In an overwater evacuation, which actions regarding liferafts and exit paths are required?

• A. Do not deploy rafts
• B. Deploy rafts as required, assist passengers to board, ensure rafts are inflated and secured along the exits, and guide them to safety
• C. Deploy rafts only after all passengers exit
• D. Use life jackets only, no rafts

Answer: (B)

In an overwater evacuation, liferafts are the primary lifesaving equipment and must be used as part of the plan. The action sequence centers on getting the rafts out, ready, and used quickly and safely.

Deploy liferafts as required for the door or exit being used, so flotation is available as soon as people exit. Then assist passengers to board the rafts, helping maintain order and ensuring everyone gets onto a raft. It’s essential that the rafts are inflated and secured along the exits, creating a stable boarding platform and preventing the rafts from drifting away or becoming tangled with the aircraft. Finally, guide passengers to safety by directing them onto the rafts and away from the aircraft, keeping lines orderly and moving them to a safe distance from the fuselage.

Using life jackets alone does not provide a stable, self-contained flotation platform for evacuation, and deploying rafts only after everyone has exited would delay survival. Not deploying rafts would leave passengers without the necessary flotation and shelter in the water.