During a ditching, what action should passengers take after reaching the slide/raft?

• A. Wait on the slide until rescue arrives.
• B. Return to the aircraft to retrieve belongings.
• C. Board the raft and inflate it after following crew instructions.
• D. Swim away from the aircraft to the opposite direction.

Answer: (C)

In a ditching, your survival hinges on moving onto the flotation aid quickly and getting it ready for rescue. Once you reach the slide/raft, the priority is to board the raft and have it inflated so you have a stable, buoyant platform and protection from the cold water. Boarding promptly keeps you with the group and makes it easier for the crew to manage everyone and initiate inflation safely. Waiting on the slide, going back inside for belongings, or swimming away from the aircraft can put you at greater risk—separation from the raft, exposure to waves and debris, and delays in rescue. By following the crew’s instructions, the inflating process is done correctly and everyone is accounted for, with proper use of the raft’s equipment.