2. Introduction to Sea Survival
● Understanding the importance of sea
survival skills
● Recognizing the risks and dangers of being
stranded at sea
● Knowing the basic principles of survival in
an aquatic environment
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3. Harsh Environmental Condition
Sea survival can be extremely challenging and stressful due to a combination of
factors including harsh environmental conditions, isolation, uncertainty, and
physical and psychological demands Here are some of the stresses associated with
sea survival :
Fear of Marine Life
Isolation and loneliness
Lack of basic Needs
Physical Exertion
Uncertainty
Mental and Emotional Strain
Limited Resources
Group Dynamics
Rescue Hope and Despair
Injury and Illness
Motion Sickness
4. To mitigate the stresses of sea
survival, it's important to have
proper training in survival
techniques, knowledge of basic
navigation and signaling, access to
essential supplies like life jackets
and rafts, and a positive and
resilient mindset. Additionally,
maintaining communication with
rescue teams, if possible, can help
survivors feel more connected and
hopeful during their ordeal
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5. Assessing the Situation
● Evaluating the severity of the
emergency
● Assessing available resources
and equipment
● Identifying potential hazards
and obstacles in the water
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Survival life support at sea involves a range of skills, techniques, and
equipment designed to help individuals or groups stay alive and
increase their chances of rescue while stranded in open water.
6. The survival time of a human without food can vary significantly
depending on factors such as individual health, hydration, body
composition, and environmental conditions. On average, a person
can survive without food for about 3 weeks. However, severe
malnutrition and health complications can arise within a much shorter
period of time.
The survival time for a human without drinking water varies
depending on several factors, including the individual's age, health,
activity level, environment, and ambient temperature. On average, a
person can typically survive without water for about 3 to 5 days.
7. Here are some key aspects of survival life support at sea:
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1. Floatation Devices
and Life Jackets
These devices can
help prevent
drowning and
provide insulation
against cold water.
2. Emergency
Signaling Carrying
signaling devices such
as flares. These tools
can be essential for
making your presence
known to search
parties.
3. Rafts and Survival Craft
8. Photo by Pexels
Water
Procurement
Collecting and
storing rainwater,
using solar stills,
and other methods
of desalination can
provide a limited
supply of drinkable
water.
Food Acquisition
While food is less
critical in the short
term compared to
water, fishing and
using improvised
nets or traps can help
secure a source of
sustenance.
Navigation and
Orientation
can help you maintain a
sense of direction and
increase your chances
of reaching land or
rescue.
9. Photo by Pexels
Keeping Warm
Staying warm
is vital to
prevent
hypothermia,
especially in
cold water Maintaining
a Positive
Mindset
Mental
resilience is
crucial for
survival
Staying Visible
Wear bright-colored
clothing if possible. This
can increase your visibility
to rescue aircraft and ships
Conserving Energy
Avoid unnecessary
movements, and float
calmly in a balanced
position to minimize
energy expenditure.
10. Remember that survival at sea is challenging, and the specific
actions you should take depend on the circumstances and
available resources. Training in sea survival techniques,
knowledge of basic navigation, and carrying appropriate
survival gear can greatly increase your chances of making it
through a sea survival scenario and being rescued. If
possible, always notify someone of your plans and estimated
return time before heading out to sea.
11. Survival equipment on a ship is a critical component of
maritime safety, ensuring that crew members and passengers
are well-prepared to handle emergencies and potentially
hazardous situations at sea. Here are some essential survival
equipment items typically found on ships:
12. Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacons (EPIRBs): EPIRBs
are distress beacons that transmit
signals via satellite to alert search
and rescue authorities of the ship's
location in case of an emergency.
They help expedite rescue
operations.
Personal Locator Beacons
(PLBs): Similar to EPIRBs, PLBs
are portable distress beacons
that individuals can carry to signal
for help if they become separated
from the ship or liferaft.
13. Emergency Lighting: In
the event of power
failure, emergency
lighting systems ensure
that key areas of the
ship remain illuminated,
aiding evacuation and
emergency response
efforts.
Emergency Rations
and Water: Ships
typically carry
emergency food
rations and water
supplies to sustain
crew members and
passengers until
rescue or evacuation.
Emergency Escape Breathing
Devices (EEBDs): These devices
provide a supply of breathable air for
escape from smoke-filled or oxygen-
deficient environments within the
ship.
14. Regular safety drills and training sessions ensure that crew
members are familiar with how to use the survival equipment
effectively and respond to various emergency scenarios.
Ships are required to meet international safety standards and
regulations, such as those set by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO). These standards dictate the types of
survival equipment that must be carried on board, as well as
the maintenance and inspection procedures to ensure the
equipment's readiness
Training and Drills
15. Lifeboat Abandonment Drill
A lifeboat abandonment drill is a critical safety
exercise conducted on ships to prepare crew
members and passengers for the proper
procedures and actions to take when abandoning
the ship and using lifeboats or liferafts in case of an
emergency. These drills are designed to ensure
that everyone on board knows how to respond
quickly and effectively in a crisis situation.
16. Here's an overview of what's typically involved in a lifeboat
abandonment drill
Announcement and Preparation: The ship's captain or designated
officer announces the commencement of the drill.
Donning Life Jackets: Crew members and passengers are
instructed to immediately don their life jackets.
Gathering at Assembly Stations: Depending on the ship's layout
and the specific emergency procedures, individuals gather at
designated assembly stations. These stations are typically marked
on signage throughout the ship.
Role Call and Accountability: Crew members or designated
personnel at each assembly station take a role call to ensure that
everyone is present and accounted for.
17. Instructions and Briefings:. Instructions on how to
properly board, launch, and operate these appliances are
given.
Demonstrations: During the drill, crew members may
demonstrate how to don immersion suits, how to inflate
life jackets, and how to launch and operate lifeboats or
liferafts.
Evacuation Procedures: The process of abandoning the
ship is simulated
Launching and Maneuvering: If the drill involves
lifeboats, crew members might practice launching and
maneuvering the lifeboats in the water.
18. Communication: The drill may include practicing the use
of communication equipment
Safety Measures: During the drill, participants are
reminded of safety precautions
Return to Normal Operations: After the drill is complete,
participants are given instructions to return their life
jackets and safety equipment to their designated storage
locations.
Debriefing and Feedback: It's common to hold a
debriefing session after the drill to discuss what went
well and what could be improved.
19. Lifeboat abandonment drills are
typically conducted regularly on
ships to ensure that both crew
members and passengers are well-
prepared and confident in their
abilities to respond effectively in
emergency situations. These drills
play a vital role in enhancing
maritime safety and preventing
accidents from escalating into
major disasters.
