Before entering the water during a fire emergency, what should you ensure?

• A. Everyone has a PFD on
• B. Everyone wears a life jacket only if conditions allow
• C. No PFD is required if there are life jackets on deck
• D. Before entering the water, make sure you and all passengers have a PFD on

Answer: (D)

Wearing a PFD before entering the water is essential in a fire emergency. Having every person on board don a Personal Flotation Device ensures flotation protection the moment you hit the water, which is crucial if you’re disoriented, injured, or separated from the vessel. A PFD helps keep your airway above water and buys time for you or others to be located and rescued, even in rough or smoky conditions. It also frees your hands to assist others or operate emergency gear rather than fumbling to find something you’re not wearing. Relying on conditions or on life jackets left on deck creates avoidable delays and increases risk, since emergencies require swift, universal readiness. So the safest practice is that you and all passengers have a PFD on before entering the water.