The Sea is an unpredictable and unforgiving environment and, as a consequence, is one of the most challenging environments i which to survive. From dangerous fish to edible sea and coastal plants, this section will provide some useful strategies in case you find yourself stranded at sea.
Survival conditions at sea are probably worse than any other environment and require the greatest demands on one’s mental and physical discipline. Planes and boats carry survival equipment but getting into an inflatable raft during rough seas is difficult at best. I’ve tried during calm seas and it difficult then.
Once emergency supplies of food and water run out, alternative sources are generally not available or reliable. So any possibility of obtaining food and drinkable water from the sea must be exploited to extend the availability of any emergency supplies.
Not all fish are edible and some are even dangerous to handle. Shark dangers are often exaggerate but must not be ignored – appropriate action is needed to avoid or deter them.
In the event that land is discovered and landfall possible, beware hazardous coastlines which can make negotiation and landing extremely difficult.
Overboard
If you ever find yourself swept overboard, you first move (aside from remaining afloat) should be to attract attention. Sound waves travel well over water so shouting and splashing water can be very effective. In addition, waiving with one arm above the water (don’t use both, otherwise you’ll go under and be harder to spot) – or almost any kind of movement will make you easier to spot.
If you are wearing a life vest it will probably (or should be) equipped with a whistle and light, as regular ‘Mae-Wests’ usually are. You’re probably wondering what you would do if you weren’t wearing a life vest. The answer here is: ALWAYS wear a life vest, especially if you are in a small boat.
You may be forgiven for this if you are on a larger ship (e.g. passenger liner) where wearing a vest at all times is unlikely. Otherwise, this should be a standard procedure, like wearing a seat belt in a car. During my trip to the Philippines, I rode in a small boat to one of their inner islands and even they insisted I wear a life vest. I had no problem with that…
Survival situations in warmer seas are preferable to one’s in colder seas. As you can imagine, survival in colder waters is much more difficult as it won’t take long for hypothermia to set in. If you DO find yourself going into colder waters, take as much of the survival kit as you can and then get out of the water ASAP.
Swimming
Once you are in the water, swim slowly and steadily. If you are abandoning a boat or a plane move in the upwind direction and stay clear of the area to avoid any oil or fuel slicks.
It there is a fire and you have to enter the water, or swim through the flames, jump into the flames feet-first and upwind, if possible. Swim into the wind with a breast stroke and try to make breathing spaces by splashing the flames away from you head. If the fire is too widespread then try to swim underwater until clear of the danger.
If there is a chance of an underwater explosion, swimming on you back will minimize the chances of injury.
Makeshift Flotation Devices
Believe it or not, you can improvise a flotation device from a pair of pants. Tie knots at the bottom of the legs, sweep them overhead to fill them with air, then hold the waist below the water to trap the air inside. This will turn the air-filled legs into water wings that you can lean on.
Immediate Next Steps
Once you are clear of the wreck and any dangers and have found a way to keep yourself afloat with minimal effort. The next step is to get you bearing and inflate you raft, or look out for a boat or a piece of wreckage that can offer some kind of support.
If there is no boat, gather as much wreckage and flotsam as possible to use a raft. Secure the pieces together with anything you may have on hand or what may be available from the wreckage, like belts, shoelaces, ties, etc. Also, salvage any floating equipment. Anything you gather can increase you survival chances.
Inflatable Rafts
Aircraft and many boats and ships have inflatable rafts on board. Many will self-inflate once exposed to salt water. If they do not inflate, then there is likely an included pump. There are usually several inflation points because the raft is built in sections so if one section is punctured the integrity of the entire raft isn’t compromised.
Raft Boarding
Get aboard the raft as soon as possible. If you are already in the water, move to the end (not the side- I tried this once and it was disastrously funny), place one leg into the raft and roll the rest of you body into it. Do NOT jump in as you may damage the raft.
In the case where you have to bring someone else aboard, hold their shoulders and life one leg over the edge and then roll them in. Don’t let them put their arms around you neck because they could pull you into the water and now you’re both in a bad way. Once all parties are safely aboard, tie yourselves to the raft.
Ensure the raft is fully inflated, solid but not rock-hard. If it isn’t you’ll need to inflate with you own breath or the included pump. Most modern valves are one way, so air should not escape once the cap is removed.
Check for leaks – escaping air will make bubbles under water and a hissing sound above water. Repair any leaks with the repair kit that should be included in the raft’s standard equipment. Generally, they screw into holes and seal them. You will also probably find a supply of rubber patches and adhesives as well.
Make daily checks of inflation and leaks If you suspect a leak on the underside, swim beneath the raft and insert a plug.