3.3.3 Self-inflatable life raft

WARNING

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

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

• Shut the engines down and wear the life jackets;
• Perform the distress call using the VHF device;
• Uncoil the life line of each 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 lee 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 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 life 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 raft wear all possible garments, 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 to 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 self-inflating life raft has a limited time validity, check its expiry date on the certificate. The raft may be serviced by an accredited body which extends its validity. Sanctions apply for non-compliance with this rule.

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 yacht, 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 into 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 persons on board towards the side tending to lift.
• If the life raft all 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 persons on board must know the location of self-inflatable rafts 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 persons on board towards the side tending to lift.
If the life raft all does capsize, roll it over and return on board.