A common theme in ditching stories is difficulties getting the raft out, secured to the a/c or a body, inflated and boarded. Getting into the raft does not always happen
In selecting a raft, you
do want to know what it's like to board in open water -- some are much better than others.
It might help to practice the evacuation and raft deployment on the ramp without inflation so that everybody understands who does what when. Perhaps if the raft is due for servicing, you may want to take the opportunity to inflate it and even have a swim. Check with the servicer on what's needed to repack it.
Thermal protection gives you a longer time of capability for the effort required to get into the raft and vastly improves your chances if you don't.
PLB, strobe, signal mirror, smoke flares all belong on your person.
So do I have this kit when I make my favorite water crossing from the Bruce Peninsula to Manitoulin Island? Nope -- I just fly it at 9500' and am always within gliding distance to shore
