Last Monday, we had the opportunity to practice with a liferaft. Until then, I just took it on faith that it would inflate if we launched it, and that we would manage to get in, separate from the sinking boat, etc. The marina here has been sponsoring seminars for the “Puddle Jumpers”, and did this one about launching a liferaft, righting it if it inflated inverted, getting in, etc.
The way it works is like this. The raft is packaged in either a fiberglass canister for deck storage or in a zippered canvas valise for below deck storage. As an absolute last resort (i.e. the boat is going down), you throw the canister or valise overboard (it floats, and it should already be tied to the boat with a long line), then you jank hard on the line to actuate the inflator. If it inflates upside down (this one did), you have to flip it over (no easy task, but doable). Then you have to climb in, which is also not so easy. I’m leaving out a host of details, but you get the idea.
Robyn and I were quick on the draw when asked for volunteers. We jumped in, righted the raft, and climbed in — no problem. I just hope that if it ever happens for real, the water is just as calm as the harbor. Actually, after we got out of the water and watched others making an attempt, I was struck by the thought that so much of what Robyn and I have done in life has prepared us for meeting this challenge, should it appear. I certainly hope it doesn’t, and will continue to be diligent in our preparations, but we will be as ready as possible if it does.
Always better to drill and never need it than the the other way round!
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