What should be done with the lifejacket during a ditching situation?

What should be done with the lifejacket during a ditching situation?

• A. Inflate outside and hold the rope
• B. Inflate inside the cabin
• C. Keep it flat and deflated until in water
• D. Remove and discard it

Answer: (A)

In a ditching, you want buoyancy ready as soon as you reach the water, so the lifejacket is inflated once you are outside the cabin. Inflating outside minimizes obstruction during the escape and ensures you aren’t fighting against a still-flat jacket while moving toward the exit. Once you’re in the water or alongside the raft, inflate the jacket to provide buoyancy and make it easier to stay afloat. Holding the rope helps you stay tied to the group or raft line, improving visibility, positioning, and chances of being located by rescuers. Keeping the jacket flat and deflated delays flotation, and removing and discarding it would remove your primary protection in the water.

In a ditching, you want buoyancy ready as soon as you reach the water, so the lifejacket is inflated once you are outside the cabin. Inflating outside minimizes obstruction during the escape and ensures you aren’t fighting against a still-flat jacket while moving toward the exit. Once you’re in the water or alongside the raft, inflate the jacket to provide buoyancy and make it easier to stay afloat. Holding the rope helps you stay tied to the group or raft line, improving visibility, positioning, and chances of being located by rescuers. Keeping the jacket flat and deflated delays flotation, and removing and discarding it would remove your primary protection in the water.