How must lifelines be attached to a life float?

• A. Tied to the handrails
• B. Wrapped around the base
• C. Securely attached around the outside in bights no longer than three feet
• D. Fixed to the frame with clamps

Answer: (C)

Lifelines are there to give a secure handhold for anyone boarding or helping others into the life float, especially in rough seas. They must be secured around the outside of the float, forming short loops (bights) no longer than three feet. This arrangement keeps the lines easily reachable from both the water and the raft, reduces the risk of snagging on equipment or getting entangled, and prevents long, loose sections that could whip or snag. Attaching to handrails is less effective because those rails aren’t designed to bear the load of multiple people grabbing on; wrapping around the base or fixing with clamps would hinder access and deployment and could hamper the raft’s operation. So, the best practice is to attach the lifelines securely around the outside in short bights.