Key points
- Side gates — port or starboard — are likely the best place to abandon ship
- Use the leeward side so waves and sea do not jam the life raft against the boat
Grab & deploy
- Life Raft — deploy by releasing the strap. Tethered to the aft rail with 50 m line. Move to the side gate for entry.
- Ditch Bag — bring it
- EPIRB — activate it
EPIRB — abandon ship sequence
- If it is safe to do so, first release the EPIRB from its bracket or float-free enclosure, then activate it
- If fitted with a carry handle, secure it around your shoulder, arm, or wrist during the evacuation
- Take the EPIRB to your life raft
- Once the raft is in the water and clear of the sinking vessel, uncoil the lanyard and tie it to the raft
- Throw the EPIRB overboard so it floats several metres from the raft — it operates automatically
- Leave it floating in the sea near the survival craft for best performance
Life raft tether length (50 m) to be confirmed.