What should you do immediately upon entering a liferaft after abandoning a vessel?

Upon entering a liferaft after abandoning a vessel, getting clear of the ship is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that you are moving away from potential hazards associated with the vessel, such as sinking debris, fuel spills, or explosive dangers. A vessel that has abandoned ship may be unstable and pose risks to anyone in close proximity.

Additionally, securing safety by distancing yourself from the ship allows for a better assessment of the situation around the liferaft without the chaos that might still be present at the site of the vessel. Being clear of the ship also helps in preparing for potential rescue operations, as being in a stable and secure position in the liferaft enhances visibility and communication with rescue teams.

While signaling for help, assessing injuries, and inflating the raft are important tasks, they are secondary to the immediate need for situational safety. Upon entering a liferaft, the priority should be to ensure that you are in a safe position away from the sinking ship and its possible dangers.