Sea Survival Tips and safety
Sea survival
is perhaps the most difficult survival situation. Short- or long-term survival
depends upon rations, equipment available, and your ingenuity. You must be resourceful
to survive. Water covers about 75 percent of the earth's surface, with about 70
percent being oceans and seas. You can assume that you will sometime cross vast
expanses of water. There is always the chance that the plane or ship you are on
will become crippled by such hazards as storms, collision, fire, or war.
THE OPEN SEA
1. As a
survivor on the open sea, you will face waves and wind. You may also face
extreme heat or cold. To keep these environmental hazards from becoming serious
problems, take precautionary measures as soon as possible. Use the available
resources to protect yourself from the elements and from heat or extreme cold
and humidity.
2.
Protecting yourself from the elements meets only one of your basic needs. You
must also be able to obtain water and food. Satisfying these basic needs will
help prevent serious physical and psychological problems. However, you must
also know how to treat health problems that may arise.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
3. Your
survival at sea depends upon your— Knowledge of and ability to use the
available survival equipment. Special skills and ability to cope with the
hazards you face. Will to live.
4. When you
board a ship or aircraft, find out what survival equipment is on board, where
it is stowed, and what it contains. For instance, how many life preservers and
lifeboats or rafts are on board? Where are they located? What type of survival
equipment do they have? How much food, water, and medicine do they contain? How
many people can be supported? Also, if you are responsible for other personnel
on board, make sure you know where they are and they know where you are.
DOWN AT SEA
5. If your
aircraft goes down at sea, take the following actions. Whether you are in the
water or in a raft, you should—Get clear and upwind of the aircraft as soon as
possible, but stay in the vicinity until the aircraft sinks. Get clear of
fuel-covered water in case the fuel ignites. Try to find other survivors.
6. A search
for survivors usually takes place around the entire area of and near the crash site.
Missing personnel may be unconscious and floating low in the water.
7. The best
technique for rescuing personnel from the water is to throw them a life
preserver attached to a line (A). Another is to send a swimmer (rescuer) from
the raft with a line attached to a flotation device that will support the
rescuer's weight (B). This device will help conserve a rescuer's energy while
recovering the survivor. The least acceptable technique is to send an attached
swimmer without flotation devices to retrieve a survivor (C). In all cases, the
rescuer wears a life preserver. A rescuer should not underestimate the strength
of a panic-stricken person in the water. A careful approach can prevent injury
to the rescuer.
8. When the
rescuer approaches a survivor in trouble from behind, there is little danger
the survivor will kick, scratch, or grab him. The rescuer swims to a point
directly behind the survivor and grasps the life preserver's backstrap . The
rescuer uses the sidestroke to drag the survivor to the raft.
9. If you
are in the water, make your way to a raft. If no rafts are available, try to
find a large piece of floating debris to cling to. Relax; a person who knows
how to relax in ocean water is in very little danger of drowning. The body's
natural buoyancy will keep at least the top of the head above water, but some
movement is needed to keep the face above water.
10. Floating
on your back takes the least energy. Lie on your back in the water, spread your
arms and legs, and arch your back. By controlling your breathing in and out,
your face will always be out of the water and you may even sleep in this
position for short periods. Your head will be partially submerged, but your
face will be above water. If you cannot float on your back or if the sea is too
rough, float facedown in the water
Floating
Position
11. The
following are the best swimming strokes during a survival situation:
Dog paddle.
This stroke is excellent when clothed or wearing a life jacket. Although slow in
speed, it requires very little energy. Breaststroke. Use this stroke to swim
underwater, through oil or debris, or in rough seas. It is probably the best
stroke for long-range swimming: it allows you to conserve your energy and
maintain a reasonable speed. Sidestroke. It is a good relief stroke because you
use only one arm to maintain momentum and buoyancy. Backstroke. This stroke is
also an excellent relief stroke. It relieves the muscles that you use for other
strokes. Use it if an underwater explosion is likely.
12. If you
are in an area where surface oil is burning—Discard your shoes and buoyant life
preserver.
NOTE: If you
have an uninflated life preserver, keep it. Cover your nose, mouth, and eyes
and quickly go underwater. Swim underwater as far as possible before surfacing
to breathe. Before surfacing to breathe and while still underwater, use your
hands to push burning fluid away from the area where you wish to surface. Once
an area is clear of burning liquid, you can surface and take a few breaths. Try
to face downwind before inhaling. Submerge feet first and continue as above
until clear of the flames.
13. If you
are in oil-covered water that is free of fire, hold your head high to keep the
oil out of your eyes. Attach your life preserver to your wrist and then use it
as a raft.
14. If you
have a life preserver, you can stay afloat for an indefinite period. In this
case, use the "Heat Escaping Lessening Posture (HELP)" body position
Remain still and
HELP Position
15. If you
are in a raft (also see Raft Procedures)—
Check the
physical condition of all on board. Give first aid if necessary. Take
seasickness pills if available. The best way to take these pills is to place
them under the tongue and let them dissolve. There are also suppositories or
injections against seasickness. Vomiting, whether from seasickness or other
causes, increases the danger of dehydration. Try to salvage all floating
equipment—rations; canteens, thermos jugs, and other containers; clothing; seat
cushions; parachutes; and anything else that will be useful to you. Secure the
salvaged items in or to your raft. Make sure the items have no sharp edges that
can puncture the raft. If there are other rafts, lash the rafts together so they
are about 7.5 meters (25 feet) apart. Be ready to draw them closer together if
you see or hear an aircraft. It is easier for an aircrew to spot rafts that are
close together rather than scattered.
Remember,
rescue at sea is a cooperative effort. Use all available visual or electronic signaling
devices to signal and make contact with rescuers. For example, raise a flag or reflecting
material on an oar as high as possible to attract attention. Locate the
emergency radio and get it into operation. Operating instructions are on it.
Use the emergency transceiver only when friendly aircraft are likely to be in
the area. Have other signaling devices ready for instant use. If you are in
enemy territory, avoid using a signaling device that will alert the enemy. However,
if your situation is desperate, you may have to signal the enemy for rescue if
you are to survive.
Check the
raft for inflation, leaks, and points of possible chafing. Make sure the main buoyancy
chambers are firm (well rounded) but not overly tight. Check
Sea Anchor
16. Also
adjust the sea anchor so that when the raft is on the wave's crest, the sea
anchor is in the wave's trough
Deployment of the Sea Anchor
Wrap the sea
anchor rope with cloth to prevent its chafing the raft. The anchor also helps to
keep the raft headed into the wind and waves. In stormy water , rig the spray
and windshield at once. In a 25-man raft, keep the canopy erected at all times.
Keep your raft as dry as possible. Keep it properly balanced. All personnel
should stay seated, the heaviest one in the center. Calmly consider all aspects
of your situation and determine what you and your companions must do to
survive. Inventory all equipment, food, and water. Waterproof items that salt
water may affect. These include compasses, watches, sextant, matches, and
lighters. Ration food and water. Assign a duty position to each person or
assign teams, for example, water collectors, food collectors, lookouts, radio
operators, signalers, and water bailers .
NOTE:
Lookout duty should not exceed 2 hours. Keep in mind and remind others that cooperation
is one of the keys to survival. 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 before
trying to attract its attention. If the enemy detects you and you are close to
capture, destroy the logbook , 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?"
COLD WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
17. If you
are in a cold climate—Put on an antiexposure suit. If unavailable, put on any
extra clothing available. Keep clothes loose and comfortable. Take care not to
snag the raft with shoes or sharp objects. Keep the repair kit where you can
readily reach it. Rig a windbreak, spray shield, and canopy. Try to keep the
floor of the raft dry. Cover it with canvas or cloth for insulation.
Huddle with
others to keep warm, moving enough to keep the blood circulating. Spread an extra
tarpaulin, sail, or parachute over the group. Give extra rations, if available,
to men suffering from exposure to cold.
18. The
greatest threat you face when submerged in cold water is death due to
hypothermia. The average ocean temperature around the world is only 11 degrees
C (51 degrees F). However, do not be fooled by warm water—hypothermia can even
occur in 27-degree C (80- degree F) water. When you are immersed in cold water,
hypothermia occurs rapidly due to the decreased insulating quality of wet
clothing and the result of water displacing the layer of still air that
normally surrounds the body. The rate of heat exchange in water is about 25
times greater than it is in air of the same temperature. immersion in water.
Life
Expectancy Times for Immersion in Water
19. Your
best protection against the effects of cold water is to get into the life raft,
stay dry, and insulate your body from the cold surface of the bottom of the
raft. If these actions are not possible, wearing an antiexposure suit will
extend your life expectancy considerably. Remember, keep your head and neck out
of the water and well insulated from the cold water's effects when the
temperature is below 19 degrees C (66 degrees F). Wearing life preservers increases
the predicted survival time as body position in the water increases the chance
of survival.
HOT WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
20. If you
are in a hot climate— Rig a sunshade or canopy. Leave enough space for
ventilation. Cover your skin, where possible, to protect it from sunburn. Use
sunburn cream, if available, on all exposed skin. Your eyelids, the back of
your ears, and the skin under your chin sunburn easily.
RAFT PROCEDURES
21. Most of
the rafts in the U.S. Army and Air Force inventories can satisfy the needs for personal
protection, mode of travel, and evasion and camouflage.
NOTE: Before
boarding any raft, remove and tether (attach) your life preserver to yourself
or the raft. Ensure there are no other metallic or sharp objects on your
clothing or equipment that could damage the raft. After boarding the raft, don
your life preserver again.
22. For all
rafts, remember the five As. These are the first things you should do if you
are the first person into the raft: Air-Check that all chambers are inflated
and that all inflation valves are closed and equalization tube clamps (found on
the 25-, 35-, and 46-man rafts) are clamped off when fully inflated. Assistance-Assist
others into the raft. Remove all puncture-producing items from pockets and move
flotation devices to the rear of the body. Use proper boarding techniques; for example,
the boarding loop on the seven-man raft and the boarding ramps on the 25-, 35-,
and 46-man rafts. Anchor-Ensure the sea anchor is properly deployed. It can be
found 180 degreesaway from the equalization tube on the 25-, 35-, and 46-man
rafts. Accessory bag-Locate the accessory bag. It will be tethered to the raft
between the smooth side of the CO2 bottle and the closest boarding ramp. Assessment-Assess
the situation and keep a positive mental attitude.
One-Man Raft
23. The
one-man raft has a main cell inflation. If the CO2 bottle should malfunction or
if the raft develops a leak, you can inflate it by mouth.
24. The
spray shield acts as a shelter from the cold, wind, and water. In some cases,
this shield serves as insulation. The raft's insulated bottom limits the
conduction of cold thereby protecting you from hypothermia
One-Man Raft
With Spray Shield
25. You can
travel more effectively by inflating or deflating the raft to take advantage of
the wind or current. You can use the spray shield as a sail while the ballast
buckets serve to increase drag in the water. You may use the sea anchor to
control the raft's speed and direction.
26. There
are rafts developed for use in tactical areas that are black. These rafts blend
with the sea's background. You can further modify these rafts for evasion by
partially deflating them to obtain a lower profile.
27. A
lanyard connects the one-man raft to a parachutist (survivor) landing in the
water. You (the survivor) inflate it upon landing. You do not swim to the raft,
but pull it to you via the lanyard. The raft may hit the water upside down, but
you can right it by approaching the side to which the bottle is attached and
flipping the raft over. The spray shield must be in the raft to expose the
boarding handles. Follow the five As outlined under raft procedures above when boarding
the raft
Boarding the One-Man Raft
28. If you
have an arm injury, the best way to board is by turning your back to the small
end of the raft, pushing the raft under your buttocks, and lying back. Another
way to board the raft is to push down on its small end until one knee is inside
and lie forward
Other
Methods of Boarding the One-Man Raft
29. In rough
seas, it may be easier for you to grasp the small end of the raft and, in a
prone position, to kick and pull yourself into the raft. When you are lying
face down in the raft, deploy and adjust the sea anchor. To sit upright, you
may have to disconnect one side of the seat kit and roll to that side. Then you
adjust the spray shield. There are two variations of the one-man raft; the
improved model incorporates an inflatable spray shield and floor that provide additional
insulation. The spray shield helps keep you dry and warm in cold oceans and protects
you from the sun in the hot climates
One-Man Raft
With Spray Shield Inflated
Seven-Man Raft
30. Some
multiplace aircraft carry the seven-man raft. It is a component of the survival
drop Kit. This raft may inflate upside down and require you to right the raft
before boarding. Always work from the bottle side to prevent injury if the raft
turns over. Facing into the wind, the wind provides additional help in righting
the raft. Use the handles on the inside bottom of the raft for boarding
Method of Righting Raft
31. Use the
boarding ramp if someone holds down the raft's opposite side. If you don't have
help, again work from the bottle side with the wind at your back to help hold
down the raft. Follow the five As outlined in paragraph 22. Then grasp an
oarlock and boarding handle, kick your legs to get your body prone on the
water, and then kick and pull yourself into the raft. If you are weak or
injured, you may partially deflate the raft to make boarding easier
Method of
Boarding Seven-Man Raft
32. Use the
hand pump to keep the buoyancy chambers and cross seat firm. Never overinflate
the raft.
25-, 35-,
and 46-Man Rafts
33. You may
find 25-, 35-, or 46-man rafts in multiplace aircraft. The 20-man
Approach the
lower boarding ramp, following the arrows printed on the outside of the raft. Remove
your life preserver and tether it to yourself so that it trails behind you. Grasp
the boarding handles and kick your legs to get your body into a prone position
on the water's surface; then kick and pull until you are inside the raft.
25-Man Raft
34. An
incompletely inflated raft will make boarding easier. Approach the intersection
of the raft and ramp, grasp the upper boarding handle, and swing one leg onto
the center of the ramp, as in mounting a horse.
35.
Immediately tighten the equalizer clamp upon entering the raft to prevent
deflating the entire raft in case of a puncture
Immediate
Action—Multiplace Raft
36. Use the
pump to keep these rafts' chambers and center ring firm. They should be well rounded
but not overly tight. The center rings keep the center of the floor afloat, and
give raft occupants something to brace their feet against to prevent all
occupants from sliding toward the center.
SAILING RAFTS
37. Rafts do
not have keels, therefore, you can't sail them into the wind. However, anyone can
sail a raft downwind. You can successfully sail the seven-man raft 10 degrees
off from the direction of the wind. Do not try to sail the raft unless land is
near. If you decide to sail and the wind is blowing toward a desired
destination, fully inflate the raft, sit high, take in the sea anchor, rig a
sail, and use an oar as a rudder.
38. In the
seven-man raft, erect a square sail in the bow using the oars and their
extensions as the mast and crossbar. You may use a waterproof tarpaulin or
parachute material for the sail. If the raft has no regular mast socket and
step, erect the mast by tying it
Sail Construction
39. Take
every precaution to prevent the raft from turning over. In rough weather, keep
the sea anchor away from the bow. Have the passengers sit low in the raft, with
their weight distributed to hold the upwind side down. To prevent falling out, they
should also avoid sitting on the sides of the raft or standing up. Avoid sudden
movements without warning the other passengers. When the sea anchor is not in
use, tie it to the raft and stow it in such a manner that it will hold
immediately if the raft capsizes.
WATER
40. Water is
your most important need. With it alone, you can live for ten days or longer, depending
on your will to live. When drinking water, moisten your lips, tongue, and
throat before swallowing.
Short-Water Rations
41. 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.
42. 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 your 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.
43. 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 the saltwater boils, sores, and rashes that will result. Be careful
not to get the bottom of the raft wet.
44. Watch
the clouds and be ready for any chance of showers. Keep the tarpaulin handy for
catching water. If it is encrusted with dried salt, wash it in seawater.
Normally, a small amount of seawater mixed with rain will hardly be noticeable
and will not cause any physical reaction. In rough seas you cannot get
uncontaminated fresh water.
45. At
night, secure the tarpaulin like a sunshade, and turn up its edges to collect
dew. It is also possible to collect dew along the sides of the raft using a
sponge or cloth. When it rains, drink as much as you can hold.
Manual Reverse Osmosis Desalinator
46. Most
rafts today are equipped with a manual reverse osmosis desalinator (MROD). The MROD
is a very highly efficient water purifier designed to remove salt particles
from seawater, thereby making seawater potable. The two most common models are
the Survivor 35 and the Survivor 06, which make 35 and 6 gallons of potable
water in a 24-hour period if used continuously. Water procurement at sea is a
24-hour-a-day job. The MROD's life cycle is up to 50,000 gallons of water. The
MROD has a 10-year shelf life before it must be repacked by the manufacturer. To
operate the MROD, place both the intake (larger dual hose) and the potable water
supply hose into the water. Begin a 2-second cycle of pumping the handle—one
second up, one second down. A pressure indicator will protrude from the pump
housing to show that the proper flow is being maintained. An orange band will
be visible when the correct rhythm is maintained. Purge the antimicrobial
packing agent from the filter medium for 2 minutes. Then begin to collect potable
water.
NOTE: Ensure
that the water is free from any petroleum residue (jet fuel, hydraulic fluid,
or oil) before using an MROD. The filter medium is very sensitive to petroleum,
oils, and lubricants, and will render the filter useless, destroying your water
production capability.
Solar Still
47. When
solar stills are available, read the instructions and set them up immediately.
Use as many stills as possible, depending on the number of men in the raft and
the amount of sunlight available. Secure solar stills to the raft with care.
Solar stills only work on flat, calm seas.
Desalting Kits
48. When
desalting kits are available in addition to solar stills, use them only for
immediate water needs or during long overcast periods when you cannot use solar
stills. In any event, keep desalting kits and emergency water stores for
periods when you cannot use solar stills or catch rainwater.
Water From Fish
49. Drink
the aqueous fluid found along the spine and in the eyes of large fish.
Carefully cut the fish in half to get the fluid along the spine and suck the
eye. If you are so short of water that you need to do this, then do not drink
any of the other body fluids. These other fluids are rich in protein and fat
and will use up more of your reserve water in digestion than they supply.
Sea Ice
50. In
arctic waters, use old sea ice for water. This ice is bluish, has rounded corners,
and splinters easily. It is nearly free of salt. New ice is gray, milky, hard,
and salty. Water from icebergs is fresh, but icebergs are dangerous to
approach. Use them as a source of water only in emergencies.
51. As in
any survival situation there are dangers when you are substituting or
DO NOT:
*Drink
seawater.
*Drink
urine.
*Drink
alcohol.
*Smoke.
*Eat, unless
water is available.
52. Sleep and
rest are the best ways of enduring periods of reduced water and food intake. However,
make sure that you have enough shade when napping during the day. If the sea is
rough, tie yourself to the raft, close any cover, and ride out the storm as
best you can. Relax is the key word—at least try to relax.
FOOD PROCUREMENT
53. In the
open sea, fish will be the main food source. There are some poisonous and dangerous
ocean fish, but, in general, when out of sight of land, fish are safe to eat.
Nearer the shore there are fish that are both dangerous and poisonous to eat.
There are some fish, such as the red snapper and barracuda, that are normally
edible but poisonous when taken from the waters of atolls and reefs. Flying
fish will even jump into your raft!
Fish
54. When
fishing, do not handle the fishing line with bare hands and never wrap it
around your hands or tie it to a life raft. The salt that adheres to it can
make it a sharp cutting edge, an edge dangerous both to the raft and your
hands. Wear gloves, if they are available, or use a cloth to handle fish and to
avoid injury from sharp fins and gill covers.
55. In warm
regions, gut and bleed fish immediately after catching them. Cut fish that you do
not eat immediately into thin, narrow strips and hang them to dry. A well-dried
fish stays edible for several days. Fish not cleaned and dried may spoil in
half a day. Fish with dark meat are very prone to decomposition. If you do not
eat them all immediately, do not eat any of the leftovers. Use the leftovers for
bait.
56. Never
eat fish that have pale, shiny gills, sunken eyes, flabby skin and flesh, or an
unpleasant odor. Good fish show the opposite characteristics. Sea fish have a
saltwater or clean fishy odor. Do not confuse eels with sea snakes that have an
obviously scaly body and strongly compressed, paddle-shaped tail. Both eels and
sea snakes are edible, but you must handle the latter with care because of
their poisonous bites. The heart, blood, intestinal wall, and liver of most
fish are edible. Cook the intestines. Also edible are the partly digested
smaller fish that you may find in the stomachs of large fish. In addition, sea
turtles are edible.
57. Shark
meat is a good source of food whether raw, dried, or cooked. Shark meat spoils very
rapidly due to the high concentration of urea in the blood; therefore, bleed it
immediately and soak it in several changes of water. People prefer some shark
species over others. Consider them all edible except the Greenland shark, whose
flesh contains high quantities of vitamin A. Do not eat the livers, due to high
vitamin A content.
Fishing Aids
58. The
accessory kit contains a very good fishing kit that should meet your needs just
about anywhere around the world. You can also use different materials to make
fishing aids as described in the following paragraphs: Fishing line. Use pieces
of tarpaulin or canvas. Unravel the threads and tie them together in short
lengths in groups of three or more threads. Shoelaces and parachute suspension line
also work well. Fish hooks. No one at sea should be without fishing equipment,
but if you are, improvise Hooks Fish lures. You can fashion lures by attaching
a double hook to any shiny piece of metal. Grapple. Use grapples to hook
seaweed. You may shake crabs, shrimp, or small fish out of the seaweed. These
you may eat or use for bait. You may eat seaweed itself, but only when you have
plenty of drinking water. Improvise grapples from wood. Use a heavy piece of
wood as the main shaft, and lash three smaller pieces to the shaft as grapples.
Bait. You can use small fish as bait for larger ones. Scoop the small fish up
with a net. If you don't have a net, make one from cloth of some type. Hold the
net under the water and scoop upward. Use all the guts from birds and fish for
bait. When using bait, try to keep it moving in the water to give it the
appearance of being alive.
Helpful Fishing Hints
59. Your
fishing should be successful if you remember the following important hints: Be
extremely careful with fish that have teeth and spines. Cut a large fish loose
rather than risk capsizing the raft. Try to catch small rather than large fish.
Do not puncture your raft with hooks or other sharp instruments. Do not fish
when large sharks are in the area. Watch for schools of fish; try to move close
to these schools. Fish at night using a light. The light attracts fish. In the
daytime, shade attracts some fish. You may find them under your raft. Improvise
a spear by tying a knife to an oar blade. This spear can help you catch larger fish,
but you must get them into the raft quickly or they will slip off the blade.
Also, tie the knife very securely or you may lose it. Always take care of your
fishing equipment. Dry your fishing lines, clean and sharpen the hooks, and do
not allow the hooks to stick into the fishing lines.
Birds
60. All sea
birds are edible. Eat any birds you can catch. Sometimes
61. If a
bird lands within your reach, you may be able to catch it. If the birds do not
land close enough or land on the other end of the raft, you may be able to
catch them with a bird noose. Bait the center of the noose and wait for the
bird to land. When the bird's feet are in the center of the noose, pull it
tight.
62. Use all
parts of the bird. Use the feathers for insulation, the entrails and feet for
bait, and so on. Use your imagination.
MEDICAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SEA
SURVIVAL
63. At sea,
you may become seasick, get saltwater sores, or face some of the same medical problems
that occur on land, such as dehydration, hypothermia, or sunburn. These
problems can become critical if left untreated.
Seasickness
64.
Seasickness is the nausea and vomiting caused by the motion of the raft. It can
result in
—
Extreme
fluid loss and exhaustion.
Loss of the
will to survive.
Others
becoming seasick.
Attraction
of sharks to the raft.
Unclean
conditions.
65. To treat
seasickness—Wash both the patient and the raft to remove the sight and odor of
vomit.
Keep the
patient from eating food until his nausea is gone. Have the patient lie down
and rest. Give the patient seasickness pills if available. If the patient is
unable to take the pills orally, insert them rectally for absorption by the
body. Do not take seasickness pills if you are already seasick. They tend to
make the patient even sicker; always take seasickness pills before the symptoms
appear.
NOTE: Some
people at sea have said that erecting a canopy or using the horizon or a cloud
as a focal point helped overcome seasickness. Others have said that swimming
alongside the raft for short periods helped, but extreme care must be taken if
swimming.
Saltwater Sores
66. These
sores result from a break in skin exposed to saltwater for an extended period. They
may also occur at the areas that your clothing binds you—your waist, ankles, or
wrist. The sores may form scabs and pus. Do not open or drain the sores. Flush
them with freshwater , if available, and allow to dry. Apply an antiseptic, if
available.
Immersion Rot, Frostbite, and
Hypothermia
67. These
problems are similar to those encountered in cold weather environments. Symptoms
and treatment are the same as covered in
Blindness or Headache
68. If
flame, smoke, or other contaminants get in the eyes, flush them immediately
with saltwater , then with freshwater , if available. Apply ointment, if
available. Bandage both eyes 18 to 24 hours, or longer if damage is severe. If
the glare from the sky and water causes your eyes to become bloodshot and
inflamed, bandage them lightly. Try to prevent this problem by wearing
sunglasses. Improvise sunglasses if necessary.
Constipation
69. This condition
is a common problem on a raft. Do not take a laxative, as this will cause further
dehydration. Exercise as much as possible and drink an adequate amount of
water, if available.
Difficult Urination
70. This
problem is not unusual and is due mainly to dehydration. It is best not to
treat it, as it could cause further dehydration.
Sunburn
71. Sunburn
is a serious problem in sea survival. Try to prevent sunburn by staying in the shade
and keeping your head and skin covered. Use cream or lip salve from your
first-aid kit. Remember, reflection from the water also causes sunburn in
places where the sun usually doesn't burn you—tender skin under the earlobes,
eyebrows, nose, chin, and underarms .
SHARKS
72. Whether
you are in the water or in a boat or raft, you may see many types of sea life around
you. Some may be more dangerous than others. Generally, sharks are the greatest
danger to you. Other animals, such as whales, porpoises, and stingrays, may
look dangerous, but really pose little threat in the open sea.
73. Of the
many hundreds of shark species, only about 20 species are known to attack man. The
most dangerous are the great white shark, the hammerhead, the mako , and the
tiger shark. Other sharks known to attack man include the gray, blue, lemon,
sand, nurse, bull, and oceanic white-tip sharks. Consider any shark longer than
1 meter (3 feet) dangerous.
74. There
are sharks in all oceans and seas of the world. While many live and feed in the
depths of the sea, others hunt near the surface. The sharks living near the
surface are the ones you will most likely see. Their dorsal fins frequently
project above the water. Sharks in the tropical and subtropical seas are far
more aggressive than those in temperate waters.
75. All
sharks are basically eating machines. Their normal diet is live animals of any
type, and they will strike at injured or helpless animals. Sight, smell, or
sound may guide them to their prey. Sharks have an acute sense of smell and the
smell of blood in the water excites them. They are also very sensitive to any
abnormal vibrations in the water. The struggles of a wounded animal or swimmer,
underwater explosions, or even a fish struggling on a fishline will attract a
shark.
76. Sharks
can bite from almost any position; they do not have to turn on their side to
bite. The jaws of some of the larger sharks are so far forward that they can
bite floating objects easily without twisting to the side.
77. Sharks
may hunt alone, but most reports of attacks cite more than one shark present. The
smaller sharks tend to travel in schools and attack in mass. Whenever one of
the sharks finds a victim, the other sharks will quickly join it. Sharks will
eat a wounded shark as quickly as their prey.
78. Sharks
feed at all hours of the day and night. Most reported shark contacts and
attacks were during daylight, and many of these have been in the late
afternoon. Some of the measures that you can take to protect yourself against
sharks when you are in the water are—Stay with other swimmers. A group can maintain
a 360-degree watch. A group can either frighten or fight off sharks better than
one man. Always watch for sharks. Keep all your clothing on, to include your
shoes. Historically, sharks have attacked the unclothed men in groups first,
mainly in the feet. Clothing also protects against abrasions should the shark
brush against you.
Avoid
urinating. If you must, only do so in small amounts. Let it dissipate between
79. If a
shark attack is imminent while you are in the water, splash and yell just
enough to keep the shark at bay. Sometimes yelling underwater or slapping the
water repeatedly will scare the shark away. Conserve your strength for fighting
in case the shark attacks.
80. If
attacked, kick and strike the shark. Hit the shark on the gills or eyes if
possible. If you hit the shark on the nose, you may injure your hand if it
glances off and hits its teeth.
81. When you
are in a raft and see sharks—
Do not fish.
If you have hooked a fish, let it go. Do not clean fish in the water.
Do not throw
garbage overboard. Do not let your arms, legs, or equipment hang in the water.
Keep quiet
and do not move around. Bury all dead as soon as possible. If there are many
sharks in the area, conduct the burial at night.
82. When you
are in a raft and a shark attack is imminent, hit the shark with anything you have,
except your hands. You will do more damage to your hands than the shark. If you
strike with an oar, be careful not to lose or break it.
DETECTING LAND
83. You
should watch carefully for any signs of land. There are many indicators that
land is near.
84. A fixed
cumulus cloud in a clear sky or in a sky where all other clouds are moving
often hovers over or slightly downwind from an island.
85. In the
tropics, the reflection of sunlight from shallow lagoons or shelves of coral
reefs often causes a greenish tint in the sky.
86. In the
arctic, light-colored reflections on clouds often indicate ice fields or
snow-covered land. These reflections are quite different from the dark gray
ones caused by open water.
87. Deep
water is dark green or dark blue. Lighter color indicates shallow water, which
may mean land is near.
88. At
night, or in fog, mist, or rain, you may detect land by odors and sounds. The
musty odor of mangrove swamps and mud flats carry a long way. You hear the roar
of surf long before you see the surf. The continued cries of seabirds coming
from one direction indicate their roosting place on nearby land.
89. There
usually are more birds near land than over the open sea. The direction from
which flocks fly at dawn and to which they fly at dusk may indicate the
direction of land. During the day, birds are searching for food and the
direction of flight has no significance.
90. Mirages
occur at any latitude, but they are more likely in the tropics, especially
during the middle of the day. Be careful not to mistake a mirage for nearby
land. A mirage disappears or its appearance and elevation change when viewed
from slightly different heights.
91. You may
be able to detect land by the pattern of the waves (refracted) as they approach
Land. By traveling with the waves and parallel to the slightly turbulent area
Wave Patterns
About an Island
RAFTING OR BEACHING TECHNIQUES
92. Once you
have found land, you must get ashore safely. To raft ashore, you can usually use
the one-man raft without danger. However, going ashore in a strong surf is
dangerous. Take your time. Select your landing point carefully. Try not to land
when the sun is low and straight in front of you. Try to land on the lee side
of an island or on a point of land jutting out into the water. Keep your eyes
open for gaps in the surf line, and head for them. Avoid coral reefs and rocky
cliffs. There are no coral reefs near the mouths of freshwater streams. Avoid rip
currents or strong tidal currents that may carry you far out to sea. Either
signal ashore for help or sail around and look for a sloping beach where the
surf is gentle.
93. If you
have to go through the surf to reach shore, take down the mast. Keep your
clothes and shoes on to avoid severe cuts. Adjust and inflate your life vest.
Trail the sea anchor over the stem using as much line as you have. Use the oars
or paddles and constantly adjust the sea anchor to keep a strain on the anchor
line. These actions will keep the raft pointed toward shore and prevent the sea
from throwing the stern around and capsizing you. Use the oars or paddles to
help ride in on the seaward side of a large wave.
94. The surf
may be irregular and velocity may vary, so modify your procedure as conditions demand.
A good method of getting through the surf is to have half the men sit on one
side of the raft, half on the other, facing away from each other. When a heavy
sea bears down, half should row (pull) toward the sea until the crest passes;
then the other half should row (pull) toward the shore until the next heavy sea
comes along.
95. Against
a strong wind and heavy surf, the raft must have all possible speed to pass rapidly
through the oncoming crest to avoid being turned broadside or thrown end over
end. If possible, avoid meeting a large wave at the moment it breaks.
96. If in a
medium surf with no wind or offshore wind, keep the raft from passing over a wave
so rapidly that it drops suddenly after topping the crest. If the raft turns
over in the surf, try to grab hold of it and ride it in.
97. As the
raft nears the beach, ride in on the crest of a large wave. Paddle or row hard
and ride in to the beach as far as you can. Do not jump out of the raft until
it has grounded, then quickly get out and beach it.
98. If you
have a choice, do not land at night. If you have reason to believe that people
live on the shore, lay away from the beach, signal, and wait for the
inhabitants to come out and bring you in.
99. If you
encounter sea ice, land only on large, stable floes . Avoid icebergs that may capsize
and small floes or those obviously disintegrating. Use oars and hands to keep
the raft from rubbing on the edge of the ice. Take the raft out of the water
and store it well back from the floe's edge. You may be able to use it for
shelter. Keep the raft inflated and ready for use. Any floe may break up
without warning.
SWIMMING ASHORE
100. If
rafting ashore is not possible and you have to swim, wear your shoes and at
least onethickness of clothing. Use the sidestroke or breaststroke to conserve
strength.
101. If the
surf is moderate, ride in on the back of a small wave by swimming forward with
it. Dive to a shallow depth to end the ride just before the wave breaks.
102. In high
surf, swim toward shore in the trough between waves. When the seaward wave approaches,
face it and submerge. After it passes, work toward shore in the next trough. If
caught in the undertow of a large wave, push off the bottom or swim to the
surface and proceed toward shore as above.
103. If you
must land on a rocky shore, look for a place where the waves rush up onto the rocks.
Avoid places where the waves explode with a high, white spray. Swim slowly when
making your approach. You will need your strength to hold on to the rocks. You
should be fully clothed and wear shoes to reduce injury.
104. After
selecting your landing point, advance behind a large wave into the breakers.
Face toward shore and take a sitting position with your feet in front, 60 to 90
centimeters (2 or 3 feet) lower than your head. This position will let your
feet absorb the shock when you land or strike submerged boulders or reefs. If
you do not reach shore behind the wave you picked, swim with your hands only.
As the next wave approaches, take a sitting position with your feet forward.
Repeat the procedure until you land.
105. Water
is quieter in the lee of a heavy growth of seaweed. Take advantage of such growth.
Do not swim through the seaweed; crawl over the top by grasping the vegetation
with overhand movements.
106. Cross a
rocky or coral reef as you would land on a rocky shore. Keep your feet close together
and your knees slightly bent in a relaxed sitting posture to cushion the blows
against the coral.
PICKUP OR RESCUE
107. On
sighting rescue craft approaching for pickup (boat, ship, conventional
aircraft, or helicopter), quickly clear any lines (fishing lines, desalting kit
lines ) or other gear that could cause entanglement during rescue. Secure all
loose items in the raft. Take down canopies and sails to ensure a safer pickup.
After securing all items, put on your helmet, if available. Fully inflate your
life preserver. Remain in the raft, unless otherwise instructed, and remove all
equipment except the preservers. If possible, you will receive help from rescue
personnel lowered into the water. Remember, follow all instructions given by
the rescue personnel.
108. If the
helicopter recovery is unassisted, do the following before pickup:
Secure all
the loose equipment in the raft, accessory bag, or in pockets. Deploy the sea
anchor, stability bags, and accessory bag. Partially deflate the raft and fill
it with water. Unsnap the survival kit container from the parachute harness. Grasp
the raft handhold and roll out of the raft. Allow the recovery device or the
cable to ground out on the water's surface. Maintain the handhold until the
recovery device is in your other hand. Mount the recovery device, avoiding
entanglement with the raft. Signal the hoist operator for pickup by placing one
arm straight out to the side with your thumb up while you hold on with the
other. Vigorously splash the water and then raise your arm in the "thumbs
up" signal. Once recovered, DO NOT reach for the helicopter or crewman to
try to assist him. Allow the aircrew personnel to pull you into the aircraft by
themselves.
SEASHORES
109. Search
planes or ships do not always spot a drifting raft or swimmer. You may have to land
along the coast before being rescued. Surviving along the seashore is different
from open sea survival. Food and water are more abundant and shelter is
obviously easier to locate and construct.
110. If you
are in friendly territory and decide to travel, it is better to move along the
coast than to go inland. Do not leave the coast except to avoid obstacles
(swamps and cliffs) or unless you find a trail that you know leads to human
habitation.
111. In time
of war, remember that the enemy patrols most coastlines. These patrols may cause
problems for you if you land on a hostile shore. You will have extremely
limited travel options in this situation. Avoid all contact with other humans
and make every effort to cover all tracks you leave on the shore.
SPECIAL HEALTH HAZARDS
112.
Surviving on the seashore certainly can provide a greater abundance of your
basic needs, but hazards also exist. Coral, poisonous and aggressive fish,
crocodiles, sea urchins, sea biscuits, sponges, anemones, tides, and undertow can
pose special health hazards that you should be aware of and know how to handle.
Coral
113. Coral,
dead or alive, can inflict painful cuts. There are hundreds of water hazards
that can cause deep puncture wounds, severe bleeding, and the danger of infection.
Clean all coral cuts thoroughly. Do not use iodine to disinfect any coral cuts.
Some coral polyps feed on iodine and may grow inside your flesh if you use
iodine.
Poisonous Fish
114. Many
reef fish have toxic flesh. For some species, the flesh is always poisonous,
for other species, only at certain times of the year. The poisons are present
in all parts of the fish, but especially in the liver, intestines, and eggs.
This is due to their ingesting of a poisonous bacterial that grows only on
coral reefs. This bacteria is toxic to humans.
115. Fish
toxins are water soluble; no amount of cooking will neutralize them. They are tasteless,
therefore, the standard edibility tests are useless. Birds are least
susceptible to the poisons. Therefore, do not think that because a bird can eat
a fish, it is a safe species for you to eat.
116. The
toxins will produce a numbness of the lips, tongue, toes, and tips of the
fingers, severe itching, and a clear reversal of temperature sensations. Cold
items appear hot and hot items cold. There will probably also be nausea,
vomiting, loss of speech, dizziness, and a paralysis that eventually brings
death.
117. In
addition to fish with poisonous flesh, there are those that are dangerous to
touch. Many stingrays have a poisonous barb in their tail. There are also
species that can deliver an electric shock. Some reef fish, such as stonefish
and toadfish , have venomous spines that can cause very painful although seldom
fatal injuries. The venom from these spines causes a burning sensation or even
an agonizing pain that is out of proportion to the apparent severity of the
wound. A jellyfish, while not usually fatal, can inflict a very painful sting
if it touches you with its tentacles. the sea and seashore.
Aggressive Fish
118. You should
also avoid some ferocious fish. The bold and inquisitive barracuda has attacked
men wearing shiny objects. It may charge lights or shiny objects at night. The
sea bass, which can grow to 1.7 meters (6 feet), is another fish to avoid. The
moray eel, which has many sharp teeth and grows to 1.5 meters (5 feet), can
also be aggressive if disturbed.
Sea Snakes
119. Sea
snakes are venomous and sometimes found in mid ocean. They are unlikely to bite
unless provoked. Avoid them.
Crocodiles
120.
Crocodiles inhabit tropical saltwater bays and mangrove-bordered estuaries and
range up to 65 kilometers (39 miles) into the open sea. Few remain near
inhabited areas. You commonly find crocodiles in the remote areas of the East
Indies and Southeast Asia. Consider
Sea Urchins, Sea Biscuits, Sponges,
and Anemones
121. These
animals can cause extreme, though seldom fatal, pain. Usually found in tropical
shallow water near coral formations, sea urchins resemble small, round
porcupines. If stepped on, they slip fine needles of lime or silica into the
skin, where they break off and fester. If possible, remove the spines and treat
the injury for infection. The other animals mentioned inflict injury similarly.
Tides and Undertow
122. If
caught in a large wave's undertow, push off the bottom or swim to the surface
and proceed shoreward in a trough between waves. Do not fight against the pull
of the undertow. Swim with it or perpendicular to it until it loses strength,
then swim for shore.
FOOD
123.
Obtaining food along a seashore should not present a problem. There are many
types of seaweed and other plants you can easily find and eat. There is also a
great variety of animal life that can supply your need for food in this type of
survival situation.
Mollusks
124.
Mussels, limpets, clams, sea snails, octopuses, squids, and sea slugs are all
edible. Shellfish will usually supply most of the protein eaten by coastal
survivors. Avoid the blueringed octopus and cone shells Also, beware of
"red tides" that make mollusks poisonous. Apply the edibility test on
each species before eating.
Worms
125. Coastal
worms are generally edible, but it is better to use them for fish bait. Avoid bristle
worms that look like fuzzy caterpillars. Also, avoid tubeworms that have
sharp-edged tubes. Arrow worms, alias amphioxus , are not true worms. You find
them in the sand. They are excellent either fresh or dried.
Crabs, Lobsters, and Barnacles
126. These
animals are seldom dangerous to man and are an excellent food source. The pincers
of larger crabs or lobsters can crush a man's finger. Many species have spines
on their shells, making it preferable to wear gloves when catching them.
Barnacles can cause scrapes or cuts and are difficult to detach from their
anchor, but the larger species are an excellent food source.
Sea Urchins
127. These
are common and can cause painful injuries when stepped on or touched. They are
also a good source of food. Handle them with gloves and remove all spines.
Sea Cucumbers
128. This
animal is an important food source in the Indo-Pacific regions. Use them whole after
evisceration or remove the five muscular strips that run the length of its
body. Eat them smoked, pickled, or cooked.
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