Hikermor,

Using the gas inflation system leads to early deterioration of the raft due to extreme low temps at the gas connection. Very few companies are willing to use the current rafts for that. Some of them will use old rafts, a VERY good practice. I have had the luck to do it several times - it can be HARD, especially if you are in a survival suit in rough 30 degree (-1 C) water.

Everyone who has the chance should get in the helicopter simulator. It is very like the problem of going in a lake in an auto. I have two friends (both helicopter pilots) who escaped from their truck and said the simulator made the process much easier (NOT easy).

+1 on having the minimum on your body!

The best,

Jerry