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 TM 55-1905-219-14-2
2-209. LIFE BOATS (Cont).
TOWING
Should it become necessary for the raft to be towed, use the ladder at the bow entrance as a towing bridle. The ladders
at each entrance are attached to strong patches under the raft and will withstand towing loads without damaging the boat.
Undo the ladder from its securing patch Inside the boat and from the two tie tapes which furl the lower door, and attach
the tow rope to the top of the ladder. Alternatively, limited towing may be undertaken using the painter if a sufficient
length was retained when casting off from the vessel.
FLOTATION
This is the most Important aspect of survival. Get rid of sharp objects which may puncture the raft. In heavy weather
spread out - don't all stand in the entrances but sit on the floor with backs to the buoyancy tubes and arms linked through
the internal lifelines. With the survivors spread out in this way capsize is almost impossible. Should the raft capsize, it
can be righted even by one man as shown below.
Keep the sea anchor streamed. A spare sea anchor is stowed in the equipment bag inside the forward entrance, but do
not stream two sea anchors at the same time. Stability can be increased and drift reduced by streaming unwanted gear
over the side on the end of a length of painter rope or heaving line. Inflate the floor at the earliest opportunity unless you
want to cool the raft. Pump it up with the hand pump located in the equipment bag until the two layers of floor are
separated to give Insulation. The buoyancy tubes can be topped up in the same way as inflating the floor. To use the
pump simply push the adaptor on the pump hose into the topping up valve orifice. After completing topping up, pull the
pump hose out and the valve will seal automatically.
Repair clamps will be found in the equipment bag and also in the repair kit in the emergency pack. These should be
used as shown below. Use smallest clamp that will cover the damage and enlarge the hole if necessary to get the lower
plate inside. This will effectively seal a cut or tear in the fabric.
2-760
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