Question 7 LB01 - Lifeboat Operator

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (Upon entry into the water):** The external flotation bladder on an immersion suit is designed to provide maximum buoyancy, ensure the wearer floats face-up (self-righting), and support the head above the water, which is crucial for preventing drowning and minimizing heat loss (hypothermia). Inflating the bladder **upon entry into the water** ensures that these life-saving features are immediately available. Furthermore, keeping the bladder deflated during the process of donning the suit and jumping/climbing into the water makes mobility easier and reduces the risk of snagging or accidental punctures before the need for buoyancy arises. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) Before entry into the water:** Inflating the bladder before entering the water severely restricts mobility, making it difficult to put on the suit, move to the point of egress, or safely jump/climb into the water. This increased bulk and restriction could impede a rapid evacuation. * **C) Only after two hours in the water:** Waiting two hours is extremely dangerous. The immediate function of the bladder is to ensure survival and proper floatation orientation (face-up) upon impact and entry. Waiting would leave the wearer unprotected from drowning or improper floatation during the critical initial period. * **D) Only after four hours in the water:** Similar to option C, waiting four hours is far too long. The primary threat after abandoning ship is immediate exposure, hypothermia, and drowning. The flotation bladder must be deployed immediately upon water entry to fulfill its life-saving function.