3 - SAFETY DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT41
3.3.3 Self-inatableliferaft
WARNING
Before any trip, check that there are no impediments to its immediate use.
Self-inatable 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 of a serious sinking hazard, or
in case of re becoming out of control. In all other cases careful evaluation
is necessary, because to leave the yacht, even though on a self inatable life
raft, could mean a more difcult identication 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-inatable 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 xed point
of the yacht and launch the self-inatable 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: oating 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 them into the 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.
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