First actions inside and survival priorities
1The lesson in plain words
Cut, stream, close, maintain. Then protection, location, water and food, in that order.
Cut
Stay attached only while safe. Cut free before sinking, fire or wreckage threatens the raft, using the safety knife near the entrance. Paddle clear of the hull, rigging and burning fuel. Remain near the boat only while safe; it is easier for rescuers to see.
Stream
Stream the drogue means put the sea anchor into the water. This drag device slows wind-driven drift and steadies the raft, reducing capsize risk. Currents can still carry you away. Check its line for chafe, or rubbing damage.
Close
Close the entrances to keep out wind and spray, leaving a small gap for air and a lookout. Huddle together on the dry, insulated floor to share warmth. Bail out water and sponge the floor dry.
Maintain
Maintain the raft: inflate the floor if designed for inflation, check for leaks and fit plugs, top up the tubes with the pump as they cool and soften at night, and ventilate regularly. Read the survival instructions. Set a lookout rota, so someone is always watching for ships, aircraft and lights.
Priorities
Then think protection, location, water, food. Protect against cold, spray and sun. Keep the EPIRB on and SART switched on and raised. Count drinking water and collect rain. Follow the raft’s instructions and the usual training rule: no water for the first 24 hours except for the injured, the sick and anyone vomiting; start sooner in great heat or if people are already dehydrated. Then agree small regular rations. Never drink seawater or urine. Food is a lower priority.
2Key data
- First actions
- Cut, stream, close, maintain
- Priorities
- Protection, location, water, food
- Water ration
- First 24 h: only injured, sick or vomiting; then regular rations.
- Never drink
- Seawater or urine
3Key points
- 1
Cut free before sinking, fire or wreckage threatens the raft; paddle clear. Stay near the boat only while safe.
- 2
Stream the drogue to slow drift and steady the raft.
- 3
Close the entrances, bail, sponge, huddle.
- 4
Maintain: inflate an inflatable floor, plug leaks, check tube pressure and keep a lookout.
- 5
Protection, location, water, food; never seawater.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Stay attached until the boat sinks, even if fire threatens the raft.
Right: Stay attached only while safe. Cut free before sinking, fire or wreckage threatens the raft, then paddle clear.
Wrong: Share out all the water on the first day to keep spirits up.
Right: Usual rule: only the injured, sick and vomiting drink in the first 24 hours. Then agree small regular rations and review them.
Wrong: Fire a flare whenever someone thinks they see a ship.
Right: Fire flares only when a rescuer is close enough to see them. Supplies are limited.
5Practice case & exam keys
Four crew are in the liferaft, the yacht has just sunk and the sea is rough. Water is sloshing on the floor and everyone is cold and frightened. What do you do in the first hour?
Show the answer
Check the painter is cut and paddle clear of debris. Stream the drogue. Close the entrances, bail and sponge out, and inflate the floor if designed for inflation. Check for leaks and top up the tubes. Hand out seasickness tablets, huddle together and set a lookout rota. Confirm the EPIRB is on and switch on and raise the SART. Ration water to supplies and conditions.
Exam keys
- First actions: cut free before the vessel threatens the raft, paddle clear, stream, close, maintain.
- Survival priorities: protection, location, water, food.
- Drogue reduces drift and capsize risk; keep a lookout. Currents can still carry you away.
- First 24 h: water only for the injured, sick or vomiting; then regular rations; never seawater or urine.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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