Terminus: If you are talking about the pop-outs fitted to the sides of the sponsons .. then I wouldn't have a clue as I simply don't know when these came out. But, I also note (and perhaps this is what you were referring to) that the SFO craft had them fitted back in 1970.
If you have any photos from your 61 days .. t'would be grand to see them!
Re: John's upturned Sea King .. I was told this possibility is why some Sea Kings/S61's were fitted with a 'zig-zag' of rope around the hull .. so that you could heave yourself upon the craft's keel (if the raft didn't function) while awaiting rescue!