TM 5-5420-278-10
0041 00
0041 00-1
RAFT ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY
NOTE
Ramp bays and interior bays may be joined to construct
a raft for transporting personnel and equipment across
bodies of water. The number of bays required for rafting
is dependent upon the MLC of traffic to be transported,
dimensions of equipment, and the velocity of the river.
The number of boats required for safe operation of a
particular raft depends upon the type of raft, the MLC
of the load, and the velocity of the river. Consult the
longitudinal or conventional rafting ratings tables,
WP 0042 00 or WP 0043 00, for minimum raft size and
boat requirements to ensure safe operation. A raft
requires the use of two ramp bays to enable loading and
unloading from either end. A raft requires a minimum
crew of three soldiers (one raft commander and two
assistants), and each BEB will have a minimum crew of
two soldiers. The raft commander will direct the raft by
use of hand signals to the boat operators. He is
responsible for loading and unloading the raft, checking
levers on the pumps, and the safety of the raft. The
assistants are responsible for handling the ramp plates,
operating the ramp pumps, setting the handrails,
watching for underwater obstructions during crossings,
and any other necessary duties for safe operation.
a. Determine method to launch bays (WP 0019 00, Site Requirements and
Layouts), and launch two interior bays.
WARNING
All personnel must wear approved life jackets while on
the raft. Failure to comply may result in injury or death
to personnel.
Exercise caution when walking near centerline of
roadway; the ponton alignment lugs project above the
roadway surface on interior bays and constitute a
tripping hazard. Failure to comply may result in injury
to personnel.
b. Secure interior bays after launch (WP 0029 00, Securing Interior Bay After
Launch).
WARNING
Never intermix IFB bays with IRB bays when building
rafts. Failure to comply may result in damage to
equipment or possible injury or death to personnel.
c. Connect two interior bays (WP 0032 00, Interior Bay to Interior Bay
Connection).
d. Secure connected interior bays upstream from launch site using taglines.
e. Launch and secure first ramp bay (WP 0028 00, Securing Ramp Bay After
Launch).
