Abandoning Ship — Command Decision and Sequence
The decision to abandon ship rests solely with the master. It is never delegated. You abandon when remaining aboard presents a greater risk than entering the water or a survival craft — fire beyond control, progressive flooding, or structural failure. Premature abandonment of a stable vessel has killed people; delay in an unstable one has killed more. The examiner expects you to articulate this tension.
Before the order is given
Send a MAYDAY immediately — position, nature of distress, persons on board, intentions. Activate the EPIRB manually if time allows (it activates automatically on immersion, but manual activation buys time for SAR to vector assets). Deploy the SART or AIS-MOB device so rescuers can home onto the survival craft. These actions are taken in parallel with damage control; they are not a concession of defeat, they are buying rescue time.
Request a crew muster and accountability check. Survival suits and lifejackets are donned now — before the situation deteriorates further. Cold water incapacitates rapidly; a person without a suit may be unable to don one once in the water.
Preparing to abandon
Launch or prepare the liferaft/lifeboat on the lee side to reduce the risk of it being blown clear. Ideally, step into the raft rather than jumping — immersion shock and cold incapacitation begin the moment you enter the water. Bring the grab bag: it carries handheld VHF, flares, water, first aid, and the ship's papers. These are pre-packed for exactly this moment; the examiner will ask what is in it.
Gravity-launched or davit-launched craft must be boarded and launched in the correct sequence per the muster list. Someone must remain aboard to release the painter only when the craft is clear and ready.
In the survival craft
Move clear of the vessel — a sinking ship creates suction and risk from debris. Stream the sea anchor to reduce drift and maintain a predictable position for rescuers. Maintain watch on the handheld VHF (Channel 16). Deploy the SART/AIS transponder at maximum height — its detection range depends on elevation. Use pyrotechnic signals only when a rescue craft or aircraft is within range; parachute rockets for range, hand flares for close-in identification. Ration water immediately; do not ration food on day one but water discipline starts at once.
Rocket Apparatus (Line-Throwing)
The line-throwing appliance (rocket line) is used when a vessel is disabled near shore or another vessel and direct transfer is required. The rocket projects a light line; a heavier hauling line follows. Aim to land the line across the target, slightly downwind. The appliance has a minimum range requirement — confirm the operational figure for your vessel's equipment from the approved manual. Personnel must know which end of the rocket faces the target.
Command posture in the exam
Do not recite a list. Explain why each action happens in sequence: early MAYDAY extends SAR response time; suits go on before conditions worsen; you move clear of the vessel to avoid suction. Cause and effect is what distinguishes a master's answer from a watchkeeper's.