Liferafts are towed at which speed in knots in calm water?

Prepare for the Water Survival 929 Test. Use flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get water safe!

Towing a liferaft in calm water should be done at a moderate, controlled speed to keep it stable and under easy control. Three knots is the recommended speed because it provides enough forward motion to keep the raft close to the towing vessel and prevent drift, while not being so fast that the towline or painter is overstressed or that the wake causes the raft to surge or submarine. This speed helps maintain a steady tow, makes monitoring and adjustments safer for the crew, and reduces the risk of water entering the raft or causing instability. Going slower can leave the raft drifting with currents, and going faster increases tension on the line and the chance of rough water impact, so three knots hits the right balance in calm conditions.