most cases ground clearance is usually the culprit, hanging the vehicle up on the diffs, suspension or gearbox. Do not assume this, as there may be hidden obstacles such as a tree root etc. The driver is to remain in the vehicle with the footbrake and handbrake on. The recovery coordinator will decide whether to winch or to perform a snatch recovery in forward or reverse, depending on the situation. Modern cars have plastic bash plates to protect the underneath of the car, which can act as a plough, filling up with mud and tearing off, if driven in reverse in thick sticky mud.

The mobile vehicle is positioned to allow around 2m of slack in the snatch strap, paying attention not to get bogged as well. Turn the engine off and leave in gear (manual) or park (automatic). The driver is to stay in the vehicle with the footbrake & handbrake on. The direction of both vehicles should be kept as straight as possible. It is etiquette for the stuck vehicle to provide the snatch strap. Inspect the snatch strap prior to use, as a nick of only 1cm can reduce its breaking strain by over 50%. During a snatch recovery, the snatch strap will elongate by around one metre.

All passengers from both vehicles must be moved to an area one and a half times the length of the strap, along with any other bystanders. Preferably attach the snatch strap to the left hand side recovery point of the stuck vehicle; if the snatch strap breaks it will be on the opposite side from both drivers. If bow shackles are needed to attach the snatch strap to the recovery point, use only rated shackles, 3.25 tonnes or greater. Hand tighten shackles, then back them off half a turn, this will prevent them from locking on. Lay the snatch strap on the ground in a straight line to the mobile vehicle. Loop approx 2 metres of snatch strap out to the driver’s side, in view of the driver from the stuck vehicle (the driver from the mobile vehicle will be able to see it in their side mirror). Ensure the snatch strap is not be twisted, as this concentrates the load onto a narrow area of the snatch strap.
Connect the other end of the snatch strap to the mobile vehicle recovery point. If a towbar is the only recovery point available ensure that it is securely attached to the vehicles chassis with a minimum of 4 high tensile bolts. Some light duty towbars are unsuitable for snatch recoveries as they are not designed for the high shock loadings that a snatch recovery places on them.

CAUTION - Never place a Snatch strap over a tow ball.

Remove the clip and pin from the hitch receiver, then slide the hitch receiver out. Place the eye of the snatch strap inside the box section of the towbar and insert the pin through the eye of the snatch strap. Attach the clip, the snatch strap is now “Live”
Once the snatch strap is connected at both ends it is considered “Live”. For safety, you should never walk over a live snatch strap. Snatch straps do break, and when they do, they recoil with a tremendous amount of force. There have been cases were a snatch strap with a shackle attached smashed through the rear windscreen of a car, narrowly missing the driver. To safe guard against this, it is necessary to place a damper over the middle of the snatch strap; a. blanket or similar will act as a 'parachute', if the snatch strap breaks.
At this point the recovery coordinator will double check all connections. If a hand held UHF radio is available they will use this to coordinate the recovery, otherwise they will use hand signals. The recovery coordinator will ask both drivers if they are ready, they will signal by hand, flashing their lights, CB radio etc when they are ready. The recovery coordinator will count:

On 1. Drivers will start their vehicles and place them in gear with handbrakes off.
On 2. The stuck driver will start to drive. 1st gear low range
On 3. The mobile driver will start to drive. 2nd gear low range
If for any reason, either driver wants to abort the recovery, they will sound their horn. Stop as soon as you are clear and remove the snatch strap, taking care not to run over the snatch strap. If this fails to extricate the stuck vehicle, repeat the process with slightly more speed.

NEVER join two snatch straps using a shackle as this can turn into a "missile" if either snatch straps were to break.