Equipment in survival craft
Governing: LSA Code 4.1.5 (liferaft equipment); REG Yacht Code 13.3(1). Builds on: L2.1.
The liferaft canister is a sealed box. You will not see inside until the day you need it, so you need to know what is there and what each item is for.
SOLAS A pack
The LSA Code lists the standard equipment. Grouped by purpose:
| Purpose | Items |
|---|---|
| Rescue and recovery | Buoyant rescue quoit on at least 30 m of buoyant line; buoyant safety knife (a second knife on rafts for 13 or more) |
| Keeping afloat and stable | Bailer (two on rafts for 13 or more); two sponges; two sea-anchors, one attached, one spare; two buoyant paddles |
| Signalling | 4 rocket parachute flares; 6 hand flares; 2 buoyant smoke signals; waterproof torch with spares; daylight signalling mirror; whistle; radar reflector unless a SART is stowed; life-saving signals card |
| Sustaining life | Food of at least 10,000 kJ per person; fresh water 1.5 litres per person (part may be replaced by a desalting apparatus); graduated drinking vessel; tin openers and scissors; fishing kit |
| Health | First-aid outfit; anti-seasickness medicine for at least 48 h and a sick bag per person; thermal protective aids for 10% of capacity or two, whichever is greater |
| Knowledge | Instructions on how to survive; instructions for immediate action |
SOLAS B pack
The B pack is a reduced outfit intended for short voyages. The REG Yacht Code permits it only for short range yachts or those operating within 60 miles of a safe haven. It omits much of the sustenance and halves some of the pyrotechnics. If your yacht crosses oceans, check the canister label reads SOLAS A PACK.
Worked example
A 12-person raft with a SOLAS A pack:
| Item | Rule | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1.5 l x 12 | 18 litres |
| Food | 10,000 kJ x 12 | 120,000 kJ |
| TPAs | 10% of 12 = 1.2, or 2 if greater | 2 |
| Sick bags | one per person | 12 |
Using the equipment
- Knife: stowed near the painter attachment. Its first job is cutting the painter if the raft is being dragged.
- Sea-anchor: the attached one deploys on inflation on most rafts; it holds the raft head to wind, reduces drift and capsize risk. The spare replaces it if it carries away.
- Pyrotechnics: rockets to attract attention at a distance, hand flares to pinpoint you when a rescuer is close, smoke by day. See L4.1.
- Seasickness pills: take them early, before you feel ill. Vomiting wastes water and morale.
- Water: the rations are finite. Survival instructions will tell you how to ration; follow them.
CAUTION — Grab bags are extra Many yachts add a grab bag with a handheld VHF, PLB, medication and documents. It supplements the pack; it does not replace it. Know who carries it on your muster list.
TIP — Service station visit If your yacht's rafts go for service in port, ask to watch one inflated and unpacked. Twenty minutes at the service station is worth a lot of reading.