Why Sequence Matters in Survival
Survival after abandonment is not random — those who survive typically do so because they follow a logical sequence driven by physiological and situational priorities. Understanding why each step comes in a particular order is what separates a competent OOW from someone who simply memorises a list.
Protection First
The single greatest killer in maritime survival is cold. Hypothermia incapacitates faster than thirst, hunger, or almost any other factor. Before anything else, a survivor must insulate themselves from wind and water. Donning an immersion suit before abandonment — or as early as possible — is critical because the suit provides both thermal protection and buoyancy. If in the water without a suit, the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) position conserves core heat by drawing the knees to the chest and crossing the arms over the body. Groups should huddle. Every action that reduces heat loss extends the survival window.
Location
A liferaft or survival craft should move clear of the casualty vessel to avoid suction or fire risk, but not so far that it cannot be found. Sea anchors should be streamed to reduce drift and maintain position in the probable search area. Survivors must resist the urge to paddle or swim toward a distant shore — energy expenditure accelerates heat loss and exhaustion. Remain in the estimated search area.
Water Before Food
The body can survive weeks without food but only days without water. Rations must be managed from the outset. Drinking seawater accelerates dehydration and must never be done. Collect rainwater using any available surface. Ration drinking water strictly, particularly in the first 24 hours when the body adjusts to reduced intake. Food increases metabolic demand for water, so eating sparingly — and not at all if water is critically short — is the correct approach.
Signalling
Signalling is only effective when rescue assets are plausibly nearby. PLBs and EPIRBs should be activated immediately. Visual signals — flares, a SART, a mirror — should be used when a vessel or aircraft is detected. Parachute flares have greater range and altitude; hand flares are for close-range confirmation. Conserving flares until a target is confirmed is essential — indiscriminate use depletes a finite resource.
Will to Survive
Examiners often raise this. Psychological state is a genuine survival factor. Maintaining routine, assigning tasks, keeping morale purposeful, and setting short-term goals all measurably improve outcomes. A leader who communicates a plan — even a simple one — sustains the group's will to survive.