WARNINGS WARNING! Read these instructions fully before use. Failure to comply with instructions may result in injury or death. WARNING! This device must be used in accordance with the instructions in this manual for maximum performance. Failure to comply with instructions could result in a lower level of performance or in failure of the device, which could result in death.
Description The Switlik Offshore Passage Raft is a lightweight (50 lbs), twin- tubed life raft providing a minimum of 1,330 lbs of buoyancy. Bright Orange SOLAS-grade Canopy Reflective Tape Exterior Light Zippered Side Door Independently- Inflated Canopy Arches Inflation System...
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Description continued Features: Convertible Canopy System. Manually-operated, gas-inflated canopy arches are not directly connected to main buoyancy tubes, improving the integrity of the raft. Canopy zippers allow for 360° visibility. Canopy can be configured from furled to fully enclosed, or ...
Launching Rafts packed in the Valise Remove raft from storage location. Open yellow ripcord cover on front of valise. Grab the ripcord handle and pull out enough of the mooring line to tie off to a secure point on the boat.
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Launching continued Rafts packed in the Hard Container If the raft assembly is properly rigged and includes a Hydrostatic Release mechanism, the raft will automatically deploy when the vessel sinks to a depth of within 4 meters (13 feet). The Hydrostatic Release must be replaced every 2 years.
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Launching continued If possible, pull the raft close to boat for direct boarding. To prevent injury to yourself and others, avoid jumping into the raft. Use the knife to cut the mooring line only if the boat is sinking ...
Righting the Raft Your life raft was designed to inflate right-side up. However, wind and waves may cause it to inflate upside down. To right the raft, climb a boarding ladder near the inflation cylinder on the bottom of the raft. Use the righting strap to help pull yourself up.
Boarding The OPR raft has 4 boarding stations, however, with the canopy furled, the raft can be boarded at any point around the raft. The preferred boarding method is to enter the raft directly from the distressed vessel, staying as dry as possible in the process.
Heaving Line A heaving line with a throwing ring is attached to the upper buoyancy tube. Use this line to help pull in survivors having difficulty getting to the raft. When not in use, coil the line up and place it, along with the throwing ring, in its holder on the upper tube.
Knife The knife is located on the upper buoyancy tube, near the point of attachment of the mooring line. It’s designed to smoothly cut line, yet prevent accidental puncturing of the raft. Use it, if necessary, to cut the mooring line free of the distressed vessel. If the vessel is not on fire or sinking, it’s best to remain attached.
Combination Valves Each buoyancy tube (upper and lower) has a combination valve. These valves function both as a topping off valve, for use with the manual inflation pump (see Survival Equipment section), and a pressure relief valve. After pulling the mooring line to inflate the raft, excess air pressure may bleed off through these valves.
Arches/Canopy Two, independent arches are used on the raft canopy. Each arch is furled and secured with furling ties to the upper buoyancy tube. The canopy should remain furled until everyone has boarded the raft. When the canopy is needed, release the furling ties and pull the beaded inflation handle located on...
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Arches/Canopy continued The canopy top is furled to one of the arches. Release the furling ties and close the zipper to completely enclose the raft. There are 2 zipper pulls on the canopy top. They can be used to make side openings in the canopy, if desired. Furling ties are provided to hold these doors open.
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Arches/Canopy continued Each arch also contains an oral inflation tube. These tubes can be used to add pressure to the arches when needed. Remove the black cap and blow air into the arch, then place the cap back on when finished. To deflate the arch, pull the black cap off the oral tube, invert the cap and push it back into the end of the oral tube.
Survival Equipment The following survival equipment is included with your raft: A water-proof, LED flashlight, powered by hand-cranking or an integrated solar panel. When charging by hand-cranking, wind the handle about 3 revolutions per second. If charging with the solar panel, leave the flashlight in direct sunlight for 8 hours for a full charge.
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Survival Equipment continued A repair clamp kit. This kit includes 2 repair clamps. These clamps can be used to repair tears in the buoyancy tubes. 1. Loop cord around your wrist to prevent loss. 2. Dip plug in water to make insertion easier. 3.
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Survival Equipment continued A manual inflation (hand) pump, with hose. Use this pump to add air to the main buoyancy tubes, as needed. When air is needed, screw the hose onto the pump outlet. Remove the rubber plug from the combination (topping off) valve on the buoyancy tube.
The frequency of these intervals starts from the date of manufacture. The OPR Life Raft must be serviced every 5 years by an authorized service center. Check the factory website, www.switlik.com, for an authorized...
Storage Valise-packed rafts should be stored out of the weather, but close enough at hand to be retrieved quickly in an emergency. Rafts in hard containers should be mounted in a cradle, which is secured to the deck. The container should be oriented so that the drain holes are facing down, allowing unobstructed drainage.
Survival Tips Seven Steps to Survival From AMSEA: The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association Recognition - admit that your life is in danger. Act! Inventory - decide what can help and hurt. Do First Aid. Shelter – preserve body heat with insulating materials. ...
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1325 E. State Street Trenton, NJ 08609 (609) 587-3300 (609) 586-6647 FAX www.switlik.com Manual P/N S-4359-1, revision A, dated 8/13.
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