🔍 Key Concepts

• inflatable liferaft launching sequence and what the operating cord does right after the raft hits the water • the meaning and purpose of a painter line (attachment to the vessel and inflation trigger) • how a liferaft stays connected to the ship before everyone boards or until it must be released

💭 Think About

• Think about what causes an inflatable liferaft to inflate when it’s launched—what role does the operating cord play in that process? • Once the raft is floating and people are boarding, do we usually want it to remain attached to the vessel for a time, or detach instantly? Why? • If the ship is sinking or drifting, what would be the safest way to manage the cord so the raft is secure but not dragged under?

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm in your liferaft procedures whether the operating cord and painter are the same line or closely related functions • Check which option matches the idea that the cord still has a critical purpose after launch, especially in keeping the raft near the ship for boarding • Eliminate any choice that would make the raft either uselessly detached too soon or left dangerously connected with no way to release it if the ship sinks