You have abandoned ship and are in an inflatable raft... - USCG Deck Safety

You have abandoned ship and are in an inflatable raft that has just inflated. You hear a continuous hissing coming from a fitting in a buoyancy tube. What is the cause of this?

A The inflation pump is in automatic operation to keep the tubes fully inflated.

B Excess inflation pressure is bleeding off and should soon stop.

C A deflation plug is partially open allowing the escape of CO2.

D The saltwater is activating the batteries of the marker lights on the canopy.

AI Explanation

The correct answer is B) Excess inflation pressure is bleeding off and should soon stop. The inflatable raft is designed to have a slight excess of internal pressure to maintain its shape and buoyancy. When the raft first inflates, this excess pressure is released through a one-way valve or fitting, causing the hissing sound. This is a normal part of the inflation process and the hissing should stop once the internal pressure stabilizes at the desired level. The other answer choices do not accurately describe the cause of the hissing sound in this situation.

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Question 416 Deck Safety

You have abandoned ship and are in an inflatable raft that has just inflated. You hear a continuous hissing coming from a fitting in a buoyancy tube. What is the cause of this?

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