When should the external flotation bladder of an immersion suit be inflated?

The external flotation bladder of an immersion suit should be inflated upon entry into the water to provide immediate buoyancy and assistance in survival. When someone enters the water, the bladder helps to keep the individual's head above the surface, reducing the risk of drowning and improving chances of survival in cold water conditions. The timing of this inflation is crucial; by inflating the bladder at this moment, it maximizes its effectiveness when the wearer needs it the most.

If the bladder were to be inflated during storage procedures or before putting on the suit, it would not serve its intended purpose of providing flotation when in the water. Similarly, inflating it after climbing into the lifeboat is not beneficial, as the primary concern is maintaining buoyancy while floating in the water outside the lifeboat, not inside it. Hence, the correct approach is to inflate the flotation bladder as soon as one enters the water, ensuring the best chance of survival.