Using a sea anchor when in a life raft will
A) reduce the drift rate of the life raft
B) keep the life raft from turning over
C) aid in recovering the life raft
D) increase your visibility
The Correct answer is: (A). If you’re using a sea anchor and it’s in the correct position relative to the wind direction, then the drift rate will be reduced.
The purpose of using a sea anchor is to limit your liferaft’s progress through the water. Whenever you are using a sea anchor and the wind is blowing towards you, it will be helpful for your drift rate.
How is a sea anchor used in a liferaft?
If you are going on a long sea voyage, then it is a good idea to have a sea anchor in your vessel. It will keep the lifeboat/liferaft stable and prevent the raft from being blown too far. It will keep the raft in place even if the wind is blowing too strongly.
Most people who are going on a boat may not be aware of this but the simple act of taking a sea anchor on their boat is a lifesaving technique. A sea anchor works because it provides resistance against the current, helping to keep a liferaft afloat until someone can come to their aid.
A simple way to understand how a sea anchor works is by thinking of a fishing net with large weights attached to the bottom. When pulling in a line, the force of pulling the weight down creates drag which slows the movement of the vessel and keeps it from being swept away. If you put yourself into this situation – imagine you are drifting out to sea at night with no one around for miles – would you want your fate to be decided by luck? The answer should be clear, so that’s why we suggest using a sea anchor as an effective way to keep your vessel safe and afloat in rough weather conditions.
Sea anchors come in different sizes and shapes, but they all work in the same basic way.
