Liferaft drills

Actions taken whilst in liferaft

According to SOLAS guidelines, the "Immediate Action upon Entering a Life Raft Card" instructs individuals to: cut the painter (rope connecting the raft to the ship), get clear of the sinking vessel, look for and pick up other survivors, ensure the sea anchor is deployed once clear, close up entrances to the raft, and read the survival instructions; essentially prioritising quick separation from the ship and gathering other potential survivors while stabilising the raft.

Key points to remember:

1. CUT THE PAINTER LINE AND GET CLEAR OF THE VESSEL

2. CHECK RAFT FOR PROPER INFLATION. RAFT TUBE SHOULD BE FIRM

3. LOOK FOR AND PICK UP OTHER SURVIVORS

4. PICK UP ANY FLOATING EQUIPMENT

5. ENSURE SEA-ANCHOR STREAMED WHEN CLEAR OF VESSEL

6. SIT LOW ON THE FLOOR WITH YOUR BACK TOWARDS THE TUBE

7. BAIL OUT ANY WATER THAT HAS ENTERED THE RAFT

8. ACTIVATE ANY EMERGENCY RADIO BEACONS, IF AVAILABLE

9. SET-UP CANOPY (IF EQUIPPED)

10. CLOSE UP ENTRANCE

11. MAKE A CALM ESTIMATION OF YOUR SITUATION 12. KEEP CALM. DO NOT MOVE UNLESS NECESSARY