True or False. If possible, board the life raft from the sinking boat to avoid entering the water.

True or False. If possible, board the life raft from the sinking boat to avoid entering the water.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Both

Answer: (A)

When you have a life raft within reach as the boat is sinking, getting onto the raft from the vessel is the safer choice. Boarding from the ship keeps you out of the cold water, reduces energy loss, and lowers the risk of drowning or hypothermia, since you’re already in flotation gear and can transfer quickly to the raft with the stable platform and any lines or ladders in place. If you wait and end up entering the water or have to swim to the raft, you expend precious energy and face rough seas, which makes rescue more difficult. So, if possible, move onto the raft from the sinking boat rather than entering the water.

When you have a life raft within reach as the boat is sinking, getting onto the raft from the vessel is the safer choice. Boarding from the ship keeps you out of the cold water, reduces energy loss, and lowers the risk of drowning or hypothermia, since you’re already in flotation gear and can transfer quickly to the raft with the stable platform and any lines or ladders in place. If you wait and end up entering the water or have to swim to the raft, you expend precious energy and face rough seas, which makes rescue more difficult. So, if possible, move onto the raft from the sinking boat rather than entering the water.