Even the largest, heaviest, and the most modern cruise ships, boats, ferry-trains, yachts, and ships are exposed to sea storms, giant waves, icebergs, hidden rocks, technical problems, and sometimes, even unpredictable occurrences. Surviving in a sinking ship sounds like a horrible experience to live, but, the important thing is that this is actually something you need to consider and be prepared to survive in the open sea.
If you love the sea and taking various trips, it is important that you’re properly informed about everything. Especially for “accident possibilities”. Experienced ship crew members claim that you need to be prepared for everything.
The first thing every passenger must be attentive to is the safety briefings given by deck officers. After settling on your cabin, explore. After boarding on a cruise ship, go for a walk to familiarize with all emergency exits, stairways, and where the safety equipment is. Make sure that you are provided with all the necessary instructions and equipment to survive a sinking ship. Equip yourself with protective clothing and a ditch bag. Usually, ditch bags contain the main items needed in case you’re trying to survive on open sea including:
• VHF radio and GPS
• whistles
• handheld compass
• motion-sickness medication
• spare eyeglasses
• signal mirrors
• battery light (on the waterproof plastic bag)
• electrolyte-replacement drinks and food
Crew members are prepared for any unfortunate event, so make sure to always seek professional help before trying to be a “hero”. Check out some great tips on surviving in a sinking ship in the open sea for the next time you’ll plan to take a cruise trip!
Tips on Surviving in a Sinking Ship
Familiarize with the boat, cruise, ship, and the overall environment of the vessel to learn where the emergency exits and lifeboats are.
Memorize where your safety equipment is (flotation device, ditch bag). Learn how to wear it by asking the ship crew to instruct you. If you’re traveling with your children, make sure each of them knows how to put the safety equipment on and double check if the size fits.
Make sure the crew speaks a language you understand. Usually, announcements are made in English.
Be attentive to all the announcement and get informed about international evacuation signals. One of them is seven short horn sounds with a long last one.
Bravery is not a smart option in cases like this. Do not try to escape on your own if there is a professional authority to instruct you with the right directions.
If there is no authority to guide you, go for the ship peak and off the ship. Always try to go head up and avoid the inner or center levels of the ship.
Don’t take elevators. There’s a great chance that power will go off on a sinking ship, and you would remain stuck in.
Look for the grew that is helping passengers accommodate in lifeboats.
Get any necessary medication and fresh water because you can never predict how long you will be in a lifeboat.
Learn the “Heat Escape Lessening Position” known as H.E.L.P tactic. You have to pull your knees to your chest and hold them to retain heat and avoid hyperthermia for as long as you can if you’re in cold waters of the open sea.
Keep your calm. It’s important to keep yourself motivated, hopeful, and positive. Both for the sake of your sanity, and to share moral support with the others. Collaboration is key to success. Try to be positive and do the best to help yourself and others.
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