Which of the following is NOT a component of an approved raft?

The correct answer is C, the survival knife, as it is not typically a required component of an approved raft. Approved rafts are designed to provide the essentials needed for survival in an emergency situation following a vessel abandonment. Key components usually include items that support immediate survival and safety measures.

A hand pump is important for maintaining the raft's buoyancy and integrity, allowing occupants to re-inflate the raft if needed. A signal mirror serves as a means for visual signaling to rescuers, increasing the chances of being located. An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a crucial device that can alert search and rescue teams of your precise location during emergencies.

While a survival knife can indeed be a useful tool in a survival scenario, it is not mandated as part of an approved raft kit. The focus of approved raft components is primarily on flotation, signaling, and survival essentials that are more directly relevant to enhancing survival in the event of abandonment at sea.