Liferaft deployment training
EdSchick@aol.com
Fri Jun 12 16:19:51 1998
Does anyone know about any research or technical data behind a recent
recommendation from a liferaft manufacturer that inflatables NOT be deployed
for training purposes?
Background:
Ship 303 LOTUS carries a pair of 6-person inflatable rafts, sometimes referred
to as "survival platforms." When they are due for inspection (about every 5
years) we have used the opportunity to deploy them for training with all hands
participating.
We have done this 2 or 3 times per raft over the past 15 years, followed by
sending them to the manufacturer for inspection and repack. This year we were
informed that they should not be deployed except for an actual emergency. The
manufacturer says the CO2 gas may damage the rubberized fabric.
I'm trying to get a reading on this from the Coast Guard, but in the meantime
I decided to try this net. Please reply off-net to: <edschick@aol.com>
Ed Schickler, Committeeman and Cruisemaster, Ship 303 LOTUS, Webster, NY
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