3.1.2 Self-inflatable life raft

WARNING

Before any trip, check that there are no impediments to its immediate use.

Self-inflatable rafts must be used only in case of real emergencies, requiring the abandonment of the yacht.
The yacht must in fact be abandoned in case a serious sinking hazard, or in case of fire becoming out of control. In all other cases careful evaluation is necessary, because to leave the yacht, even though on a self inflatable life raft, could mean more difficult identification by the rescue team.
As a matter of fact, the search for the shipwrecked will start exactly from the last known position of the yacht.

In case the use of self-inflatable life rafts becomes necessary, perform the following operations:

• Shut OFF the engines and wear the life jackets;
• Make the distress call using the VHF device;
• Uncoil the line of each life raft by 3 to 4 m; secure it tightly to a fixed point of the yacht and launch the self-inflatable life raft into the sea on the leeward side;
  

WARNING

Check that the line is always well fastened to the yacht.

• Unwind the line completely, then give a strong and decisive pull; the raft will open in a few minutes;
• Board by jumping directly from the yacht into the life raft;
• If the distress call has already been made and you have received an answer, prepare for a relatively short wait; then evaluate whether to cut or not the line. If you did not have the time to make the distress call or you did not receive an answer, prepare for a long wait; in this case, plan for survival, taking the following items, as well as the equipment included in the kit: floating smoke signals and rockets, a knife, drinking water and energy foods that do not cause thirst. Before boarding the life raft wear all possible clothing, except for shoes that could injure other shipwrecked persons or damage the life raft;
• Embark possible clothes and supplies;
• If somebody falls overboard, help him/her up into the life raft; throw the life buoy with line, if necessary;
• Make sure that everybody is on board, take the knife out of its sheath, and cut the line that ties the life raft to the yacht;
• Move quickly away from the sinking yacht, using the oars;
• When the overpressure valves have stopped hissing, close them by tightening the safety plugs.

CAUTION

The validity of the self-inflatable life raft is limited; check its expiry on the certificate. The life raft can be overhauled by a reliable entity extending its validity.

DANGER

If the life raft opens upside down, jump into the water and roll it over, by pulling the special rope.
If the life raft does not open after the first pull, repeat the operation two or three times. If the life raft still does not open, jump into the water and, keeping a hand on the container, pull the emergency line strongly. If the life raft still does not open, cut the container open with a knife and operate the opening device directly (by pulling the life line).

Differently from a life boat, the life raft cannot self-propel to the shore, unless blown there by favourable winds. Oars are only useful for small manoeuvres.

• The life raft is fitted with stabilisers and a floating anchor, for improving its stability and drift. The stabilisers give stability to the raft. Keep the floating anchor in the water. The anchor prevents excessively rapid drifts.
• When the life raft is towed, weigh the floating anchor on board.
• With very high waves and strong wind there is the risk that the raft may overturn: shift the weight of people on board towards the side tending to lift.
• If the life raft does capsize, roll it over and return on board. If the sea is rough, it is advisable to wear the life jackets all the time. If the raft deflates, inflate it again from time to time using the relevant inflating device provided with the raft.
• If air blows out of a hole, use one of the plugs stowed inside the repair kit.
• You can perform minor repairs, by using the glue provided with the kit. Clean the torn area and the repair pad, spread both with the glue. Hold the pad for thirty seconds, pressing from the centre outwards, in order to eliminate any air bubbles.
• Hold down for a little time and inflate again, after one hour.
  

DANGER

All people on board must know the location of self-inflatable raft storage and the correct use procedures.

DANGER

With very high waves and strong wind there is the risk that the raft may overturn: shift the weight of people on board towards the side tending to lift.
If the life raft in spite of all does capsize, roll it over and return on board.