When using rainwater collection tubes on a liferaft, what should be done with the first collection?

The first collection of rainwater in a liferaft should be poured overboard because it is likely to be contaminated. In survival situations, especially in open water, the water collected initially can contain debris, oil, or other contaminants that have settled on the surfaces it collected from. The initial runoff tends to have impurities and other undesirable substances that can compromise safety if consumed.

After discarding the first collection and allowing subsequent rainwater to accumulate, the chances are better that the water will be cleaner and safer for consumption, as it will have had less contact with potentially harmful contaminants. Once the rainwater is considered safe, it can then be collected for drinking, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the water being consumed is as clean as possible for health and survival.