We all carry life rafts on board but how many people have had an opportunity to investigate or sit in theirs before you have to use it? For those rare few, statistically it must be lower than being injured by a falling coconut, perhaps slightly higher than winning the lottery, the first time they have to step into their liferaft is in an emergency situation.
 |
| Mrs P looking lovely in the the life raft |
 |
| Mr P reclines in the cradle of safety |
In the flat calm seas of a factory floor, albeit in sweltering 35c temperature, we saw ours inflated, crawled into it, lay full length in it, investigated the 'body ramp' which facilitates an easier exit from the water, checked contents of the survival pack inside, added spectacles and sunglasses and were reassured there were no leaks in the tubes.
 |
| From water carrier to mop holder |
How were we able to do this? We took our (very heavy) valise by taxi to a company which does annual inspections and certifications for the passenger ferries in Fiji. The pack is heavy because it has a scuba tank size air bottle for the automatic inflation. And what a lovely man, Will Simpson at Marine Safety is. A gentleman and very knowledgeable. I hope never, ever to have to use it and to only see it again at the next time it's due for inspection and certification.
Seen on our travels today; a new use for an old statue. From graceful water carrier to a holder for you mop! How the mighty are fallen!
No comments:
Post a Comment