Emergency medical equipment for seaplanes typically includes flotation devices, communication equipment, and signaling equipment.
Flotation Devices: Flotation devices mainly consist of lifeboats, life vests, and waterproof/cold-weather flight suits. A lifeboat is an inflatable rubber dinghy that can carry approximately 4-7 people. Once inflated, the dinghy generates buoyancy on the water, preventing it from sinking. When not in use, the lifeboat is folded and packed in a canvas bag. In case of emergency, the bag is opened, and the lifeboat automatically inflates. Life vests and waterproof/cold-weather flight suits are flotation devices worn by passengers when disembarking. Cold-weather flight suits protect passengers from frostbite in water temperatures below freezing. Waterproof flight suits form a waterproof layer upon contact with water, preventing passengers from getting wet after a fall into the water.
Communication Equipment: The communication equipment is a small transceiver. This small transceiver remains functional even after being submerged in seawater, maintaining a communication range of 100 kilometers.
Signal Equipment: Signal equipment comes in many forms, including visual signals, acoustic signals, and signal flags. Visual signals include reflectors, seawater dyes, and smoke for daytime use, and firelights, flashlights, incandescent bulbs, flashbangs, tracer bullets, and signal flares for nighttime use. Acoustic signals include pistols, whistles, sirens, and megaphones for shooting. Signal flags are red, green, and white. Passengers use these devices to signal various matters and request rescue.
While water rescue equipment is relatively comprehensive, its rescue capabilities are limited. Passengers in distress should contact other survivors as soon as possible and take steps to maximize their chances of survival while awaiting rescue.
