Question 34 LB01 - Lifeboat Operator

The Correct Answer is C **Why Option C ("On the downwind side of the craft") is correct:** When activating a handheld smoke signal, which produces a large volume of dense, corrosive, and potentially toxic smoke, it is crucial to release the signal on the **downwind side** of the survival craft. This ensures that the smoke is immediately blown away from the craft, preventing it from: 1. **Obscuring the craft:** If the smoke envelops the lifeboat/raft, potential rescuers cannot see the craft. 2. **Harmful inhalation:** Crew members will not be forced to breathe the irritating smoke, which is dangerous in an already compromised survival situation. 3. **Contaminating the craft:** The residue from the smoke can damage equipment and make conditions worse inside the craft. The primary purpose of the smoke signal is to be seen by rescuers, so deploying it where the wind carries the smoke plume away from the craft maximizes visibility without endangering the survivors. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) At the stern of the craft:** While potentially away from the main group, the stern might not always be the downwind side, especially if the craft is drifting sideways or the wind direction changes. The critical factor is wind direction, not location relative to the bow/stern. * **B) On the upwind side of the craft:** This is the most dangerous option. Activating the signal on the upwind side means the wind will immediately carry the entire plume of dense smoke directly over or into the survival craft, obscuring it from sight and risking inhalation injuries and contamination. * **D) Inside the craft:** Activating any pyrotechnic signal (flare or smoke) inside an enclosed or semi-enclosed survival craft is extremely dangerous. The smoke will quickly fill the small space, leading to suffocation, poisoning, and potential fire risk due to the heat generated by the signal.