Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN FAST
RESCUE BOATS
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accidentally caused. The internal lookout can also keep a regular check on the
condition of casualties.
- Treat injured parties : the welfare of injured parties should be considered as
soon as practicable, but not to the detriment of the well-being of the liferaft. Use of
the first aid kit is limited to the prevailing conditions.
- Handbook / instructions: the waterproof instructions should be read out loud,
so that all occupants are reassured that what is being carried out is correct survival
procedure.
It is important that the “ will to survive “ is maintained throughout all survival
procedure. Good morale is essential to maintain confidence in eventual
rescue.
Circumstances may well alter the order of events in which they take place but in
general the following should occur :
- the person elected to take charge of the craft should carry out a roll-
call/head count and examine the relevant expertise within the craft.
- A working routine should be established and discipline maintained from
the outset of the situation. A watch system should be brought into operation to
govern outside and inside duties.
- If survivors can communicate their location either by use of the EPIRBs,
SARTs, VHF or other similar means, these should be activated as soon as
practicable.
- A continuous lookout should be maintained in order to collect other
survivors or locate other craft, or attract the attention of the rescue service. All
wreckage should be saved if it is useful, and sharo obstructions should be given a
wide berth.
- Lookouts should be made aware of the position of pyrotechnics and how
they work, the instructions being read well before they actually need to be used. By
letting personnel read the instructions on equipment, and designating various job
functions the minds of survivors are kept active. Morale is maintained and the will to
survive is not lost.
It is essential in any situation like this to do what it is necessary to do. Very
often to do nothing is the correct approach. By resting and conserving energy there
is less burn-up of body fluid and the body’s resources.
• In stormy water, rig the spray and windshield at once. In a 20-man raft,
keep the canopy erected at all times. Keep your raft as dry as possible. Keep it
properly balanced. All personnel should stay seated, the heaviest one in the center.
• Calmly consider all aspects of your situation and determine what you and
your companions must do to survive. Inventory all equipment, food, and water.
Waterproof items that salt water may affect. These include compasses, watches,
sextant, matches, and lighters. Ration food and water.
• Assign a duty position to each person: for example, water collector, food
collector, lookout, radio operator, signaler, and water bailers.
Note: Lookout duty should not exceed 2 hours. Keep in mind and remind others that
cooperation is one of the keys to survival.