Safety, Fire & Survival · LSA — Hydrostatic Release Unit
What is the function of a hydrostatic release unit (HRU) fitted to a throw-overboard liferaft?
- AIt locks the raft to the deck during heavy weather only
- BIt inflates the raft on the cradle before launching
- CIt automatically releases the raft from its cradle at a shallow depth if the ship sinks, letting the raft float free and inflate✓ Correct
- DIt releases the raft when a manual lever is pulled from the bridge
Explanation
If a vessel sinks before the raft can be launched, water pressure at a few meters' depth activates the HRU, which cuts the lashing so the raft floats free. The painter, secured to the ship, then triggers inflation and finally parts under load (weak link) to free the raft.
Authority: SOLAS III; LSA Code, hydrostatic release units
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