Boarding Procedures. - The design of the LR-1 life raft makes it easy to board. Approach the life raft from the small end. One end is noticeably smaller than the other. Grasp the small end of the flotation tube with both hands. Locate the boarding handles and push the life raft down into the water. To board the raft, pull your body into the raft so that the upper body is completely inside. Once you are inside the raft, roll your body so that you are lying face up or in a sitting position. Now deploy the sea anchor. The sea anchor reduces drifting. Adjust the length of the sea anchor securing line so that the sea anchor rests in the wave trough and causes the life raft to ride on the crest of the wave. Always remain attached to the raft; if it capsizes in rough water or during high winds, it will be lost if not securely fastened to you.

LRU-12/A LIFE RAFT ASSEMBLY.— The LRU-12/A, 13/A, and 14/A are very similar in design. The basic difference is size. The LRU-12/A carries 4 survivors, the LRU-13/A carries 7, and the LRU-14/A carries 12. Of the three, only the LRU-12/A life raft is discussed in this chapter.

Figure 5-21. - LRU-12/A life raft assembly parts nomenclature.