When using rain water collection tubes on a liferaft, why should the first collection be poured overboard?

• A. Because it may be polluted by sea spray
• B. Because it is too cold
• C. Because of salt washed off canopy
• D. Because it is contaminated with oil

Answer: (C)

The first rainwater that runs from the liferaft canopy often carries salts and surface contaminants from the canopy itself. By pouring that initial collection overboard, you flush out these salts and residues, reducing the salt content and impurities in the water you later collect for use. This makes the remaining water more suitable for drinking or other needs. The other options don’t match the practical reason: coldness isn’t a factor, oil contamination isn’t typically involved, and while sea spray can contribute some salts, the standard practice targets the salts washed off the canopy specifically.