For manual launching of liferafts, from which side of the ship should you launch to ensure calmer waters?

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Multiple Choice

For manual launching of liferafts, from which side of the ship should you launch to ensure calmer waters?

Launching from the leeward side minimizes exposure to wind and waves. The wind drives waves toward the windward side, making that side rougher and spray-filled, while the leeward side is sheltered and experiences calmer water. This calmer condition helps control the liferaft as it’s deployed and reduces the risk of it being swamped by larger waves. So, choosing the side away from the wind—the leeward side—provides the steadier water needed for manual launches.

Launching from the leeward side minimizes exposure to wind and waves. The wind drives waves toward the windward side, making that side rougher and spray-filled, while the leeward side is sheltered and experiences calmer water. This calmer condition helps control the liferaft as it’s deployed and reduces the risk of it being swamped by larger waves. So, choosing the side away from the wind—the leeward side—provides the steadier water needed for manual launches.

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