Survival Equipment

CO2 Inflatable Lifejackets: Used to keep personnel afloat. Carried in a pouch and fastened around the waist. It is inflated by CO2 cartridge or mouth. Enter the water by lowering yourself down a line or similar method. If it is necessary to jump, enter the water feet first on the windward side of the ship with arms crossed over the chest. Do not inflate the lifejacket until in the water. To inflate, pull the pouch around to the front of the body, remove the preserver, slip it over the head, and jerk the lanyard downward. In the event of failure to inflate automatically, inflate using manual tube.

Inherently Buoyant (KAPOK) Lifejacket: Used by personnel working topside during hazardous conditions or evolutions to ensure flotation in the event the wearer falls overboard. UNREP and boat crews wear them at all times. It is sometimes nicknamed the Mae West, so called the wearer often appeared to be as physically-endowed as the as the mid-1900s actress, Mae West. Tie the upper tape at the waist fairly tight to keep it from sliding up in the water. Adjust the chest strap and fasten the snap-hook into the ring. Tie the collar tapes to keep it snug under the chin, and pull straps between the legs from behind as tight as possible without discomfort. Enter the water same as with the CO2 inflatable lifejacket.

Yoke Lifejacket: Primarily designed for pack-carrying troops in an amphibious operation. It will keep a person afloat even with a full pack of gear. The preserver is placed about the neck and brought down in front. Tie tapes at the neck so they may be untied with one hand if necessary. The waist strap is passed to the front of the body and strung under the segment of straps stitched to the life preserver and snapped into quick disconnect studs. Adjust studs and straps snugly. Enter the water same as with the CO2 inflatable lifejacket.

MK-1 Lifejacket: Primarily designed for carrier flight deck personnel but it is also used by other topside working personnel. Slide arms through armholes and snap in front. Enter the water same as with the CO2 inflatable lifejacket.

Ship's Boat (excluding amphibious assault craft): May be any such designated boat that is continuously made ready for contingency operations in emergency operations, or as directed. A MK-10 is a 26 ft. boat with a capacity of 18 people that carries 30 gallons of fuel. The hoist weight is 6800 lbs.