Question 1240 Deck Safety

The correct answer is B) on the downwind side. When using a handheld smoke signal in a liferaft, it is important to activate it on the downwind side to ensure the smoke is carried away from the raft and is visible to rescuers. This is in accordance with Coast Guard regulations and best practices for using pyrotechnic distress signals. Activating the signal on the upwind side (choice C) would cause the smoke to blow back into the raft, reducing visibility. Lighting the signal at the stern (choice A) or inside the boat (choice D) would also not be optimal for signaling rescuers.