Originally Posted by
Fuji Abound
"From the survival point of view it is a no-brainer, though I accept there are other considerations for a pilot."
Are you saying it is a no-brainer to carry a liferaft, or wear an immersion suit in terms of survivability as opposed to chances of being spotted?
From a SAR aspect, and in the channel, the chances of finding a person is greater (= quicker) if we (or the helos) are looking for a liferaft. The time will be measured in single digit hours if there is a reasonable position, in a very short time indeed if a PLB is activated. Even in the depths of winter survivability is high, though as in so many things, "it depends". With no position, it is a totally different story, though a hi-spec raft will allow survival for days.
You may survive for ever in a suit, but not be found, though smokes and flares could help.
It has to be down to personal choice after evaluation of the risks, and practical considerations. Help us to help you as much as you can. We want to be able to find you quickly, and find you alive.
Having been on exercises both in a suit, and in a raft, in 'orrible conditions, the confidence drains very quickly when you are small, and all alone and low in the water. However, in a raft, with all the survival aids in the pack (a SOLAS 'A' pack has water, energy food, torch, flares, seasickness tablets etc etc, and, crucially, thermal protective aids (TPAs) which are like large polythene bags, but with good thermal insulating properties) you can be warm(er), and have means of signalling your position. So you will not die of exposure, and have a greater chance of being found.
My choice would be to go for the liferaft, every time.