What should be avoided to ensure the safety of life rafts during a ditching?

To ensure the safety of life rafts during a ditching, it is crucial to avoid opening hatches prematurely. Opening hatches too soon can create a dangerous situation by allowing water to enter the aircraft before the life rafts are ready for deployment. This increases the risk of flooding the cabin and makes it more difficult for pilots and crew to safely evacuate. The proper sequence of actions is essential to maintain the integrity of the evacuation process and ensure that the life rafts are deployed in an environment where they can function effectively.

Other choices, while they might have implications for safety, do not directly address the timing and conditions necessary for life raft deployment during a ditching scenario. Proper management of all equipment, including flotation devices and ladders, as well as ensuring that the cockpit is secured, are important for overall safety, but avoiding the premature opening of hatches is the most critical action that directly impacts the successful use of life rafts during this emergency situation.