Question 1159 Deck Safety

The correct answer is D) A weak link in the painter. A weak link in the painter is the device that will prevent an inflated liferaft from being pulled under by a vessel which sinks in water over 100 feet deep. The painter is the line that attaches the liferaft to the vessel. The weak link is designed to break away if the vessel sinks, allowing the liferaft to float free and not be pulled under with the sinking vessel. The other options are incorrect because: A) The hydrostatic release is designed to release the liferaft at a certain depth, but does not specifically prevent the liferaft from being pulled under; B) A rottmer release is a type of hydrostatic release; and C) A shear pin is a different mechanism used to secure the liferaft, but does not prevent it from being pulled under.