Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN FAST

RESCUE BOATS

• Keep a log. Record the navigator's last fix, the time of ditching, the names

and physical condition of personnel, and the ration schedule. Also record the winds,

weather, direction of swells, times of sunrise and sunset, and other navigational

data.

• If you are down in unfriendly waters, take special security measures to

avoid detection. Do not travel in the daytime. Throw out the sea anchor and wait for

nightfall before paddling or hoisting sail. Keep low in the raft; stay covered with the

blue side of the camouflage cloth up. Be sure a passing ship or aircraft is friendly or

neutral be-fore trying to attract its attention. If the enemy detects you and you are

close to capture, destroy the log book, radio, navigation equipment, maps, signaling

equipment, and firearms. Jump overboard and submerge if the enemy starts

strafing.

• Decide whether to stay in position or to travel. Ask yourself, "How much

information was signaled before the accident? Is your position known to rescuers?

Do you know it yourself? Is the weather favorable for a search? Are other ships or

aircraft likely to pass your present position? How many days supply of food and

water do you have?"

11.3 Use of equipment

11.3.1 The heliograph

A small waterproof mirror. On a sunny day you can flash the sun's rays at a

passing ship or helicopter. Keep it up for long enough, and somebody may realise

that the flashing is not a window randomly catching the sun.

The mirror should be at least 10 cm square and of good optical quality. If you

can't see your face in it, bright, clear and in perfect detail, it will do a poor job of

reflecting sunlight. That describes most stainless steel mirrors.

Glass mirrors are much better although prone to break if dropped. Plastic

mirrors are lightest but need to be kept in a soft pouch so the surface does not get

scratched.

For aiming, a signal mirror may have a small hole in the middle and a thin

sighting rod, or a built-in optical aiming system.