Actions aboard a survival craft; main dangers to survivors
Governing: STCW Table A-VI/1-1; LSA Code 4.1.5; NHS hypothermia guidance. Builds on: L3.2.
The raft carries instructions for immediate action and instructions on how to survive, as the LSA Code requires. Read them early. What follows is the logic behind them.
Immediate actions: the first minutes
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Cut the painter when all are aboard or the ship endangers you | A sinking ship drags the raft; a burning one threatens it |
| Clear the ship's side | Debris, fire, suction |
| Look for others in the water and pick them up | Use the rescue quoit on its 30 m line |
| Stream the sea-anchor, or check the attached one has deployed | Holds the raft head to wind, cuts drift and capsize risk |
| Close the entrances | Keeps out wind, spray and cold |
| Bail and dry the floor; inflate the floor if double | Wet and cold kill slowly but surely |
| Maintain the raft: check tubes, top up with the pump | Leaks and temperature changes soften the tubes |
| Seasickness tablets for everyone | Vomiting loses water and morale |
Organising
Someone must lead. On a yacht that is the senior officer present; if not, whoever is most competent. Then:
- account for everyone and note injuries;
- set watches: a lookout at all times, rotated frequently;
- assign jobs: bailing, first aid, signals, rations, raft maintenance;
- keep a simple log: time, weather, events, what was issued.
Food and water
Water is the constraint. A SOLAS A pack holds 1.5 litres per person, which is very little. Follow the survival instructions on rationing. The principles taught on approved courses:
- do not drink seawater or urine;
- reduce sweating: shade, minimal exertion;
- collect rainwater on the canopy;
- eat little if water is scarce, because digestion uses water.
Main dangers to survivors
| Danger | Counter |
|---|---|
| Hypothermia | Dry, insulate, huddle, TPAs |
| Seasickness | Early tablets, fresh air when safe |
| Dehydration | Rationing, shade, rain collection |
| Injury and infection | First-aid kit, keep wounds clean and dry |
| Loss of morale | Leadership, routine, tasks for everyone |
Hypothermia
The NHS defines hypothermia as a body temperature below 35°C; normal is about 37°C. Recognise it by:
- shivering, which may stop as it worsens;
- pale, cold and dry skin;
- slurred speech, slow breathing, confusion, drowsiness.
What to do:
- Get the casualty off the cold floor and out of the wind.
- Remove wet clothing gently and replace it if you can.
- Insulate: thermal protective aid, blankets, spare layers.
- Share body warmth; huddle others around them.
- Handle them gently and monitor breathing.
WARNING — What not to do The NHS advises: no hot baths or heat lamps, do not massage or rub the limbs, and never give alcohol. Rough handling of a severely cold person can trigger a dangerous heart rhythm.
TIP — Morale is equipment The will to survive is on the STCW list of things you are taught. Routine, small jobs and a leader who talks calmly keep people alive for days.