PERSONAL

SURVIVALTECHNIQUES
OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE
To meet the minimum standard of competence for all
trainees assigned to shipboard duties as required in
Section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code as amended, this
course is designed to enable the trainees to
successfully demonstrate the competence on
Personal Survival Techniques.

Specifically, at the end of the course the trainees must

be able to survive at sea in the event of ship
abandonment.
Covers the requirements of the 1995 STCW
Convention, as amended and is based on the
provisions of Reg. VI/1 paragraph 1 & Section
A-VI/1 paragraph 2.1.1 Table A-VI/1-1 of the
STCW Code.
 1. TYPES OF EMERGENCY
SITUATIONS

EMERGENCY - Sudden, unexpected, or

impending situation that may cause injury, loss of
life, damage to the property, and/or interference
with the normal activities of a person or firm and
which, therefore, requires immediate attention
and remedial action.

The cause may be due to forces of nature or

human error or omission.
FIRE
FOUNDERING
1.1 Types of emergency situations that may occur onboard
ship
- FIRE
- FOUNDERING

Emergencies leading to FIRES or the FOUNDERING of ships:

1. collision
2. stranding
3. adverse reaction of dangerous goods or
hazardous bulk materials
4. shifting of cargo
5. engine-room explosion or fire
6. hull failure

7
1.2 Common Causes of each type of emergency situation

FIRE - There are a number of ways that a fire might start

aboard a ship. Faulty electrical wiring is one. A short in
the electrical system can easily start a fire. An overheating
engine or motor may also start a fire, and a fuel leak can
either start a fire or make a fire much worse. Fires may
also begin in the galley
with the stove or other
cooking equipment.
The most common
cause of shipboard
fires is related to
equipment malfunction
of some kind and a fire
Is most likely to start in
the engine room.
FOUNDERING of ships - is the adverse effect on the
vessel’s buoyancy due to the ingress of water resulting
in sinking.; could be the end result of collision, water
ingress, leaks or hull damage. End result of collision,
water ingress, leaks or hull damage.

If a ship sinks after capsizing, or as a consequence of a

leak in the hull or other water ingress, it is often
described as having foundered or foundering.
1. COLLISION – Common Causes of Maritime Collisions
( ALLISION = one vessel runs into another or into an object that is NOT in motion.)

• Human error: Carelessness or simply errors on the part of

crewmembers can quickly lead to collisions at sea. Also,
confusion stemming from differences in maritime traffic
schemes across different regions, akin to driving on the
wrong side of the road while visiting another country.
Human error is the most common cause of maritime
collisions.
• Weather: Next to human error, weather conditions have
the biggest impact on maritime accidents. Fog obstructing
vision, high winds exerting force on vessels, ice flows
colliding with vessels all fall under this category.
In many cases, weather is only a contributing factor in a
collision. After a thorough investigation of a weather-
related collision, it’s often discovered that negligence
also played a significant role in the accident.

Equipment failure: When an engine fails, maneuvering

capabilities are lost, or other equipment essential to the
operation of the ship malfunctions.

Infrastructure problems: If something on land is out of

position, such as a draw bridge dropping prematurely, it
can cause collisions. This is the rarest cause of
maritime accidents, but it does occur.
2. STRANDING - means when a vessel has run
aground (Grounding), it is accidental. This is physically
the same action as beaching, but with the significant
difference that beaching the vessel is an intentional
action and under comparatively controlled conditions,
whereas stranding is accidental. In consequence, the
double bottom area of the vessel will probably suffer
considerable damage, especially if the ground is rocky.

Stranding can occur for a number of reasons: Bad

navigation, Faulty navigation instruments, Bad weather,
Engine breakdown, etc.
STRANDING
 3.ADVERSE REACTION OF DANGEROUS
GOODS OR HAZARDOUS BULK MATERIALS –
certain
cargoes are liable to oxidation, which in turn may result
in oxygen reduction, emission of toxic fumes and self
heating. Some cargo when wetted are corrosive to skin
or ship structures.

4.SHIFTING OF CARGO – is a commonly

dangerous situation for ships carrying solid cargo,
bulk cargo ships and containerships. This may cause
the ship listing or capsizing and or structural damage.
Causes includes shifting of improperly secured cargo,
crew member fatigue, cargo that exceeds the ship’s
holding capacity, poorly trained forklift and crane
operators, lack of proper training and equipment for
heavy lifting, faulty or leaking cargo containers, etc.
 SHIFTING OF CARGO

ADVERSE REACTION OF
DANGEROUS GOODS OR
HAZARDOUS BULK
MATERIALS
5. ENGINE ROOM EXPLOSION – Most fires starts in
the engine room and are in 7 out of 10 cases caused by
fuel oil leakage or short circuit of electrical equipment.

6. HULL FAILURE - is a failure in the main body of the

vessel which protect her inside from water ingress or
structural damage. A loss of hull’s integrity may be
caused by corrosion of vessel’s hull, or by fracture due
to overload or as a result of an accident such as
collision, contact or grounding.

17
 ENGINE ROOM EXPLOSION

HULL FAILURE
18
1.3 Contents of the MUSTER LIST
(1)The instructions for
operating the general emergency,
alarm system and public address
system;
(2) The emergency signals;
(3)The actions to be taken by
the persons on board when each
signal is sounded;
(4)How the order to
abandon the vessel will be
given.
(5)The officers that are
assigned to make sure that
lifesaving and Firefighting
appliances are maintained in
good condition and ready for 19
(6) The duties assigned to the different members of
the crew. Duties to be specified include -
(i) Closing the watertight doors, fire doors, valves, scuppers,
side scuttles, skylights, portholes, and other similar
openings in the vessel's hull;
(ii) Equipping the survival craft and other lifesaving
appliances;
(iii) Preparing and launching the survival craft;
(iv) Preparing other lifesaving appliances;
(v) Mustering the passengers and other persons
on board;
(vi) Using communication equipment;
(vii) Manning the emergency squad assigned to
deal with
fires and other emergencies; and
(viii) Using firefighting equipment and installations.
(7) The duties assigned to members of the crew in
relation to passengers and other persons on board in
case of an emergency. Assigned duties to be
specified include -
(i) Warning the passengers and other persons on board;
(ii) Seeing that passengers and other persons on board
are suitably dressed and have donned
their lifejackets or immersion suits correctly;
(iii)Assembling passengers and other persons on board
at muster stations;
(iv) Keeping order in the passageways and on the
stairways and generally controlling the movements of
the passengers and other persons on board; and
(v) Making sure that a supply of blankets is taken to
the survival craft.
8) The substitutes for key persons if they are disabled,
taking into account that different emergencies require
different actions.
(c) Emergency instructions. Illustrations and instructions
in English, and any other appropriate language, must
be posted in each passenger cabin and in spaces
occupied by persons other than crew, and must be
conspicuously displayed at each muster station. The
illustrations and instructions must include information
on -
(1) The fire and emergency signal;
(2) Their muster station;
(3) The essential actions they must take in an
emergency;
(4) The location of lifejackets, including child-size
lifejackets;
 7 or more short blasts on the ship's whistle and General Alarm
bell followed by one prolonged blast then followed by
announcement on P.A. system by the Master of the vessel

3 prolonged blasts on the ship's whistle and General Alarm bell

Dismissal 3 short blasts on the ship's whistle and General Alarm bell
from Drill
Muster List
-Clearly identifies who is
to muster at which
Muster Station
-Provide the opportunity
for all the passengers
and crew to learn what
the emergency signals
mean
-Provides each passenger
with the details of actions
they must take in an
emergency
-Provides each crew
member with the details
of the actions they must
take in each type of
emergency
Emergency Signals Emergency Drills
-Alert passengers -Teach the passengers
and crew to the what to do in an
existence of an emergency and this helps
emergency to minimize panic
-Teach the crew what to
-Signal the crew to do
their particular in an emergency
duties depending -Provide the crew with the
upon the type of opportunity to gain
emergency familiarization with the
emergency equipment and
to check the condition of
the equipment
25
 2. TYPES OF LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES
NORMALLY CARRIED ON SHIPS

SURVIVAL CRAFTS:

1. LIFEBOATS
-Open type
-Partially enclosed lifeboats
-Totally enclosed lifeboats
-Totally enclosed Lifeboats with a self-contained air
support system
-Fire-protected lifeboats

2. LIFERAFTS
-Inflatable liferafts
-Rigid liferafts
Open type lifeboat
Partially enclosed lifeboat

Totally enclosed Lifeboats with a

self-contained air
support system

Totally enclosed lifeboats

Fire-protected lifeboats
Inflatable liferafts

Rigid liferafts
3. RESCUE BOATS
-Lifeboat assigned as a rescue boat
-Fast Rescue Boats ( Rigid or Inflated )

PERSONAL LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES

• LIFEBUOYS
• LIFEJACKETS
• IMMERSION SUITS
• ANTI-EXPOSURE SUIT

• THERMAL PROTECTIVE AIDS

Rigid or Inflated
 2. 2 SOLAS requirements on each TYPES OF
LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES
LIFEBOATS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFEBOATS

All lifeboats shall be properly constructed and shall be of such form and
proportions that they have ample stability in a seaway and sufficient freeboard
when loaded with their full complement of persons and equipment. All lifeboats
shall have rigid hulls and shall be capable of maintaining positive stability when
in an upright position in calm water and loaded with their full complement of
persons and equipment and holed in any one location below the waterline,
assuming no loss of buoyancy material and no other damage.

Each lifeboat shall be fitted with a certificate of approval, endorsed by the

Administration, containing at least the following items:
• manufacturer's name and address;
• lifeboat model and serial number;
• month and year of manufacture;
• number of persons the lifeboat is approved to carry; and
• with approval information including the Administration which approved
it, and any operational restrictions.
LIFEBOATS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFEBOATS

The certifying organization shall provide the lifeboat with a certificate of

approval which, in addition to the above items, specifies:
• number of the certificate of approval;
• material of hull construction, in such detail as to ensure that
compatibility problems in repair should not occur;
• total mass fully equipped and fully manned;
• statement of approval.
All lifeboats shall be of sufficient strength to:
• enable them to be safely launched into the water when loaded with
their full complement of persons and equipment;
• be capable of being launched and towed when the ship is making
headway at a speed of 5 knots in calm water.
Hulls and rigid covers shall be fire-retardant or non-combustible.
 LIFEBOATS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFEBOATS

Seating shall be provided on thwarts, benches or fixed chairs which are

constructed so as to be capable of supporting:
• a static load equivalent to the number of persons each weighing
100 kg for
which spaces are provided in compliance with the seating
requirements.
• a load of 100 kg in any single seat location when a lifeboat to be launched by
falls is dropped into the water from a height of at least 3 m;
• a load of 100 kg in any single seat location when a free-fall lifeboat is
launched from a height of at least 1.3 times its free-fall certification height.

Except for free-fall lifeboats, each lifeboat to be launched by falls shall be of

sufficient strength to withstand a load, without residual deflection on removal
of that load:
• in the case of boats with metal hulls, 1.25 times the total mass of the
lifeboat
when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment; or
• in the case of other boats, twice the total mass of the lifeboat when loaded
with its full complement of persons and equipment.
 LIFEBOATS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFEBOATS

Except for free-fall lifeboats, each lifeboat to be launched by falls shall be of

sufficient strength to withstand, when loaded with its full complement of
persons and equipment and with, where applicable, skates or fenders in
position, a lateral impact against the ship's side at an impact velocity of at
least
3.5 m/s and also a drop into the water from a height of at least 3 m.

The vertical distance between the floor surface and the interior of the
enclosure
or canopy over 50% of the floor area shall be:
• not less than 1.3 m for a lifeboat permitted to accommodate nine persons or
less;
• not less than 1.7 m for a lifeboat permitted to accommodate 24 persons or
more; and
• not less than the distance as determined by linear interpolation between 1.3
m and 1.7 m for a lifeboat permitted to
accommodate between nine and 24 persons.
 LIFEBOATS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFEBOATS

No lifeboat shall be approved to accommodate more than 150 persons.

The number of persons which a lifeboat to be launched by falls shall be

permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the lesser of:
• the number of persons having an average mass of 75 kg, all wearing
lifejackets, that can be seated in a normal position without interfering
with the means of propulsion or the operation of any of the lifeboat's
equipment; or
• the number of spaces that can be provided on the seating arrangements
in accordance with figure 1. The shapes may be overlapped as shown,
provided footrests are fitted and there is sufficient room for legs and the
vertical separation between the upper and lower seat is not less than 350
mm.
Each seating position shall be clearly
indicated in the lifeboat.
ACCESS INTO LIFEBOATS
• Every passenger ship lifeboat shall be so arranged that it can be rapidly
boarded by its full complement of persons. Rapid disembarkation shall
also be possible.
• Every cargo ship lifeboat shall be so arranged that it can be boarded by
its full complement of persons in not more than 3 min from the time
the instruction to board is given. Rapid disembarkation shall also be
possible.
• Lifeboats shall have a boarding ladder that can be used at any boarding
entrance of the lifeboat to enable persons in the water to board the
lifeboat. The lowest step of the ladder shall be not less than 0.4 m
below the lifeboat's light waterline.
• The lifeboat shall be so arranged that helpless people can be brought
on board either from the sea or on stretchers.
• All surfaces on which persons might walk shall have a non-skid finish.
LIFEBOAT BUOYANCY
All lifeboats shall have inherent buoyancy or shall be fitted with inherently
buoyant material which shall not be adversely affected by seawater, oil or
oil products, sufficient to float the lifeboat with all its equipment on board
when flooded and open to the sea. Additional inherently buoyant material,
equal to 280 N of buoyant force per person shall be provided for the
number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate. Buoyant
material, unless in addition to that required above, shall not be installed
external to the hull of the lifeboat.
LIFEBOAT FREEBOARD AND STABILITY
All lifeboats shall be stable and have a positive GM value when loaded
with 50% of the number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to
accommodate in their normal positions to one side of the centerline.
Under the condition of loading described above:
• each lifeboat with side openings near the gunwale shall have a
freeboard, measured from the waterline to the lowest opening
through which the lifeboat may become flooded, of at least 1.5% of the
lifeboat's length or 100 mm, whichever is the greater;
• each lifeboat without side openings near the gunwale shall not
exceed an angle of heel of 20° and shall have a freeboard,
measured from the waterline to the lowest opening through
which the
lifeboat may become flooded, of at least 1.5% of the
lifeboat's length or 100 mm, whichever is the greater.
LIFEBOAT PROPULSION
Every lifeboat shall be powered by a compression ignition engine. No engine
shall be used for any lifeboat if its fuel has a flashpoint of 43°C or less (closed
cup test).
The engine shall be provided with either a manual starting system, or a power
starting system with two independent rechargeable energy sources. Any
necessary starting aids shall also be provided. The engine starting systems
and starting aids shall start the engine at an ambient temperature of -15°C
within 2 min of commencing the start procedure unless, in the opinion of the
Administration having regard to the particular voyages in which the ship
carrying the lifeboat is constantly engaged, a different temperature is
appropriate. The starting systems shall not be impeded by the engine casing,
seating or other obstructions.
The speed of a lifeboat when proceeding ahead in calm water, when loaded
with its full complement of persons and equipment and with all engine
powered auxiliary equipment in operation, shall be at least 6 knots and at
least 2 knots when towing a 25-person life-raft loaded with its full
complement of persons and equipment or its equivalent. Sufficient fuel,
suitable for use throughout the temperature range expected in the area in
which the ship operates, shall be provided to run the fully loaded lifeboat at 6
knots for a period of not less than 24 h.

Water-resistant instructions for starting and operating the engine shall be

provided and mounted in a conspicuous place near the engine starting
controls.
LIFEBOAT FITTINGS
All lifeboats except free-fall lifeboats shall be provided with at least one drain
valve fitted near the lowest point in the hull, which shall automatically open to
drain water from the hull when the lifeboat is not waterborne and shall
automatically close to prevent entry of water when the lifeboat is waterborne.
Each drain valve shall be provided with a cap or plug to close the valve, which
shall be attached to the lifeboat by a lanyard, a chain, or other suitable means.
Drain valves shall be readily accessible from inside the lifeboat and their
position shall be clearly indicated.

All lifeboats shall be provided with a rudder and tiller. The rudder shall be
permanently attached to the lifeboat.

All lifeboats shall be fitted with sufficient watertight lockers or compartments

to provide for the storage of the small items of equipment,
water and provisions.
Every lifeboat to be launched by a fall or falls, except a free-fall lifeboat, shall
be fitted with a release mechanism, which shall be so arranged that all hooks
are released simultaneously and release control shall be clearly marked in a
color that contrasts with its surroundings.

Every lifeboat shall be fitted with a device to secure a painter near its bow. The
device shall be such that the lifeboat does not exhibit unsafe or unstable
characteristics when being towed by the ship making headway at speeds up to
5 knots in calm water.

Except for free-fall lifeboats, the painter securing device shall include a release
device to enable the painter to be released from inside
the lifeboat, with the ship making headway at speeds up to 5 knots in calm
water.

Every lifeboat shall be so arranged that an adequate view forward, aft and to
both sides is provided from the control and steering
position for safe launching and maneuvering.
LIFEBOAT MARKINGS
• The number of persons for which the lifeboat is approved shall be
clearly marked on it in clear permanent characters.

• The name and port of registry of the ship to which the lifeboat
belongs shall be marked on each side of the lifeboat's bow in
block capitals of the Roman alphabet.

• Means of identifying the ship to which the lifeboat belongs and the
number of the lifeboat shall be marked in such a way that
they are visible from above
FREE-FALL LIFEBOATS
shall comply with the requirements of totally enclosed lifeboats described.
The carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat is the number of persons that can
be provided with a seat without interfering with the means of propulsion or
the operation of any of the lifeboat's equipment. The width of the seat shall
be at least 430 mm. Free clearance in front of the backrest shall be at least
635 mm. The backrest shall extend at least 1,000 mm above the seat pan.
Each free-fall lifeboat shall make positive headway immediately after water
entry and shall not come into contact with the ship after a free-fall launching
against a trim of up to 10° and a list of up to 20°either way from the
certification height when fully equipped and loaded with:
• its full complement of persons;
• occupants so as to cause the center of gravity to be in the most forward
position;
• occupants so as to cause the center of gravity to be in the most aft
position;
• its operating crew only.
Each free-fall lifeboat shall be of sufficient strength to withstand, when
loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment, a free-fall launch
from a height of at least 1.3 times the free-fall certification height.
FREE-FALL
LIFEBOATS
Each free-fall lifeboat shall be fitted with a release system which shall:
• have two independent activation systems for the release
mechanisms which may only be operated from inside the lifeboat and
be marked in a color that contrasts with its surroundings;
• be so arranged as to release the boat under any condition of loading from
no load up to at least 200% of the normal load caused by the fully
equipped lifeboat when loaded with the number of persons for which it is
to be approved;
• be adequately protected against accidental or premature use;
• be designed to test the release system without launching the lifeboat;
be designed with a factor of safety of 6 based on the ultimate strength of
the materials used.

In addition to the requirements for fully enclosed lifeboat certificate of

approval for a free-fall lifeboat shall also state:
• free-fall certification height;
• required launching ramp length; and
• launching ramp angle for the free-fall certification height.
LIFERAFTS

Every liferaft shall be so constructed as to be capable of withstanding

exposure for 30 days afloat in all sea conditions.

The liferaft shall be so constructed that when it is dropped into the water
from a height of 18 m, the liferaft and its equipment will operate
satisfactorily. If the liferaft is to be stowed at a height of more than 18 m
above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition, it shall be of a type
which has been satisfactorily drop-tested from at least that height.

The floating liferaft shall be capable of withstanding repeated jumps on to it

from a height of at least 4.5 m above its floor both with and without the
canopy erected.

The liferaft and its fittings shall be so constructed as to enable it to be towed

at a speed of 3 knots in calm water when loaded with its full complement of
persons and equipment and with one of its sea-anchors streamed.
LIFERAFTS
The liferaft shall have a canopy to protect the occupants from exposure
which is automatically set in place when the liferaft is launched and
waterborne.

No liferaft shall be approved which has a carrying capacity of less

than six persons

Unless the liferaft is to be launched by an approved launching

appliance
or is not required to be stowed in a position providing for easy side-to-side
transfer, the total mass of the liferaft, its container and its equipment shall
not be more than 185 kg.

The liferaft shall be fitted with an efficient painter of length

equal to not less than 10 m plus the distance from the
stowed position to the waterline in the lightest seagoing
condition or 15 m whichever is the greater.
LIFERAFTS
In addition to the above requirements, a liferaft for use with an approved
launching appliance shall:
•when the liferaft is loaded with its full complement of persons and
equipment, be capable of withstanding a lateral impact against the ship's
side at an impact velocity of not less than 3.5 m/s and also a drop into the
water from a height of not less than 3 m without damage that will affect its
function;
•be provided with means for bringing the liferaft alongside
the embarkation deck and holding it securely during
embarkation.

Every passenger ship davit-launched liferaft shall be so arranged

that it can
be rapidly boarded by its full complement of persons.

Every cargo ship davit-launched liferaft shall be so arranged that it can be

boarded by its full complement of persons in not more than 3 min from the
time the instruction to board is given.
LIFERAFTS
The marking required on liferafts equipped in accordance with LSA code
regulation 4.1.5.1 shall be "SOLAS A PACK" in block capitals of the Roman
alphabet.

In the case of passenger ships engaged on short international voyages of

such a nature and duration that, in the opinion of the Administration, not all
the items specified in paragraph 4.1.5.1 are necessary, and "SOLAS B PACK"
should be marked in block capitals of the Roman alphabet on liferaft.

The liferaft painter system shall provide a connection between the ship and
the liferaft and shall be so arranged as to ensure that the liferaft when
released and, in the case of an inflatable liferaft, inflated is not dragged
under by the sinking ship.
If a weak link is used in the float-free arrangement, it shall:
• not be broken by the force required to pull the painter from the liferaft
container;
• If applicable, be of sufficient strength to permit the inflation of the
liferaft; and break under a strain of 2.2 ± 0.4 kN.
LIFERAFTS
The liferaft shall be packed in a container that is:
• so constructed as to withstand hard wear under conditions encountered at sea;
• of sufficient inherent buoyancy, when packed with the liferaft and its
equipment, to pull the painter from within and to operate the inflation
mechanism should the ship sink;
•as far as practicable watertight, except for drain holes in the container
bottom. The container shall be marked with:
• maker's name or trade mark;
• serial number;
• name of approving authority and the number of persons it is permitted to
carry;
• SOLAS;
• type of emergency pack enclosed;
• date when last serviced;
• length of painter;
• maximum permitted height of stowage above waterline (depending on drop-test
height and length of painter);
• launching instructions.
RESCUE BOATS
Rescue boats may be either of rigid or inflated construction or a combination
of both and shall:
• be not less than 3.8 m and not more than 8.5m in length; and
• be capable of carrying at least five seated persons and a person lying on
a stretcher.

Rescue boats shall be capable of maneuvering at a speed of at least 6 knots and

maintaining that speed for a period of at least 4 hours.

Rescue boats shall have sufficient mobility and maneuverability in a seaway

to enable persons to be retrieved from the water, marshal liferafts and tow the
largest liferaft carried on the ship when loaded with its full complement of
persons and equipment or its equivalent at a speed of at least 2 knots.

A rescue boat shall be fitted with an inboard engine oroutboard motor.

If it is fitted with an outboard motor, the rudder and tiller may form part of the
engine.
RESCUE BOATS
Arrangements for towing shall be permanently fitted in rescue boats and shall
be sufficiently strong to marshal or tow liferafts.

Inflated rescue boats shall be so constructed as to be capable of withstanding

exposure:
• when stowed on an open deck on a ship at sea;
• for 30 days afloat in all sea conditions.

The buoyancy of an inflated rescue boat shall be provided by either a single tube
subdivided into at least five separate compartments of approximately equal
volume or two separate tubes neither exceeding 60% of the total volume.

In addition to complying with the requirements lifeboats, inflated rescue boats

shall be marked with a serial number, the maker's name or trade mark and the
date of manufacture.

The inflated rescue boat shall be maintained at all times in a fully inflated
condition.
LIFEBUOYS and it’s
Every lifebuoy shall:
Attachments
• have an outer diameter of not more than 800 mm and an inner diameter
of not less than400 mm;
• be constructed of inherently buoyant material; it shall not depend upon
rushes, cork shavings or granulated cork, any other loose granulated
material or any air compartment which depends on inflation for buoyancy;
• be capable of supporting not less than 14.5 kg of iron in fresh water for a
period of 24 hours;
• have a mass of not less than 2.5 kg;
• not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a
fire for a period of 2 seconds;
LIFEBUOYS and it’s
Attachments
• be constructed to withstand a drop into
the water from the height at which it is
stowed above the waterline in the lightest
seagoing condition or 30 m, whichever is the
greater, without impairing either its
operating capability or that of its attached
components;
• if it is intended to operate the quick release
arrangement provided for the self-activated
smoke signals and self-igniting lights, have a
mass sufficient to operate the quick release
arrangement;
• be fitted with a grabline not less than 9.5 mm
in diameter and not less than 4 times the
outside diameter of the body of the buoy in
length. The grabline shall be secured at four
equidistant points around the circumference
of the buoy to form four equal loops.
LIFEBUOYS and it’s
Attachments
•Self-igniting
be such thatlights shall:
they cannot be
extinguished by water;
• be of white colour and capable of either
burning continuously with a luminous intensity of
not less than 2 cd in all directions of the upper
hemisphere or flashing (discharge flashing) at a
rate of not less than 50 flashes and not more than
70 flashes per min with at least the corresponding
effective luminous intensity;
• be provided with a source of energy capable of
meeting the requirement of previous paragraph for
a period of at least 2 hours;
• be capable of withstanding the drop test into
the water from the height at which it is stowed
above the waterline in the lightest seagoing
condition or 30 m, whichever is the greater,
without impairing either its operating capability
or that of its
attached components.
LIFEBUOYS and it’s Attachments

Self-Activating Smoke Signal

shall:
emit smoke of a highly visible color at a uniform
rate for a period of at least 15 min when floating in
calm water;
• not ignite explosively or emit any flame during
the entire smoke emission time of the signal;
• not be swamped in a seaway;
• continue to emit smoke when fully
submerged in water for a period of at least 10
s;
• be capable of withstanding the drop test
into the water from the height at which it is
stowed above the waterline in the lightest
seagoing condition or 30 m, whichever is the
greater, without impairing either its operating
capability or that of its attached components.
 LIFEBUOYS and
it’s Attachments
Buoyant Lifelines
• shall:
be non-kinking;
• have a diameter of not less than 8 mm;
and
• have a breaking strength of not less than
5 kN.
LIFEJACKETS

An Adult Lifejacket shall be so constructed that:

• shall not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped
in a fire for a period of 2 seconds.
• at least 75% of persons, who are completely unfamiliar with the
lifejacket, can correctly don it within a period of one min without
assistance, guidance or prior demonstration;
• after demonstration, all persons can correctly don it within a period of
one
minute without assistance;
• it is clearly capable of being worn in only one way or, as far
as is practicable, cannot be donned incorrectly;
• it is comfortable to wear;
• it allows the wearer to jump from a height of at least 4.5 m into
the water
without injury and without dislodging or damaging the
lifejacket.
• shall have buoyancy which is not reduced by more than 5% after
24h submersion in fresh water.
LIFEJACKETS
An adult lifejacket shall have sufficient buoyancy and
stability in calm fresh water to:
• lift the mouth of an exhausted or
unconscious person not less than 120 mm clear
of the water with the body inclined backwards
at an angle of not less than 20° from the
vertical position;
• turn the body of an unconscious person in the
water from any position to one where the mouth is
clear of the water in not more than 5 s.
• shall allow the person wearing it to swim a
short distance and to board a survival craft.
A child lifejacket shall be constructed and perform the
same as an adult lifejacket except as follows:
• donning assistance is permitted for small children;
• it shall only be required to lift the mouth
of an exhausted or unconscious wearer clear
of the water a distance appropriate to the size
LIFEJACKETS
• assistance may be given to board a
survival craft, but wearer mobility shall
not be significantly reduced.

In addition to the markings with approval

information including the Administration
which approved it,
and any operational restrictions, a child
lifejacket shall be marked with:
• the height or weight range for
which the lifejacket will meet the
testing and evaluation criteria
recommended by the Organization
• a "child" symbol as shown in the "child's
lifejacket" symbol adopted by the
Organization
LIFEJACKETS
Inflatable Lifejacket:
A lifejacket which depends on inflation for
buoyancy shall have not less than two
separate compartments and comply with
the all requirements for ordinary lifejacket,
and shall:
• inflate automatically on immersion,
be provided with a device to permit
inflation by a single manual motion and
be capable of being inflated by mouth;
• in the event of loss of buoyancy in
any one compartment be capable of
complying with the all requirements for
ordinary lifejacket;
• shall have buoyancy which is not reduced
by more than 5% after 24h submersion in
fresh water after inflation by means of
the automatic mechanism.
LIFEJACKETS

Lifejacket Lights shall:

• have a luminous intensity of not less than 0.75 cd
in all directions of the upper hemisphere;
• have a source of energy capable of providing a
luminous intensity of 0.75 cd for a period of at least
8 hours;
• be visible over as great a segment of the
upper hemisphere as is practicable when
attached to a lifejacket;
• be of white color.

If the light referred above is a flashing light it shall,

in
addition:
• be provided with a manually operated switch;
and
• flash at a rate of not less than 50 flashes and not
more than 70 flashes per min with an effective
IMMERSION SUITS
The immersion suit shall be constructed with
waterproof materials such that:
• it can be unpacked and donned without
assistance within 2 min, taking into account any
associated clothing*, and a lifejacket if the
immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a
lifejacket;
• it will not sustain burning or continue melting
after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period
of 2 seconds;
• it will cover the whole body with the
exception of the face. Hands shall also be
covered unless permanently attached gloves are
provided;
• it is provided with arrangements to minimize or
reduce free air in the legs of the suit;
• following a jump from a height of not less than
4.5 m into the water there is no undue ingress of
water into the suit.
An immersion suit which also complies with the
IMMERSION SUITS

An immersion suit which has buoyancy and is designed to be worn without a

lifejacket shall be fitted with a light and the whistle complying with the
requirements for life-jackets.
If the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, the
lifejacket shall be worn over the immersion suit. A person wearing such an
immersion suit shall be able to don a lifejacket without assistance.
In that case immersion suit shall permit the person wearing it:
• to climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5 m in length;
• to perform normal duties associated with abandonment;
• to jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water
without damaging or dislodging the immersion suit, or being
injured;
• to swim a short distance through the water and board a survival
craft.

An immersion suit made of material which has no inherent insulation shall

be:
• marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with
IMMERSION SUITS
• so constructed that, when worn in conjunction with warm clothing,
and with a lifejacket if the immersion suit is to be worn with a lifejacket,
the immersion suit continues to provide sufficient thermal protection,
following one jump by the wearer into the water from a height of 4.5 m, to
ensure that when it is worn for a period of 1h in calm circulating water at a
temperature of 5°C, the wearer's body core temperature does not fall
more than 2°C.
An immersion suit made of material with inherent insulation, when worn
either on its own or with a lifejacket, if the immersion suit is to be worn in
conjunction with a lifejacket, shall provide the wearer with sufficient thermal
insulation, following one jump into the water from a height of 4.5 m, to
ensure that the wearer's body core temperature does not fall more than 2°C
after a period of 6h
immersion in calm circulating water at a temperature of between 0°C and
2°C.
A person in fresh water wearing either an immersion suit or an immersion
suit
with a lifejacket, shall be able to turn from a face-down to a face-up
ANTI-EXPOSURE SUITS
Shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that it:
• provides inherent buoyancy of at least 70 N;
• is made of material which reduces the risk of heat stress during rescue
and evacuation and operations;
• covers the whole body with the exception of the head and hands
and, where the Administration so permits, feet; gloves and a hood
shall be provided in such a manner as to remain available for use with
the anti- exposure suits;
• can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min;
• does not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally
enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 seconds;
• is equipped with a pocket for a portable VHF telephone;
• has a lateral field of vision of at least 120°.
An anti-exposure suit which also complies with the requirements of life-jackets
may be classified as a life-jacket.
ANTI-EXPOSURE SUITS
An anti-exposure suit shall permit the person wearing
it:
• to climb up and down a vertical ladder of at least
5 m in length;
• to jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m
into the water with feet first, without damaging
or dislodging the suit, or being injured;.
• to swim through the water at least 25 m and
board a survival craft;
• to don a lifejacket without assistance; and
• to perform all duties associated with
abandonment, assist others and operate a rescue
boat.
An anti-exposure suit shall be fitted with a light
complying with the requirements for life jackets.
An anti-exposure suit shall:
• if made of material which has no inherent
insulation, be marked with instructions that it
must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing;
ANTI-EXPOSURE SUITS
• be so constructed, that when worn as marked,
the suit continues to provide sufficient
thermal protection following one jump into
the water which totally submerges the wearer
and shall ensure that when it is worn in calm
circulating water at a temperature of 5°C, the
wearer's body core temperature does not fall
at a rate of more than 1.5°C per hour, after the
first 0.5 hours.

A person in fresh water wearing an anti-exposure

suit complying with the requirements of this
section shall be able to turn from a facedown to a
face-up position in not more than 5 seconds and
shall be stable face-up. The suit shall have no
tendency to turn the wearer face-down in
moderate sea condition.
THERMAL PROTECTIVE AIDS
A thermal protective aid shall be made of waterproof material having a
thermal conductance of not more than 7800 W/(m2.K) and shall be so
constructed that, when used to enclose a person, it shall reduce both the
convective and evaporative heat loss from the wearer's body.
• The thermal protective aid shall:
• cover the whole body of persons of all sizes wearing a lifejacket with the
exception of
• the face. Hands shall also be covered unless permanently attached
gloves
are provided;
• be capable of being unpacked and easily donned without assistance in a
survival craft
• or rescue boat;
• permit the wearer to remove it in the water in not more than 2 min, if it
impairs ability
• to swim.
The thermal protective aid shall function properly throughout an air
temperature range -30°C to +20°C.04.
 3. Equipment in survival craft

LIFEBOAT EQUIPMENT
1) except for free-fall lifeboats, sufficient buoyant oars to make headway in
calm seas.
2) two boat-hooks; shall be kept free for fending off purposes.
3)a buoyant bailer and two buckets; to bail-out ingress of water inside
the survival craft
4) a survival manual
5)an operational compass which is luminous or provided with suitable
means of illumination. In a totally enclosed lifeboat, the compass shall be
permanently fitted at the steering position; in any other lifeboat, it shall be
provided with a binnacle if necessary to protect it from the weather, and
suitable mounting arrangements;
6)a sea-anchor of adequate size fitted with a shock-resistant hawser
which provides a firm hand grip when wet. The strength of the sea-anchor,
hawser and tripping line if fitted shall be adequate for all sea conditions;
 7)two efficient painters of a length equal to not less than twice the distance
from the stowage position of the lifeboat to the waterline in the lightest
seagoing condition or 15 m, whichever is the greater. On lifeboats to be
launched by free-fall launching, both painters shall be stowed near the bow
ready for use. On other lifeboats, one painter attached to the release device
required to come together with release mechanism shall be placed at the
forward end of the lifeboat and the other shall be firmly secured at or near the
bow of the lifeboat ready for use;
8) two hatchets, one at each end of the lifeboat;
9)watertight receptacles containing a total of 3 liters of fresh water for
each person the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate, of which either 1
liter per person may be replaced by a desalting apparatus capable of
producing an equal amount of fresh water in 2 days, or 2 liters per person
may be replaced by a manually powered reverse osmosis desalinator
capable of producing an equal amount of fresh water in 2 days;
10) a rustproof dipper with lanyard;
11) a rustproof graduated drinking vessel;
12)a food ration totaling not less than 10,000 kJ for each person the
lifeboat is permitted to accommodate; these rations shall be kept in airtight
packaging and be stowed in a watertight container;
13) four rocket parachute flares;
14) six hand flares;
15) two buoyant smoke signals;
16) one waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signaling together with
one spare set of batteries and one spare bulb in a Waterproof container;
17)one daylight signaling mirror with instructions for its use for
signaling to ships and aircraft;
18) one copy of the life-saving signals prescribed by regulation V/16 on a
waterproof card or in a waterproof container;
19) one whistle or equivalent sound signal;
20) a first-aid kit in a waterproof case capable of being closed tightly after
use;
21)anti-seasickness medicine sufficient for at least 48 h and one
seasickness bag for each person;
22) a jack-knife to be kept attached to the boat by a lanyard;
23) three tin openers;
24) two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to not less than 30 m of buoyant
line;
 25)if the lifeboat is not automatically self-bailing, a manual pump suitable
for effective bailing;
26) one set of fishing tackle;
27) sufficient tools for minor adjustments to the engine and its accessories;
28) portable fire-extinguishing equipment of an approved type suitable for
extinguishing oil fires [A.602(15)].
29)a searchlight with a horizontal and vertical sector of at least 6° and a
measured luminous intensity of 2500 cd which can work continuously for not
less than 3 h;
30)an efficient radar reflector, unless a survival craft radar
transponder is stowed in the lifeboat;
31)thermal protective aids complying with the requirements of section
2.5 sufficient for 10% of the number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to
accommodate or two, whichever is the greater;
32)in the case of ships engaged on voyages of such a nature and duration
that, in the opinion of the Administration a food ration and fishing tackle are
unnecessary, the Administration may allow these items to be dispensed with.
4. LOCATION OF PERSONAL LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES
LIFEBUOYS
1.Lifebuoys are located in easily accessible places on both sides
of the vessel, on all open decks extending to the sides of the ship;
at least one should be placed near the stern.
2.The lifebuoy should be fastened so that they can be quickly
and freely drop them into the water.
At least one lifebuoy on each side shall be equipped with a buoyant
lifeline equal in length to not less than twice the height at which it
is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or
30 meters, whichever is the greater. Two lifebuoys shall be
equipped with a self-activating smoke signal and a self-activating
light; they shall be capable of quick release from the navigation
bridge. The remainder of the lifebuoys shall be equipped with self-
igniting lights.
LIFEJACKETS
Shall be so placed as to be readily accessible and their
position shall be plainly indicated. Where due to the
particular arrangements to the ship, may become
inaccessible, alternative provisions shall be made to the
satisfaction of the Administration which may include an
increase in the number of Lifejackets to be carried.

A sufficient number of lifejackets shall be carried for

persons on watch and for use at remotely located survival
craft stations. The lifejackets carried for persons on watch
should be stowed on the bridge, in the engine control
room and at any other manned watch station;
IMMERSION SUITS
An immersion suit, complying with the requirements of the
code, of an appropriate size shall be provided for every
person assigned to crew the rescue boat or assigned to the
marine evacuation system party.

An immersion suit of an appropriate size complying with the

requirements of the Code shall be provided for every person
on board the ship. However, for ships other than bulk carriers,
these immersion suits need not be required if the ship is
engaged in warm climates where, in the opinion of the
administration, immersion suits are unnecessary.
If a ship has any watch or workstations which are located
remotely from the place where immersion suits are normally
stowed, including remotely located survival craft carried in
accordance with the regulation of the code, additional
immersion suits of an appropriate size shall be provided at
these locations for the number of persons normally on watch
or working at those locations at any time.

Immersion suits shall be so placed as to be readily accessible

and their position shall be plainly indicated
TPA (THERMAL PROTECTIVE AID)
Every survival craft should have 2 thermal protective aid suits
or 10% of its total carrying capacity whichever is greater.

-All passenger ships shall carry for each lifeboat on the ship
at least three immersion suits and thermal protective aid for
every person to be accommodated in the lifeboat and not
provided with an immersion suit. These immersion suits and
thermal protective aids need not be carried:
1.for persons to be accommodated in totally or
partially enclosed lifeboats; or
2.if the ship is constantly engaged on voyages in warm
climates* where, in the opinion of the Administration, they
are unnecessary.
 5. SURVIVAL PRINCIPLES
5.1.1. Value of training and Drills
Personnel onboard must always be
prepared to expect the unexpected, the
consequences of which can result in fire or
flood and possibly a subsequent need to
abandon ship and to be rescued. You also
need to be aware of the potential
psychological effects of a crisis or traumatic
experience at sea, and to know where you
can find advice and support. Regular
onboard continuation training and realistic
emergency drills are of paramount
importance, not simply to satisfy the
requirements of Regulators or SOLAS but
to ensure that, in the event of an incident
occurring, the crew are well rehearsed on
how to deal with the situation.
5.1.2. Requirements in conducting drill onboard ships
Frequency of drills itself is clearly stated in SOLAS Ch. III/19.3 Drills:
-Every crew member shall participate in at least one abandon ship drill and one
fire drill every month.

-The drills of the crew shall take place within 24 h of the ship leaving a port if
more than 25% of the crew have not participated in abandon ship and fire drills
on board that particular ship in the previous month.

-When a ship enters service for the first time, after modification of a major
character or when a new crew is engaged, these drills shall be held before
sailing.
-On passenger ships, an abandon ship drill and fire drill shall take place weekly.
The entire crew need not be involved in every drill, but each crew member must
participate in an abandon ship drill and a fire drill each month as required in
regulation 19.3.2. Passengers shall be strongly encouraged to attend these drills.
5.2 Personal protective clothing and equipment

Donning A
Lifejacket
Donning And Use An Immersion
Suit
 5.3 Preparedness to any Emergency

Whenever some incident of a serious or harmful nature happens

suddenly, we classify it as an emergency. One of the most
important factors in dealing with an emergency situation, apart
from a sharp mind and the control of respectful fear, is the
presence of a solid action plan. This is a general rule that is
applicable to all situations whether on board a ship in the
middle of the ocean or in a crowded city port amidst a sea of
people and machinery.

A comprehensive and well practiced plan is essential for the ship

Personnel to respond to emergencies in an orderly and effective
manner.
5.4 ACTIONS TAKEN WHEN CALLED TO SURVIVAL CRAFT

Personal Preparation
1. Put as may layers of warm clothing as possible,
including foot protection, making sure to cover
head, neck, hands and feet.

2. If an Immersion suit is available put it on over

the
warm clothing

3. Put your life jacket and be sure to secure it

correctly

4. Take a good long drink of fresh water - it may be

your last for a long time. (No alcohol)
5. Take anti- seasickness medication - seasickness will
interfere with your survival chances as vomiting removes
precious body fluid and seasickness makes you more prone
to hypothermia and also impairs your will to survive.

6. Take any additional items if time permits - extra water,

food, blankets, and spare radio.
 Crew Duties To Passengers

When in an emergency, duties includes

marshaling passengers at a Muster Station
–

• Direct passengers to their muster

stations

• Keep passengers away from

emergency area

• Ensure that I am visible as

crew to
the passengers

•Instruct & assist each passenger in

• Advise passengers on
correct abandonment
procedures
• Direct passengers to their
muster stations
• Keep passengers away from
emergency area
• Ensure the safety of
passengers
• Assist passengers to don
their lifejackets properly
• Ensure passengers are
suitably dressed
• Prevent panic

98
PANIC
• A sudden fear which dominates or replaces thinking
and often affects groups of people.
• Typically occurs in disaster situations, such as
abandon ship,
Causes of Panic
1. Emotional state:

2. No Escape:

3. Absence of leadership:
Need to prevent panic
• Panic results in injury or
death

To avoid panic –
•Follow the actions
learnt in the drills
• Focus on the solution &
not the impending danger
•Encourage others to
follow what they learnt in
the drills
• Maintain an optimistic
state of mind
5.5 Actions to be taken when required to abandon ship
ABANDONSHIP - Order comes from the MASTER
The ship usually offers the best chance of survival.

- ACTIONS LEADING TO SHIP ABANDONMENT

•An emergency situation arises from a collision,
grounding, fire, explosion etc.
• The emergency General Alarm is sounded to alert the
crew
and passengers that an emergency exists.
•Emergency response team under Master’s Orders
attempt repairs or fight fire.
• In the event that the ship cannot be saved, emergency
distress signals are made.
• Send distress signals via GMDSS –grab an EPIRB and
activate it if possible
IF ORDERED TO ABANDON SHIP:

-Dress suitably, Put on warm clothing, (a close fitting hat, bonnet, etc. )
and lifejacket, bring along your immersion suit.

-Bring extra water, provisions (not protein foods) and blankets if time
allows.

-Hand held VHF radio, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio

Beacon), SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) and other important
articles as specified in the MUSTER LIST.

-Prepare to launch survival craft.(follow orders from person in charge)

-Secure painters as appropriate, launch lifeboats / liferafts to orders

and board DRY if possible.
1. Some of the survival craft are not capable of being
launched
2. The absence of lighting due to loss of power or
listing of the ship may lead to disorientation
3. Absence of personnel assigned to certain
duties
5.5.1 Jumping safely from a height into the water
-Jumping into water should be avoided. If you need to jump into the water,
survivors should jump from the lowest point and then swim to the survival
craft.

Points to Bear in Mind Before Jumping Into the Water

• Keep lifejacket on, securely tied and hold it down by crossing arms
over
chest.
• Block off nose and mouth with one hand
• Keep feet together
• Check below to avoid obstructions
• Look straight ahead, jump feet first
• Do not look down when jumping as it makes you unstable and likely to
fall forward
 5.6 Actions to be taken when in water

Means of Survival
- Think of means of keeping afloat
• Make a buoyancy aid from my clothes (knots in leg ends, scoop air in
waist, hold waist down)
• Look for anything that floats (flotsam) & hold on to it

- Think of means of communicating with ships and rescue

-Think of means of keeping warm

• Use HELP posture to conserve body heat to vital organs
• Find other survivors and form a Group Huddle

105
106
5.6.1. KEEPING AFLOAT WITHOUT LIFEJACKET
When one has no life jacket, then floating horizontally with the
head above water is the best option to stay afloat. One can also
float in a vertical position and swim to short distances using
buoyancy from trapped air underneath the clothes and also by
expansion and contraction of air in the lungs.

SURVIVAL FLOAT
Dead Man's Float - Also known as the jellyfish or, the
survival float is one of the most important skills for swimmers to
learn, since it can help you survive in the water. Survival floating
can help you if you're stranded in open water.
Float in a horizontal position with your face down in the water.
Only the back of your head should breach the surface. The air
in your lungs will keep you floating.
Relax. Let your arms and legs dangle. Your arms may float up to
the surface. You may need to kick your legs a little after taking a
breath to keep from sinking back down too far.
Raise your head when you need a breath of air. If you need to,
bring your arms and legs slightly upward to the surface, then
push them downward to help you elevate your head for a breath
and return to a relaxed floating position.
Back Floating
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.
Kick gently or tread water to make progress toward a survival
craft, if one is in sight.
If you’re in the water without a life jacket, don’t become
frightened that you can’t stay afloat—you can.
A large amount of debris, such as pieces of wood, empty
plastic containers, jerry cans, and so forth, is usually present.
You can use this debris to stay afloat.

Several articles of clothing, provide some flotation when used

properly. The most useful article is your trousers or slacks,
which you can inflate
1. To remove your trousers, lean forward in the water and
slowly slip them down over your hips and legs. Don’t let go
of them—they may sink.
2. Zip them; then float them on the surface with the fly or
front turned down.
3. Tie a knot in each leg as close to the cuff as possible.
4. Work the garment around on the surface until the legs are
over your shoulders and the knots are behind you,
leaving the crotch in front of you.
5. Grasp the waist of the trousers with one hand on each
side; then extend your arms straight upward, kicking
your feet to get your body as high out of the water as you
can.
6. When this position is reached, pull the trousers downward
smartly on the surface, trapping a pocket of air in each leg.
7. Then gather the waist under the water and hold in one
hand. Keep the trousers legs wet by splashing water on
them to reduce the loss of the trapped air. You may use
mattress covers, sea bags, laundry bags, and pillowcases
in a similar manner.
5.6.2 SWIMMING WHILE WEARING A LIFEJACKET

• Lifejacket provides more buoyancy and give the wearer

more freeboard (distance between the mouth and the
water) by inclining the person onto their back to keep their
face – mouth and nose – further from the water. lifejackets
provide the most support in turbulent waters and extended
periods of time.
• Wearing an appropriate lifejacket, properly fitted, will help
to keep your airway clear of the water and reducing the
need for exertion on keeping afloat while swimming.
• When using a life jacket, either swim sideways or try
swimming with back-strokes for short intervals conserving
energy and is effective in going further distances.
 5.6.3 RIGHTING AN INVERTED LIFERAFT WHILE
WEARING A LIFEJACKET

One person can easily upright a capsized raft.

1. swim to the side with the CO2 cylinder

2. turn the liferaft canopy to the wind
3. get hold of the loops to the righting straps
4. climb up and stand on the CO2 cylinder
5.lean backwards and pull the straps until the canopy is lifted
out of the water
6.spring backward by pushing up the bottom of the raft to
clear from under
7.grab on to the raft lifeline, it could drift faster than you can
swim. If the canopy is filled with water it will be more difficult and
sometimes two persons are needed to do the up righting.
5.7 ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN ABOARD A SURVIVAL CRAFT
1. Initial Actions On Boarding Survival
Craft To Enhance chance of survival

1. Personal preparation
2.The person in command for each survival craft should
check that all crew are present and that the crew and
passenger are suitably clad and have correctly donned their
lifejackets
3. Prepare to launch survival craft:
- Lifeboats
- Liferafts
4. Members of the crew prepares to launch Lifeboat
a. boat cover removed, folded and placed in boat
b.two men in the boat –one to pass painter forward, one to ship
the plug
 c.pass or send painter as far as possible forward inboard of
the falls and outside of everything else, slack picked up and
painter made fast
d.release safety devices –trigger lever and harbor pins / lock
and let go gripes
e.lift hand brake and boat lowered to embarkation deck,
only upon instructions of the Master

5. Davit Launched Liferaft :

a. slew davit to ship side and remove hand rail
b. bring valise beneath davit and spring out bowsing lines
c. bowse lines to cleat provided on deck and spring out
painter
d. hook davit fall into the raft
e. heave away on the davit fall taking the raft overside
f. pull painter to inflate liferaft
g. when inflation is complete, bowse liferaft into the ship’s
side
6. Operate Marine Escape System (for passenger ships)

7.Boats should lowered to embarkation deck level only

upon instruction from the Master

8.Persons should take emergency radio equipment, EPIRB,

SART and the distance and direction to the nearest land fall by
those assigned in the Muster List
2.Boarding lifeboat and life raft from the ship and water while wearing a lifejacket
-in accordance with the procedure in a sample SMS manual
3. STREAMING A DROGUE OR SEA-ANCHOR
•Reduces the drift of the life raft by 50 per cent
•Prevents the life raft from spinning around
•Keeps the life raft steady in wind
•Can be streamed to move the life raft away from a sinking
vessel or danger
To stream the sea anchor, throw the drogue away from the life
raft in the direction of movement. Allow the drogue to sink into
the water and then haul on its line, thereby moving the life raft
close to the drogue.
 4.Operating Survival Craft Equipment
Heliograph
A heliograph provides the most
effective visual signal on a bright
sunny day to attract attention. They
have a range of about 20 nautical
miles or 32 kilometers in good
weather conditions. The range may
be reduced in hazy conditions. The
reflected light should be flashed on
the searching aircraft or ship. The
horizon should be scanned at regular
intervals if a search is thought to be in
progress.
Rescue Quoit
Soft rubber throwing Quoit usually used with approx. 30 meters of
5mm PE braided rope. The Rubber Ring (Quoit) floats in water but has
enough weight that it can be thrown far distances when a man
overboard situation occurs.
Liferaft = One buoyant rescue quoit, attached to at least 30m line
Lifeboat/Rescue boat=Two buoyant rescue quoit, at least 30m line
RADAR REFLECTORS
Reflects radar energy from other vessels’ radars so that your boat
or Liferaft shows up as a larger and more consistent “target.” The
ability to be seen by radar-equipped ships can make the difference
being seen and being rescued.
4. Operating Location Devices, Including Radio
Equipment
AS PER SOLAS CH 3 REG 6.3
Distress flares
Not less than 12 rocket parachute flares, complying with the
requirements of section 3.1 of the Code, shall be carried and
be stowed on or near the navigation bridge.

Additional to mentioned above 2 Buoyant smoke signals, 4 Rocket parachute & 6 Hand
flares are to be present in each of the survival craft.
BUOYANT SMOKE SIGNALS
(Section 3.3 of the IMO LSA Code)
•Be contained in a water-resistant casing;
•Not ignite explosively when used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s operating instructions
•Have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the
buoyant smoke signal printed on its casing.
•Emit smoke of a highly visible color at a uniform rate for a period of
not less than 3 min when floating in calm water;
•Not emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time;
•Not be swamped in a seaway;
•Continue to emit smoke when submerged in water for a period of
10 sec under 100 mm of water.
ROCKET PARACHUTE FLARES
(Section 3.1 of the IMO LSA Code)
The rocket parachute flare shall:
•Be contained in a water-resistant casing;
•Have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the rocket
parachute flare printed on its casing;
•Have integral means of ignition;
•Be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing
when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
The rocket shall when fired vertically, reach an altitude of not less than 300 m.
At or near the top of its trajectory, the rocket shall eject a parachute flare,
which shall:
•Burn with a bright red color;
•Burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 30,000 cd;
•Have a burning period of not less than 40 sec;
•Have a rate of descent of not more than 5 mtr/sec; and
•Not damage its parachute or attachments while burning.
HAND FLARES
(Section 3.2 of the IMO LSA Code)
• Be contained in a water-resistant casing;
•Have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the hand flare
printed on its casing;
•Have a self-contained means of ignition; and
•Be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing and
not endanger the survival craft by burning or glowing residues when used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
•Burn with a bright red colour;
•Burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 cd;
•Have a burning period of not less than 1 min; and
•Continue to burn after having been immersed for a period of 10 seconds under 100
mm of water.
SARTs
Search and rescue radar Transponders (SARTs) are the main
means in the GMDSS for locating ships in distress or their survival
craft, and their carriage on board ships is mandatory. The SART is
a small, battery powered, omni–directional radar receiver and
transmitter. They may also be incorporated into a float–free
satellite EPIRB. The batteries fitted to a SART allow operation in
the standby condition for at least 96 h, plus a further 8 h whilst
being interrogated.
Purpose And Method Of Operation Of A SART
A SART operates in the 9 GHz (3 cm or ‘X-band’) radar frequency
band and, on receiving a signal from a ship or aircraft radar, transmits
a series of response (homing) signals. The SART can be activated
manually or automatically so that it will thereafter respond when
interrogated. The method of using and activating SARTs varies over
the type available, but instructions are marked on the sides of all
SARTs.
These response signals will be seen on the ship or aircraft radar
screen as a line of 12 dots (0.64 n miles apart) extending
approximately 8 n miles outward from the SART’s position along
its line of bearing. This unique radar signal is easily recognized
and allows the rescue vessel or aircraft to locate the survival
craft. As the SART becomes closer, another 12 dots are
produced, also 0.64 n miles apart.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (Epirb)
• Capable of transmitting a continuous distress signal
24 hours a day for the life of the batteries
• • Sends a distress signal via earth orbiting satellites to
a Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC)
• All EPIRBs are registered and a code is transmitted
which identifies the particular EPIRB
•A search and rescue will be initiated within 1 hour
of activation
• Can have a built-in GPS

• Can be equipped with a Hydrostatic Release Unit

(HRU)
• Turn EPIRB on
•Attach lanyard to self or survival craft • Float the
132
EPIRB in the sea
PORTABLE RADIO EQUIPMENT
• The best aid the distressed have to notify
others of their situation and thus signal that
they need assistance
• To transmit a distress signal –
• Turn radio
• Select Channel 16
• Say “MAYDAY” 3 times
• Give name of vessel 3 times
• Give last known position
• Give nature of distress (fire, grounding
or flooding)
• Give vessel description and number of
persons
133
GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System)
 5. Main Dangers To Survivors
The major dangers to survivors at sea are:
•Hypothermia
•Hyperthermia
•Drowning
•Shark attack
•Dehydration
•Loss of will to live
HYPOTHERMIA
- is a condition of low body core temperature. The normal body temperature
is 37º C and is regulated by the brain. In a survival situation, there is great body
heat loss due to:
•Wet and windy conditions
•Being in water
•A lack of clothing
Hypothermia is also associated with:
•Hunger
•Exhaustion
•Anxiety
•Low morale
The heat loss from wet skin is greater
than that from dry skin. This is further
increased by a blowing wind. This is
called the ‘Chill Factor’. The start of
hypothermia
can be rapid and if it is not stopped, the person can die within an hour. The
victim often does not realize that he or she has hypothermia.
SURVIVORS CAN DIE FROM HYPOTHERMIA. HYPOTHERMIA IS A
KILLER!
THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHERMIA the victim:
•Is exhausted
•Is reluctant to do anything
•Finds it difficult to reason
•Has slow mental and physical reactions
•Has a poor sense of touch
•Has slurred speech
•May have swollen lips, hands and
feet In the early stages of
hypothermia, the
victim will be shivering - this is the
body's
way of generating that extra heat.
-As the victim goes from mild to severe
hypothermia, the following occurs:
•The muscles become more and more
rigid
•The pulse slows down and becomes
weak
•The heartbeat speeds up and slows
down
•Unconsciousness occurs when the
How to protect yourself against
hypothermia:
•Wear plenty of clothing. Layers of clothing
or windproof and waterproof clothing are
ideal
•Keep clothing dry in cold and wet weather
•Keep the survival craft dry
•Keep the life raft canopy or boat covers
closed
•Do not swim around. Exhaustion makes
you more prone to hypothermia
•Survivors in water should take the HELP or
group huddle posture
•If there isn't a survival vessel and survivors are
in the water, they should try to raise themselves
out of the water, using the floating wreckage
around them.
If you work on vessels in areas where water
temperatures are down to freezing point, you
must wear Survival or Immersion suit. They are
designed to protect survivors from the effects of
hypothermia in some cases from temperatures
down to –30º C.
HOW TO TREAT HYPOTHERMIA
IN THE LIFERAFT:
•Shelter the victim from wet, windy
and cold conditions. Close up the raft.
•Get the person dry and warm, rest
them on top of some lifejackets.
•Raise the body's core temperature
gradually by wrapping them in blankets.
•Body to body contact may be best
with someone who is already warm.
•If a Thermal Protective Aid is
available, put both persons into that.
•Give warm water. Warm it by placing
it against warm persons body.
•DO NOT give alcohol as this simply
worsens the condition
•DO NOT rub victim’s skin. Severe
bruising and skin damage will occur.
- The biggest danger to survivors is from hypothermia.
The rate of cooling in water is 26 times faster than in the air. As the body loses
heat in large amounts, we shiver intensely. It's the body's attempt to counteract
the large heat losses.
The rate of cooling depends on the:
• Water temperature
• Physique of the person
• Wind speed
• Weather conditions
• Person's clothing
- How To Minimize Loss Of Body Heat
The body regions with a high rate of heat loss are:
• Head and neck
• Sides of the chest
• Groin region
• Do not swim. Survivors should not try to swim
As more body heat is lost due to increased circulation of blood.
•Lie still. Someone wearing a life jacket and swimming loses nearly 35 per
cent more heat than someone who is lying still.
• Adopt the heat-escape-lessening posture (HELP) or form the group huddle.
To
HYPERTHERMIA
There are three main types of
hyperthermia or heat stress:
-Heat cramps
-Heat exhaustion
-Heat stroke
A prickly heat rash is an annoying
but less disabling form of heat stress.
-Heat cramps and heat exhaustion
result from dehydration and salt
depletion as the body sweats to lower its internal temperature.
Heat stroke occurs when the body core temperature exceeds 41°C
(105°F) because its cooling mechanisms have broken down. This
condition can cause death. Heat stroke requires immediate medical
attention. You can avoid almost all cases of hyperthermia by taking
preventative measures.
HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is a life-threatening
condition demanding immediate
medical attention. As the body core
temperature approaches 41°C or 105°F,
the victim can no longer produce sweat.
The skin usually becomes hot and dry
(classic heat stroke). Be aware, however,
that the skin may remain relatively cool
and clammy with exertional heat stroke.
If the core body temperature continues to
rise, the victim will die. Provide interim
treatment and transport victims of heat
stroke to a medical treatment facility as
soon as possible as complications
frequently develop.
DROWNING
Remember these facts about
drowning:
•Drowning kills in minutes!
•Life jackets are provided
for short-term survival and
survivors should try to board
the survival craft as soon as
possible.
•Lifebuoys may be used to
keep people from drowning.
•Excessive intake of water in
air passages can cause
asphyxia. First aid treatment
should be given to the person
as soon as he or she is removed
from water.
SHARK ATTACKS
To avoid attracting sharks:
•Do not fish in shark
infested waters. If sharks are
seen in the area while
fishing, it is better to
abandon the fishing line
from the survival craft.
•Do not keep any part of
your body hanging outside
the survival craft.
•Do not throw food waste
overboard.
•Remain quiet and still.
And remember, do not try to
attack or incite the sharks.
DEHYDRATION
Loss of water from the body can kill in days!
The following activities increase fluid loss from the body:
•Sweating, Exertion, Eating fish, Drinking seawater, Vomiting
Seasickness-which is very demoralizing
Survivors with nausea should vomit outside the life raft, or into the plastic
bags.
Anti-seasickness tablets should be issued to everyone.
Remember, never drink:
•Seawater
•Urine
Drinking seawater does not extend survival time. In fact you will die from
sodium poisoning in about the same time as having no water at all. It causes
kidney failure and is a much more painful death.
As the juice from fish and birds is salty, it should not be consumed, unless
additional water is available. However, the spinal fluids of fish contain water
and may be safely sucked out and swallowed.
Urine is body waste and is of no use to the body. It is toxic waste and does
not
extend survival time.
LOSS OF WILL TO LIVE
Survivors are in real danger of losing morale and the will to live. It is important
to keep a positive attitude about survival and rescue. This will extend the
survival time until you are rescued.

How to maintain the will to live

Remember that people behave differently when packed together.
The knowledge of equipment and how to use it helps keep morale high.
People's will to live is strengthened when they are occupied. Passing time is a
big issue in a survival craft. The person in charge should keep the survivors busy
with duties and keep them comfortable.
Smoking exacerbates thirst and should not be allowed if the water supply is
low. If smoking is to be allowed, be very careful with matches and cigarettes.
As well, the comfort of other occupants should be kept in mind. Morale may be
sustained by singing, prayers, and discussions and by telling jokes.
Remember, however, that these activities may make the throat dry so do
these activities only if there is enough water.
The End