If conditions permit, which is the best way to board a liferaft which is floating close to the ship?

Jump into the water close to the raft, without a lifejacket, as this will make it easier to swim and board the liferaft

Wearing a lifejacket, jump into the water close to the raft and then swim to it

Use a rope ladder close to the raft to climb down and board

Jump onto the raft itself

I don't know

If conditions permit, the best way to board a liferaft that is floating close to the ship is to use a rope ladder close to the raft to climb down and board. Jumping into the water without a lifejacket or jumping directly onto the raft can be dangerous and should be avoided unless necessary.

If conditions permit, the best way to board a liferaft that is floating close to the ship is to use a rope ladder close to the raft to climb down and board. This method ensures a safe and controlled way to enter the liferaft without risking injury or getting separated from it.

The best way to board a liferaft, if conditions permit, is to use a rope ladder close to the raft to climb down and board. This option provides a safe and controlled way to transfer from the ship to the liferaft.

To explain how to get this answer, we can consider the various options and their potential risks:

1. Jumping into the water close to the raft without a lifejacket is not recommended as it increases the risk of drowning, especially if the water is rough or the person is not a confident swimmer.

2. Wearing a lifejacket and jumping into the water close to the raft is a better option than the first one, as it provides some buoyancy and increases the chances of reaching the raft. However, it still involves swimming in potentially challenging conditions.

3. Using a rope ladder close to the raft to climb down and board is the safest option. It allows for a controlled descent and minimizes the risk of injury or falling into the water.

4. Jumping onto the raft itself might seem like a viable option, but it can be risky, especially if the raft is small or unstable. The impact of landing on the raft could cause injury or even capsize it.

It's important to assess the specific conditions and make decisions based on safety guidelines and training. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to board a liferaft close to the ship, it is recommended to use the rope ladder if available.