2.3.3 Self-inflatable life raft

Self-inflatable life raft must be used only in case of real emergencies, requiring the abandonment of the yacht.

The yacht must in fact be abandoned in case of 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 own yacht, even though on a self-inflatable life raft, could mean a more difficult identification the rescue team.

As a matter of fact, the search for the shipwrecked will start exactly from the last known position of the yacht.

WARNING

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

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

• Shut the engines down and put on the life jackets;
• Perform the distress call using the VHF device;
• Wear life jackets.
• Remove the cushions (seat and backrest) of the cockpit’s port side sofa, and open the hatch.
• Unwind the line for 3 or 4 metres; secure it firmly to a fixed point of the yacht and throw the self-inflating life raft into the sea from the leeward side;

WARNING

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

• Unwind the lifeline completely, then give a strong and decisive pull; the raft will open in a couple of minutes;
  
• Board by jumping directly from the yacht into the life raft;
• If you launch the distress call and receive an answer, prepare for a relatively short wait; assess whether or not to cut the restraint line.
• If you have not had the opportunity to make a distress call or have not been answered, 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 raft wear all possible garments, except for shoes that could injure other shipwrecked persons or damage the life raft;
• Take on board any clothes and food supplies;
• If somebody falls overboard, help him/her to up into the life raft; throw the life buoy with line, if necessary;
• Make sure that all the personnel is on board and assess if it is better to cut the connecting line or not.
• Extract the knife supplied with the raft from its sheath and use it to cut the connecting line that secures the self-inflating 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.

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).

The oars with which it is equipped are only suitable for minor 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 into the water. The anchor prevents excessively rapid drifts.
• When the life raft is towed, weigh the floating anchor 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 persons on board must know the position in which the self-inflating life raft is stored and the correct procedures for use.

DANGER

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