How far should the life raft be sunk from survivors during rescue operations?

During rescue operations, the protocol is to position the life raft under the survivors rather than at a distance away from them. This approach is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows for an efficient and effective rescue process, minimizes the risk of the survivors drifting away from the raft, and ensures that they can be quickly and safely brought on board without the need for extensive movement or exertion, which could lead to exhaustion.

By placing the raft directly under the survivors, rescuers can assist them more readily and provide immediate support, thereby reducing the risks associated with hypothermia, fatigue, or panic that can arise when survivors are left in the water for extended periods. Additionally, being directly under the survivors promotes a quicker transfer into safety, as the distance that the survivors need to cover to reach the raft is reduced to a minimum.

Choosing to place the raft at a distance, as suggested in the other options, would complicate the rescue efforts and could potentially jeopardize the welfare of the survivors by increasing the time they remain in the water.