One vital survival equipment is the lifejacket. It is mandatory for any seagoing vessels of any size to carry them onboard. Therefore, it is important that we know how to use it. In this blog, we’re going to talk about how to use lifejackets.
This is our first installment on our Safety Series, in which we will do safety equipment tutorials to help aspiring seafarers gain valuable knowledge about various safety equipment.
What is a lifejacket?
Lifejackets are inflatable device that helps a person float on water. Its buoyant construction makes it able to float on water. So if you’re having difficulty in floating in the water, this will do the job for you.
However, this equipment will gradually lose its buoyancy by about 5% when in water for 24 hrs straight. Its because water will fill in all available spaces in the lifejacket’s fabric.
Onboard ships, every crew member shall have in his cabin and other working areas a lifejacket ready for use.
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How to use lifejackets?
All lifejackets that are SOLAS approved are designed to be worn or don in less than 1 minute. We’re going to lay out here step by step procedure on how to wear a lifejacket.
First, get the lifejackets from your locker.
Second, clear, loosen the belt.
Third, unfold the lifejackets.
Fourth, wear it overhead.
Fifth, lock the belt and tighten it.
Sixth, keep proper housekeeping. Secure the excess belt around your waist.
Seventh, lifejacket is now correctly donned.
Per SOLAS, lifejackets are designed that they may be donned and used in less than 1 minute. That’s why in training centers, part of safety training is that the trainee shall be able to don it in less than the time allowed.
When to use this equipment?
This, together with other life saving equipment (immersion suit), will be used in case of abandoning the vessel and drills.
Once the abandon ship alarm will sound and the announcement “abandon ship” is heard, without delay, grab your nearest lifejacket, wear it and proceed to muster station.
As a crew, this is our worst nightmare. We hope not to experience any emergencies of this magnitude onboard.