Launching, boarding and righting the liferaft
1The lesson in plain words
Tie on, usually launch to leeward, clear of fire, fuel and wreckage, then pull and tug the painter. Board dry, strong person first; skipper last.
Launching
A painter is the raft’s tether and inflation line. Secure it to a strong point and release its securing straps. Usually launch to leeward, the side away from the wind, but keep clear of flames, fuel and wreckage. Follow the raft’s instructions: pull out the painter and tug sharply to trigger inflation, then bring the raft alongside.
Boarding dry
Step from the deck straight into the raft if you can, keeping dry. Do not jump onto the canopy, the raft’s fabric roof: you can injure people or damage it. The first in should be strong and able to help the others and to stabilise the raft. Pass in the grab bag, then the weaker crew, with the skipper last.
From the water
If you must enter the water, go in feet first, holding your lifejacket down. Swim to the raft on your back, in a group if there are several of you. Use the boarding ramp or ladder and the grab lines. Helpers kneel inside and assist using the raft’s boarding aids or a lifejacket’s marked lifting loop; never lift by unmarked collar fabric.
Righting a capsized raft
A raft may inflate upside down. Follow its righting instructions. Swim to the marked righting side, by the gas cylinder, with the wind blowing towards you over the raft so it helps lift it. Climb onto the bottom, stand on the cylinder, hold the righting strap and lean back. The raft comes over on top of you; swim out from under it, keeping a hand on the raft. Then board.
2Step by step
Launching and boarding the liferaft
- 1
Check the painter is tied to a strong point on the boat.
Otherwise the inflated raft can blow away empty.
- 2
Usually launch to leeward, keeping clear of flames, fuel and wreckage.
Use the boat’s shelter only where the raft will be safe.
- 3
Pull the painter out to its full length and tug sharply.
The final tug fires the gas cylinder.
- 4
Pull the raft alongside and board dry, strongest first.
Dry clothes keep heat; the first aboard stabilises the raft and helps others.
- 5
Pass in the grab bag and weaker crew; the skipper boards last.
Nothing and nobody gets left behind.
- 6
Stay attached only while safe; cut free before sinking, fire or wreckage threatens the raft, then paddle clear.
Avoid being trapped against the hull or caught in rigging.
3Key points
- 1
Painter tied on before launching; usually launch to leeward, clear of flames, fuel and wreckage.
- 2
Pull the painter fully out and tug sharply to inflate.
- 3
Board dry, strongest first; never jump onto the canopy.
- 4
From the water: feet first, on your back, in a group, use the ramp.
- 5
To right it: stand on the cylinder, pull the strap, lean back.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Throw the raft to windward so it blows clear of the boat.
Right: Usually launch to leeward, in the boat’s shelter, but keep clear of flames, fuel and wreckage. Choose a safe launch point.
Wrong: Jump in the water and swim for it; it is quicker.
Right: Boarding dry keeps you warmer. Enter the water only if you cannot step in.
5Practice case & exam keys
The raft is upright alongside and you can step into it. A tired crew member suggests everyone jump into the water. The strongest person offers to board last. What do you change?
Show the answer
Use the dry transfer. Send a strong, able person first to steady the raft and help others. Pass in the grab bag and help weaker crew aboard. The skipper checks everyone is accounted for and boards last. Enter the water only if a dry transfer becomes unsafe.
Exam keys
- Launch: painter secured, usually leeward but clear of flames, fuel and wreckage; pull painter fully, sharp tug.
- Board dry, strong person first, never jump on the canopy; grab bag in, skipper last.
- From water: feet first, swim on back in a group, use boarding ramp.
- Righting: follow raft instructions; marked cylinder side, wind towards you over raft, pull strap, lean back.
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