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.
T h e b a s i c d i f f e r e n c e i s s i z e . T he
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.
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