1e - Viking

using the bailer and sponges placed in or
attached to the emergency pack.
If the liferaft floor is provided with bilge
funnels use these as shown on the instruction
signs attached to the liferaft. If the liferaft
is provided with double floor and canopy
inflate these by means of the bellows.
Connect the bellows to the valves of the
liferaft floor as shown on the instruction
signs attached to the liferaft. After inflation
- which should not be excessive - screw
on the caps. If the survivors have become
wet, take off wet clothes, first down to the
waist; wring them as hard as possible; wet
clothes are better than no clothes.
Sea Anchor and Line
The sea anchor and line which have been
secured to the lower buoyancy tube should
be put out immediately (after the painter/
retaining line has been cut).
The sea anchor stabilizes the liferaft and
helps keep the position which may have
been stated over the radio.
Closing Entrances and Checking
Top Lights
Close the entrances (see instructions).
One outside light has been mounted on
top of the liferaft, another has been placed
inside the liferaft. Both lights switch on
automatically when the liferaft is inflated.
Switch the light off by daylight by following
the instructions placed in the liferaft.
Advice for the Person in Charge
1. Duty Schedule.
A duty schedule should be prepared to
ensure that a look-out will be placed at the
liferaft’s viewing port at all times for observation
of any ships or aircrafts.
Have somebody else carry out the task of
wiping up condensation water using the
sponge to keep the liferaft as dry as possible.
2. Protection Against Cold and Heat.
If the liferaft is provided with double floor
and canopy inflate these for effective
insulation.
Further, the various packing materials from
the emergency pack (foam rubber and
cardboard) may be used for additional
insulation on the floor. It is more important
to have something under you than over you.
When the sun radiation is strong, let the air
out at the bottom for water cooling, and
keep the entrances open. Protect your head
against the sun.
For the night wipe up the liferaft inside,
inflate the floor, and close the entrances, if
considered necessary.
3. Emergency Rations (Food and Water).
Do not hand out any emergency rations
during the first 24 hours. Thus, the body
will grow accustomed to a reduced consumption
and those seasick will probably
have become used to the movements of
the liferaft. The rations of the equipment
are divided into equally large portions so
that the first ration is shared by the shipwrecked
after the first 24 hours, preferably
distributed over three times. The rations
are intended for a stay of four or five days.
Rain water which may be used as drinking
water is caught in a rain water catchment.
The rain water is drawn off the rubber
valve at the canopy down into plastic bags
hanging in the liferaft. However, do not
use the first drawing-off since it will contain
much salt. Never drink sea water which
will only cause more thirst.
4. Regulations.
Regulations shall be laid down by the person
in command. Some aspects should be
stressed. One important matter is maintenance
of discipline under the leader chosen.
Some may have been shocked by the situation
but it is the duty of the leader to make
it clear to everybody that the situation is far
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