Survival Raft: A Guide to Choosing, Using, and Making One
Imagine that you are on a boat trip and something goes wrong. Maybe your boat catches fire, sinks, or capsizes. Maybe you encounter a storm, pirates, or sharks. Maybe you just run out of fuel, water, or food. Whatever the scenario, you need to abandon ship and survive on the open sea until help arrives. What do you do?
The answer is simple: you need a survival raft. A survival raft is a small, inflatable, or makeshift vessel that can keep you afloat and alive in an emergency situation. A survival raft can provide you with shelter, stability, buoyancy, and mobility. A survival raft can save your life.
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But not all survival rafts are created equal. There are different types of survival rafts designed for different purposes, environments, and budgets. Some are more durable, spacious, comfortable, and equipped than others. Some are more suitable for coastal waters, while others are more reliable for offshore voyages. Some are more affordable, while others are more expensive.
So how do you choose the best survival raft for your needs? And how do you use it effectively? And what if you don't have one at hand? How do you make one from scratch?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will guide you through the basics of choosing, using, and making a survival raft. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks for surviving on a raft in various situations. By the end of this article, you will be more prepared and confident for any rafting adventure.
How to Use a Survival Raft
Using a survival raft is not as easy as it sounds. You need to know how to launch it, board it, fix it, maintain it, feed yourself, protect yourself, navigate yourself, and signal for help on it. Here are some steps and guidelines to follow:
How to Launch and Board a Survival Raft
The first step is to launch your survival raft from your boat before it sinks or becomes too dangerous. You need to do this quickly and safely, without damaging or losing your raft or injuring yourself or others.
If your boat has an automatic release system for your raft, make sure it is activated and ready to deploy. If not, you need to manually release your raft from its storage location and throw it overboard. Make sure you attach a painter line (a rope that connects your raft to your boat) to secure your raft from drifting away.
Once your raft is in the water, pull the inflation cord or activate the CO2 cylinder to inflate your raft. Wait until your raft is fully inflated before boarding it. If possible, board your raft from your boat using a ladder or rope. If not, jump into the water near your raft and swim towards it.
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To board your raft from the water, use the boarding ladder or handle on the side of your raft. Pull yourself up with your arms and roll into the entrance of your raft. Avoid using your legs or feet as they may puncture your raft or get caught by sharks.
Once inside Creating a shelter and staying warm and dry on a survival raft are crucial for your comfort and health. You need to protect yourself from the sun, wind, rain, cold, and sea spray. You also need to prevent hypothermia, dehydration, sunburn, heatstroke, and skin infections.
To create a shelter on a raft, you can use the canopy or cover provided with your raft. You can also improvise with tarps, plastic sheets, blankets, clothes, or other items. You can attach them to the raft's frame or poles with ropes, clips, or duct tape. You can also use oars, paddles, or sticks to support your shelter. You can adjust your shelter according to the weather and the direction of the wind and sun.
To stay warm and dry on a raft, you need to follow some basic tips:
Wear layers of clothing that are warm, breathable, and water-resistant.
Change your clothes if they are wet or dirty.
Use blankets, sleeping bags, or survival blankets to insulate yourself.
Huddle together with other people to share body heat.
Avoid sweating, shivering, or getting wet.
Stay in the shade during the day and in the sun during the night.
Keep your head, neck, hands, and feet covered and warm.
How to Navigate and Signal for Help on a Survival Raft
Navigating and signaling for help on a survival raft are essential for your rescue and survival. You need to know where you are, where you are going, and how to communicate with potential rescuers. You also need to avoid drifting into dangerous areas or losing sight of land or ships.
To navigate on a raft, you can use the compass, GPS, or charts provided with your raft. You can also improvise with a watch, a magnetized needle, or the sun and stars. You can determine your direction, position, speed, and distance by using these tools and methods. You can also use landmarks, currents, winds, or waves to guide you.
To signal for help on a raft, you can use the flares, whistle, mirror, flashlight, or radio provided with your raft. You can also improvise with fire, smoke, flags, signs, or SOS messages. You can attract attention by using these devices and methods during the day or night. You can also use body language, gestures, or sounds to communicate with rescuers.
How to Make a Survival Raft
If you don't have a survival raft at hand or if your raft is damaged beyond repair, you can try to make one from scratch. You can use materials that are available in your surroundings or that you have salvaged from your boat or plane. You can improvise with creativity and ingenuity.
Here are some examples of how to make a survival raft:
How to Improvise a Flotation Device with Your Clothes
How to Improvise a Flotation Device with Your Clothes
If you have no other materials at hand, you can use your clothes to make a flotation device. You can fill your clothes with air and tie them into a bundle or a ball. You can also use plastic bags, bottles, or cans to trap air inside your clothes. You can then attach your clothes to a rope or a belt and wear them around your waist or chest. You can also hold them under your arms or between your legs.
This method may not be very comfortable or stable, but it can keep you afloat for a short time. You can use this method as a temporary solution until you find better materials or a raft.
How to Build a Log Raft with Fallen Trees or Bamboo
If you are near a forest or a jungle, you can use fallen trees or bamboo to make a log raft. You can cut or break the logs or bamboo into equal lengths and arrange them side by side. You can then lash them together with ropes, vines, or strips of cloth. You can also use nails, screws, or bolts if you have them. You can then add crossbars, planks, or mats on top of the logs or bamboo to create a platform.
This method may take some time and effort, but it can provide you with a sturdy and spacious raft. You can use this method as a long-term solution if you have enough materials and tools.
How to Build a Pallet Raft with Wooden Pallets and Barrels
If you are near a port, a warehouse, or a dumpster, you can use wooden pallets and barrels to make a pallet raft. You can find or salvage the pallets and barrels from your boat, plane, or nearby buildings. You can then attach the barrels to the bottom of the pallets with ropes, wires, or straps. You can also use nails, screws, or bolts if you have them. You can then stack two or more pallets on top of each other and lash them together.
This method may require some scavenging and assembling, but it can provide you with a durable and buoyant raft. You can use this method as an intermediate solution if you have enough pallets and barrels.
Conclusion
A survival raft is a vital piece of equipment for any boater, sailor, or adventurer. It can help you survive on the open sea in case of an emergency. It can also provide you with an opportunity to explore new places and have fun.
But choosing, using, and making a survival raft is not as simple as it seems. You need to consider various factors such as the type, size, quality, cost, and availability of your raft. You also need to know how to launch it, board it, fix it, maintain it, feed yourself, protect yourself, navigate yourself, and signal for help on it. And if you don't have one at hand, you need to know how to improvise one from scratch.
That's why we have written this article for you. We hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips on survival rafting. We hope that this article has prepared you for any rafting adventure that may come your way.
If you want to learn more about survival rafting, here are some resources that we recommend:
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FAQs
What are the best survival rafts for recreational boating?
FAQs
What are the best survival rafts for recreational boating?
The best survival rafts for recreational boating are those that are lightweight, compact, easy to deploy, and affordable. They should also have enough capacity and equipment for the number of people on board. Some examples are the Revere Coastal Compact Life Raft, the Switlik MRP-10 Marine Rescue Platform, and the Sea Eagle Inflatable Motormount Boat.
What are the best survival rafts for offshore sailing?
The best survival rafts for offshore sailing are those that are durable, spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. They should also have enough stability and buoyancy for rough seas and strong winds. Some examples are the Winslow Offshore Super-Light Life Raft, the Viking RescYou Pro Life Raft, and the Zodiac Open Sea ISO Life Raft.
What are the best survival rafts for coastal cruising?
The best survival rafts for coastal cruising are those that are versatile, reliable, and easy to use. They should also have enough features and accessories for different weather and water conditions. Some examples are the West Marine Coastal Life Raft, the Lifesaver Coastal Life Raft, and the Plastimo Transocean ISO Life Raft.
How often should I service my survival raft?
You should service your survival raft at least once every three years or according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also inspect your raft regularly for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or damages. You should also replace any expired or used items in your raft's equipment and supplies.
What should I pack in my ditch bag for a survival raft?
A ditch bag is a waterproof bag that contains essential items for your survival on a raft. You should pack your ditch bag with items such as:
A personal locator beacon (PLB) or an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)
A handheld VHF radio or a satellite phone
A flashlight or a strobe light
A whistle or an air horn
A signal mirror or a flare gun
A knife or a multitool
A first aid kit or a medical kit
A water filter or a desalination device
A fishing kit or a snare kit
A fire starter or a lighter
A pot or a cup
A compass or a GPS
A map or a chart
A sunscreen or a hat
A sunglasses or a goggles
A raincoat or a poncho
A blanket or a sleeping bag
A spare clothes or a towel
A food bars or a canned food
A water bottles or a hydration pack
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