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 TM 55-1905-219-14-2
2-209. LIFE BOATS (Cont).
(3) The following is the operating and use of the lifeboat.
INTRODUCTION
The lifeboat you have boarded is made of neoprene proofed nylon fabric. It is immensely strong and will stand up to
severe buffeting and weather conditions. It is important that you understand a few simple things about the boat to ensure
your survival and early rescue.
The boat is circular in shape to give maximum stability but in order to help locate equipment, this manual will refer to a
bow end and stern end. The bow end is where the painter is attached, is fitted with the gas cylinder and has no boarding
ramp, whilst the stern is fitted with a boarding ramp.
INFLATION
The boat is inflated with carbon dioxide gas, and to ensure rapid inflation even at low temperatures, more than sufficient
gas is allowed. This extra gas will escape from the relief salves located in the stern doorway and may flow for over an
hour depending on the temperature.
CLEARING SHIP
Make certain everyone has boarded a boat. Use the heaving line to assist survivors towards your boat. As soon as
everyone has boarded the boat, get clear of the ship. Cut the painter with as much rope left on the boat as possible, as
the rope may come in useful later on. A knife will be found in a special pocket inside the forward entrance. Pull the
lanyard and the knife will follow. Use the paddles stowed in a bag in the stern entrance, to propel the raft away from the
ship. After the painter has been cut a sea anchor will stream automatically to prevent drift in a wind. If the sea anchor is
obviously not working, haul it and the painter in and separate the two as they are probably fouled. The sea anchor will
not stream until the painter is cut, as a trip line is attached from the top of the sea anchor to a small ring allowed to run
on the painter. The sea anchor will do nothing to prevent drift in a tideway and will hang limply if there is no wind. If, for
any reason, you want the raft to move in the direction of the wind, haul in the sea anchor. It can be reached by crawling
on the canopy to reach its attachment point on the life- line, half way between the two doors.
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