Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN FAST
RESCUE BOATS
11
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11.4 Apportionment of food and water
11.4.1 Rations
It is recommended that no rations are issued for at least the first 24 hour period
from the time of evacuation from the parent vessel.
However, rainwater should be collected from the outset to supplement water rations
later. If the liferaft contains casualties, and they are conscious, water may be
administrated to them within the first 24 hours.
Survivors should eat only the rations provided and in no circumstances should
survivors drink or eat any of the following : seawater or urine, fish, seabirds, turtles (
protein foods such as fish absorb body fluids and should not be eaten without a
plentiful supply of water).
11.4.2 Ration issue
When rations are given out to survivors, follow the instructions. When used
correctly there is an adequate supply for the full complement of the liferaft for 4 days.
In a prolonged rescue rations should not be cut until the fourth day.
Continue to supplement rations with rainwater and/or condensation. The
second sponge can be gainfully employed to collect condensation from the inner
canopy of the liferaft. Old ice is another useful supply of water when located in ice
region.
The above procedure are intended for use with inflatable liferaft. Because of
obvious differences in construction from rigid craft the procedures may alter to suit
the circumstances, i.e. the majority of rigid craft have an engine and their role in an
emergency could differ considerably.
11.4.3 Short Water Rations
When you have a limited water supply and you can't replace it by chemical or
mechanical means, use the water efficiently. Protect freshwater supplies from
seawater contamination. Keep your body well shaded, both from overhead sun and
from reflection off the sea surface. Allow ventilation of air; dampen your clothes
during the hottest part of the day. Do not exert yourself. Relax and sleep when
possible. Fix your daily water ration after considering the amount of water you have,
the output of solar stills and desalting kit, and the number and physical condition of
your party.
If you don't have water, don't eat. If your water ration is two liters or more per
day, eat any part of your ration or any additional food that you may catch, such as
birds, fish, shrimp. The life raft's motion and anxiety may cause nausea. If you eat
when nauseated, you may lose your food immediately. If nauseated, rest and relax
as much as you can, and take only water.
To reduce your loss of water through perspiration, soak your clothes in the sea
and wring them out before putting them on again. Don't overdo this during hot days
when no canopy or sun shield is available. This is a trade-off between cooling and
saltwater boils and rashes that will result. Be careful not to get the bottom of the raft
wet.