Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN FAST
RESCUE BOATS
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Fig. 2.9 Thermal protective aid
2.3.3 Personal preparation for abandoning ship
Being properly prepared is the best way to ensure survival at sea. Since it is
somewhat impractical to actually sink a ship for practice, the alternative is training.
Crew members and research personnel should be thoroughly trained in all
aspects of survival techniques from the Muster list to launching lifeboats.
You should participate in the weekly emergency drills as if they were the real thing.
Report to stations fully clothed, wear shoes, put on your lifejacket, and bring your
immersion suit. In an actual emergency, you may not have time to go back to your
quarters.
When the command "Prepare to Abandon Ship" is passed, along with the
appropriate emergency signal, the crew instantly begins a planned series of actions
similar to the following scenario:
- Muster at your assigned station; provide all equipment to the scene as
assigned on the Station Bill; come to your station fully clothed with your lifejacket on
and carrying your immersion suit.
If there is sufficient time before the actual evolution begins, don your immersion suit
first and keep your lifejacket handy. The suit provides flotation and protects you from
the elements.
- Prepare all survival craft for immediate launching. Swing out lifeboats or
prepare life rafts according to standard procedures. DO NOT LAUNCH any
equipment until instructed to do so by the Master. Stand by calmly at your station
and await further orders.
- When the Master orders "Abandon Ship," launch all survival craft. Enter
boats and rafts using ladders rather than jumping over the side. Keep calm and
organized.
- Once boarded, all rafts or boats are tethered and towed away from the
ship by a motor lifeboat or the rescue boat. Keep all craft together in the vicinity of
the ship's last position.
- While waiting for rescue units to arrive, maintain a continuous visual and
radio communication watch. Your lifeboat or life raft is well-stocked with equipment