The Pipilintu expedition is carefully prepared to ensure the crew’s safety at every stage of the journey. Here are the measures in place:
🤝 Official Support from the Bolivian Navy
The Pipilintu Expedition benefits from the official support of the Bolivian Navy to ensure safety and the successful completion of the journey through the country.
Captain Zenit Kadir Suárez Ayala
Naval officer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in control, surveillance, and safety of aquatic activities.
Rescue divers and specialists from the High Altitude Diving Instruction Center (CIBA).
- Official registration of the raft.
- Strategic information on rapids, currents, and navigation conditions.
- Logistical support: transportation of the raft by truck, coordination with local authorities.
- Support boats in critical areas.
- Doctors available remotely and on-site if necessary.
- Facilitated access to river authorities along the route.
- Support boat for towing the raft in case of emergency.
📡 Communications and Navigation
- Long-range walkie-talkies for internal communication on the river
- Garmin InReach satellite phone for emergency calls, weather, GPS tracking, and messages
- Regular position sharing on a map via Garmin InReach
- Mavic Mini drone for remote visual reconnaissance (rapids, obstacles, bivouac sites)
⛑️ Health and First Aid
- Mosquito-net hammock for each crew member (mosquito protection, comfort)
- Strong repellents against tropical insects
- Long, lightweight clothing to avoid bites
- Large comprehensive medical kit with:
- Antimalarials
- Antibiotics
- Painkillers, anti-inflammatories
- Bandages, disinfectants, dressings
- Emergency suture, antiseptics, care supplies
- Extraction tools (splinters, stingers, ticks...)
- Medicine for digestive issues and hydration
- First aid training for several team members
🛠️ Repair and Maintenance Equipment
- Repair tools for the balsa
- Dry bags and waterproof barrels to protect critical gear (documents, electronics, food)
- Heavy-duty sewing kit to fix nets, sails, bags...
- Water filtration system with 0.1 micron membrane, activated charcoal, and purification tablets
🧭 Strategic Preparation
- Detailed route study: maps, resupply points, villages, dangerous sections
- Safe bivouac planning in coordination with locals and guides
- Assessment of natural risks (weather, floods, wildlife, insects...)
- Prior scouting of certain areas by drone or local boat
🌎 Environmental Responsibility and Passive Safety
- Respectful navigation around populations and ecosystems
- Strict adherence to river safety standards
- Awareness of dangerous local species (snakes, insects, etc.)
- Daily logbook