CEANO

SURVIVAL AT SEA

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

LALIZAS Hellas
3 Gounari, Piraeus P.C.18531, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 4226274, Fax: +30 210 4226273
e-mail: info@lalizas.com, www.lalizas.com www.lalizas.com
CONTENTS

1. BUILD-UP CONFIDENCE, UNITE AND STRUGGLE TO WIN VICTORY 3

1.1. Face up to reality, built-up confidence 3
1.2. Get organized, appoint a leader and arrange watch-keeping 3
1.2.1.Fix the leader of a survival raft 3
1.2.2. Duties of the persons on watch 4
2. INFLATABLE LIFERAFTS 4
2.1. Brief Introduction of Liferafts 4
2.1.1. Types of liferafts 4
2.1.2. Construction of Inflatable Liferafts 4
2.1.3. Inflatable liferaft equipment 5
2.2. Immediate actions to be taken after boarding the liferaft 7
2.2.1. Righting a capsized liferaft 7
2.2.2. Clearing the distress ship as quick as possible 7
2.2.3. Rescue of survivors in water 8
2.2.4. Examination of the liferaft body for leaks 8
2.2.5. Keep the liferaft in position and stream the sea anchor 8
2.2.6. Examination of the raft equipment 9
2.3. Measures to be taken while awaiting Rescue at Sea 9
3. HYPOTHERMIA PROTECTION, FIRST-AID AND TREATMENT OF ORDINARY
SICKNESS 11
3.1. Hypothermia Protection 11
3.2. First-aid 11
3.2.1. The apparently drowned 11
3.2.2. Artificial respiration 11
3.2.3. Treatment of shock 14
3.2.4. To stop bleeding 14
3.2.5. Treatment of bone fractures 15
3.2.6. Treatment of burns and scalds 16
3.3. Treatment and Prevention of Common Illnesses in Liferaft 16
3.3.1. Controlling sea-sickness 16
3.3.2. Prevention of frostbite 16
3.3.3. Prevention of sunburn 16
3.3.4. Prevention of bedsore 16
4. WATER AND FOOD 16
4.1. Fresh Water 16
4.2. Food 17
4.3. Fishing and Bird Catching 18
4.3.1. Fishing 18

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 4.3.2. Bird catching 18
5. SOME NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE 19
5.1. Remain in the Vicinity of the Distress Ship 19
5.2. Ascertaining Direction 19
5.2.1. Ascertaining direction by the sun 19
5.2.2. Ascertaining direction by a wrist watch 20
5.2.3. Ascertaining directions by stars 20
5.3. Direction of Wind and Ocean Currents 21
5.3.1. The direction of wind 21
5.3.2. The direction of ocean currents 23
5.4. Signs of Land 23
5.5. Means for Attracting Attention 23
5.5.1. Light and sound signals 25
5.5.2. Pyrotechnic Distress signals 26
5.5.3. Radio signals 26
5.5.4. Life-saving Signals 26
6. ADVICE ON FINAL RESCUE 26
6.1. Rescue by a Surface Craft 26
6.2. Rescue by an Aircraft 27
6.3. Rescue by a Helicopter 27
6.3.1. From the water 27
6.3.2. From a survival craft 27
7. SURVIVAL ON A BARREN ISLAND 29
7.1. Making a Safe Landing 29
7.2. To Find Drinking Water 29
7.3. To Find Food 30
7.4. Life and Actions 30
7.5. Signals for Communication 30

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1. BUILD-UP CONFIDENCE, UNITE AND STRUGGLE TO WIN VICTORY

1.1. Face up to reality, built-up confidence

Though you have met with great difficulty owing to the unfortunate accident, you shouldn’t
give up your hope of surviving. With the development of maritime transportation, with the
daily improvement of the lifesaving appliances, there are many favorable conditions in the
rescue operations at the present time. In answering to the distress signals already sent by
the distress vessel, the passing vessels nearby and the personnel on land are now trying
their best to locate you and are ready to give assistance. The GMDSS is now in full swing
to call for search and rescue. The lifeboat or liferaft -you are now embarked- is of the best
performance and is provided with a variety of useful equipment such as means for com-
munication, fresh water, food rations and other repairing tools and material. Besides, you
can make every effort to overcome the difficulties and you can try to communicate with the
passing vessels or aircraft or land. The drifting position of your lifeboat or liferaft is just in
the vicinity of the original course of the distress ship, so it is very easy to be discovered and
rescued.
Therefore, you must keep up your spirits, foster your firm confidence, and remember that
the final victory belongs to the people who wage an unswerving struggle for such victory.

1.2. Get organized, appoint a leader and arrange watch-keeping

In order to better accomplish self-rescue and awaiting rescue, you must get well orga-
nized, strengthen leadership, help each other, define clearly the duties and carry out the
work and life in an efficient way.

1.2.1. Fix the leader of a survival raft

Every survival craft should have a leader, who may be an officer of the distress
ship or a certified person; however, persons practiced in the handling and operation of
liferafts may be permitted to be in charge of a liferaft. The leader should have a good
nautical knowledge, good organizational skills and to be willing to dedicate himself to
the work of overcoming the difficulties and struggle for surviving.

The duties of the leader are as follows:

1. Arrange for watch-keeping. It is advisable to have two persons on each watch of
24 hours duration.
2. Allocate food rations and fresh water.
3. Keep and register a survival craft log book which contains: the name of the aban-
doned ship, the position, time and date and weather condition of the accident: the
names of the occupants and their physical conditions; the distribution of food and
fresh water; and the collection of fresh water etc;
4. Inform the occupants about the construction and equipment of the survival craft
so as to make the best use of them.
5. Help the occupants familiarize with the use of various signaling devices, and to
use such signals in proper time to attract the attention of any passing ship or
aircraft.
6. Take measures to maintain morale.
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 7. Make sanitary arrangements to keep the liferaft habitable.

1.2.2. Duties of the persons on watch

1. Keep constant lookout, and watch carefully for any passing ship and aircraft and
report in time to the leader.
2. Inspect the condition and equipment of the survival craft. Especially watch the
inflation of the buoyancy chambers for any leakage. Should there be any, report
to the leader immediately and effect repairs.
3. Collect and store rainwater.
4. Look after the sick or injured persons.
5. Carry out all duties detailed by the leader.

2. INFLATABLE LIFERAFTS

2.1. Brief Introduction of Liferafts

2.1.1. Types of liferafts

At present, the liferafts may be classified into throw over board type (OCEANO),
davit launched type (OCEANO DL) and open reversible type (OCEANO OR).
The throw-overboard inflatable liferafts may be thrown overboard by man power or
may be dropped into the sea by gravity, or may float free by means of the hydrostatic
release when the ship sinks and then inflate on the sea surface. The survivors are to
board by climbing down the shipside embarkation ladder or by other means.
The davit-launched liferafts are hoisted by a special davit and slewed outboard, and
the raft is inflated at the outboard position by pulling the painter line, then the survivors
can board the liferaft from the deck side. When the davit launched liferaft is loaded,
then it is lower away onto the sea surface. The davit launched liferafts may also be
used as a throw-over board liferaft.
The open reversible inflatable liferafts are used as a thrown overboard liferaft (see
above). The main difference is that the floor of the liferaft is between the buoyancy
tubes and after the inflation, the occupants can board immediately, whichever side of
the liferaft is above the sea level.
The inflatable liferafts may also be classified according to the navigation area.
For the throw over board inflatable liferafts & for the davit launched inflatable liferaft,
the ship operates into A-type liferaft for ship engaged in unrestricted navigation area
and the B-type liferaft for ship engaged in coastal or near-coastal navigation areas.
The open reversible inflatable liferafts are applicable for high-speed crafts engaged in
warm sea area in China and in the international voyages only.

2.1.2. Construction of Inflatable Liferafts

Throw over board (OCEANO) & the davit launched (OCEANO DL) liferafts:

These inflatable liferafts are mainly composed of four parts: the upper and lower
buoyancy chambers, the canopy and arches, and the floor (Figure 1 & Figure 2).
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 Figure 1
1. Radar reflector
2. Identification light
3. Canopy
4. Rain catchment
5. Retro-reflective material
6. Boarding ramp
7. Sea anchor
8. Water stabilizing pocket
9. CO2 Cylinders
10. Viewing port

Figure 2
1. Canopy arches
2. Upper buoyancy chamber
3. Lower buoyancy chamber
4. Floor
5. Inside lifelines
6. Haul-in ladder
7. Boarding ladder
8. Outside lines
9. CO2 cylinders
10. Emergency pack
11. Boarding ramp

The lower buoyancy chamber and the boarding ramp form a separate air cell,
and the upper buoyancy chamber and the canopy arches are connected by one way
valves to form one air cell. These air cells are inflated into shape by the CO2 gas
stored in the bottles. The floor is also a separate air cell and this is inflated by hand
bellows after boarding. Several stabilizing pockets are attached to the underside of the
floor along the periphery of the lower champer, to increase the stability of raft at sea.
Two entrances fitted at both ends of the liferaft. At the front entrance a boarding lad-
der and a towing device are fitted, and at the back entrance a boarding ramp is fitted
to enable persons to board the liferaft from the sea (the boarding ramp is connected
to the lower chamber through an one-way valve; no boarding ramp is fitted to B-type
liferaft except for the boarding ladder). Both the boarding ramp and boarding ladder
are fitted for use by the persons in water. Lifelines are bucketed around both outside
and inside the liferaft as a hand hold for persons.

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 Open Reversible (OCEANO OR) inflatable liferaft:

This inflatable liferaft is composed of upper and lower buoyancy tubes, floor and
so on (Figure 3).
Figure 3
1. pper buoyancy chamber
U
2. Outer grab line
3. Lower buoyancy chamber
4. Inflation system
5. Boarding handle
6. Rescue quoit
7. Sea anchor
8. Reflective tape
9. Boarding ramp
10. Interior light
11. Indication light
12. Emergency bag
13. Inner grab line
14. Water pocket
15. Draining hole
16. Painter line
17. Safety Knife

The section of the upper and lower buoyancy tubes is round-shaped; the appear-
ance of the body is round or polygon when it is looked from above.
The upper and lower buoyancy tubes and its connected inflation tubes are two
separate gas chambers. These chambers have their own inflation system and can be
inflated automatically by steel cylinders with mixed gas of CO2 & N2 at the same time.
The floor is made of single-layer antiskid fabric, which is between the two buoy-
ancy tubes. Both the upper and lower sides have one or two discharge systems. The
buoyancy tubes are equipped with lighting or indication lights and reflective materials.
The upper and lower buoyancy tubes are each equipped with a safety valve and
an inflation/deflation valve. The upper and lower buoyancy tubes are each equipped
with 1-2 semi-rigid boarding ramps. The upper and lower buoyancy tubes are each
equipped with certain quantities of water-pockets on their tops.
2.1.3. Inflatable liferaft equipment

The inflatable liferaft equipment is provided in accordance with the provisions as

indicated in the LSA Code, as lastly amended. The equipment of every liferaft carried
by ships engaged on international voyages is as listed in the following table:

Amount
No. Name Unit Notes
A Pack B Pack HSC Pack
1 First-aid kit Pack 1 1 1
Rocket para-
2 Pc 4 2 /
chute signal

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 Amount
No. Name Unit Notes
A Pack B Pack HSC Pack
3 Hand red flares Pc 6 3 2
Orange Smoke
4 Pc 2 1 /
Signals
5 Food ration Pack 1 pack/p / /
6 Fresh water Bag 3 packs/p / /
Waterproof Transmit Morse Code, two spare
7 Pc 1 1 1
electric torch batteries and bulbs
If the rated occupants are less
than twelve, one buoyant bailer
8 Buoyant Bailer Pc 1~2 1~2 1
shall be equipped; otherwise, two
shall be equipped.
9 Paddle Pc 2 2 2 Buoyant
One sea anchor shall be fas-
10 Sea-anchor Pc 2 2 1
tened to the liferaft.
11 Sponge Block 2 2 2
12 Tin opener Pc 3 / /
13 Whistle Pc 1 1 1
14 Fishing tackle Set 1 1 /
15 Radar reflector Pc 1 1 /
Daylight signal-
16 Pc 1 1 /
ing mirror
Thermal protec-
17 Pc 2 / / Two or 10 % of rated occupants
tive aids
18 Drinking cup Pc 1 / /
Seasickness
19 Pc 1 pc/p 1 pc/p /
bag
Instructions
20 for life-saving Book 1 1 1 Including a guiding picture
signals
1 pump for liferaft less than
21 Pump Pc 1 1 1~2 50prs. Otherwise, it shall be
equipped with 2 pumps.
Buoyant rescue The floating rope diameter of ¢
22 Pc 1 1 2
quoit 4mm, length of 30m
23 Safety Knife Pc 1~2 1~2 2
24 Spare rope Pc 1 1 / 30m
25 Log Book Book 1 1 1
Instructions
26 for immediate Pc 1 1 1
action card
Anti-
27 seasickness Pc 1 pill/p 1 pill/p /
medicine
Operating
28 Book 1 1 1
manual
Inventory of
29 Pc 1 1 1
Repair

Note: The items and quantity of equipment will be different depending on the naviga-
7
 tion area in which the ship is engaged. The throw over board type (OCEANO) & davit
launched type (OCEANO DL) inflatable liferafts have 2 types of equipment packs:
Pack A and Pack B, according to the navigation area in which the ship is engaged.
The open reversible type (OCEANO OR) inflatable liferafts have standard emergency
equipment pack (HSC Pack) according to HSC Code regulations.

2.2. Immediate actions to be taken after boarding the liferaft

2.2.1. Righting a capsized liferaft

Should the liferaft be accidentally capsized, one person wearing a lifejacket should
jump into the water and climb up the bottom side of the liferaft, standing on the bottom
side of the chamber nearing the CO2 bottles, and then pull the righting strap steadily
while leaning as far backwards as possible. A steady pull is better than a jerk, and it is
easier to right the raft with the wind (see Figure 4).

Figure 4
WIND

2.2.2. Clearing the distress ship as quick as possible

When all the survivors are on board, cut the line connecting the liferaft to the dis-
tress ship with the knife stowed near one of the entrances, and paddle a safe distance
away from the sinking ship immediately to avoid being sucked in by the draught (see
Figure 5).

Figure 5
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 2.2.3. Rescue of survivors in water

Persons in the liferaft should search carefully for survivors in water. Blow a whis-
tle and use also the electric torch to attract attention during the night. If any survivor is
located, make every effort to approach him and throw him a rescue quoit, draw in the
line attached to the quoit and help him into the liferaft.

2.2.4. Examination of the liferaft body for leaks

After clearing the abandoned ship, examine the buoyancy chambers for any pos-
sible leakage. If small holes are found on the body of the liferaft, the leakage may be
stopped temporarily by plugs which are stowed in the equipment bag (see Figure 6).
When using a plug stopper, care is to be taken not to screw it in too hard, as this will
enlarge the hole and make the leak worse. A tear or a big hole can be temporarily
repaired by the repair clamp (see Figure 6). Permanent repairs for large holed areas
are described in Paragraph 2.3 (6). Remember that even when one of the buoyancy
chambers becomes damaged and deflated, the other one can still support the full
complement of persons, for which the liferaft has been certified. Ventilate if CO2 is
leaking into the liferaft.

Figure 6

2.2.5. Keep the liferaft in position and stream the sea anchor

In order to obtain quick rescue, the liferaft should be kept in the vicinity of the
abandoned ship so as to facilitate discovery by the rescue ships or aircrafts. When the
liferaft drifts fast with the wind, the sea anchor may be streamed to reduce the drifting
speed, keep the liferaft in position and increase its stability.
For the convenience of mutual support and assistance, and for facilitating discov-
ery, it is advisable to keep all the liferafts together by joining them with the lines and
distribute survivors and equipment between survival crafts. In case of rough sea, they
should be kept apart from each other at a distance not less than 20-30 meters.

2.2.6. Examination of the raft equipment

Liferaft equipment is very precious. After boarding the liferaft, inspect the equip-
ment in time to see whether it is properly stored and check the actual quantity of its
9
 parts. Read carefully the instructions for use, and be careful not to let them be carried
away by sea or moistened. What is more, you can gather up any useful floating ob-
jects.

2.3. Measures to be taken while awaiting Rescue at Sea

1) Protection of occupants

In order to avoid being affected by the weather after boarding, the weather aprons
over the front and back entrances are to be lowered and fastened; thence a lookout
should be maintained through the viewing port (or window). If there is water accumula-
tion on the floor, use the bailer or sponge to dry out.
In cold weather, take out the hand bellows from the equipment bag and connect it to
the floor inflation valve and work the handles as shown in Figure 7 to inflate the floor for
insulation against cold. In case of hot weather, open the deflation valve and deflate the
floor to provide a cooling effect.

2) Frequent inspection of the air pressure in the buoyancy chamber

The buoyancy chambers and the canopy support tubes are to be maintained with
sufficient air pressure. In case of any leakage, the cause is to be ascertained and the
leakage corrected. It is normal that the gas in the chambers expands due to heat from
sunshine and escapes through the safety topping-up valves with a hissing noise.

Figure 7
1. Canopy arches
2. Safety topping-up valve
3. Upper buoyancy chamber
4. Lower buoyancy chamber
5. Hand bellows
6. Bellows pipe connection
7. Floor inflation valve

Where the buoyancy chambers soften due to falling temperature, they can be topped-up
through the safety topping-up valves by means of hand bellows. If the canopy arches
become soft, they can be topped-up through the upper chamber. During topping-up,
remove the rubber plug first (if fitted), and replace the rubber plug after topping-up to
prevent possible leakage.

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3) Rational use of the power supply cells

Inflatable liferafts are provided with 2 canopy lights. One light is fitted inside the cano-
py for use of reading the survival manual and instructions on how to use the equipment;
the other light is fitted outside and on top of the canopy which is visible on a dark night
with a clean atmosphere at a distance of at least 2 miles, for use of the survivors in the
water and to assist other survivor crafts or rescue ships to search for the raft. These
two lights are powered by a sea activated cell or a dry chemical cell, and are to light
automatically when the liferaft inflates on the water surface. They can both operate for a
period of at least 12 hours.
In order to prolong the life of the cell, disconnect the lights from the socket and then re-
plug in the night time. Be careful not to break the connecting wire or cause short circuit.

4) Prevention against piercing the buoyancy chambers

Articles having sharp edges and corners are strictly forbidden to be taken into the
liferaft so as to prevent piercing the buoyancy chambers. Empty this with ragged lids and
fishing hooks to be well stowed.

5) Collecting rain water

Before the rain water collection, clean the salt from the part of the canopy above the
rain catchment, pour out firstly the water with salt, and then collect rain water with as
much containers as available.

6) Repairing of piercing of the buoyancy chambers

For repairing a large piercing, dry the damaged area first and then clean the area sur-
rounding the hole with a piece of emery paper from the repair kit. Cut a patch at least
25mm larger in circumference than the damaged area and also clean it with emery pa-
per. Apply a layer of the repair gum on the surfaces of the patch and the damaged area.
Wait a few minutes for the solution to dry and then place the patch on the damaged area
and press by means of a small roller to expel any air bubbles (see Figure 8). After the
repair, it is advisable to wait 5 minutes before re-inflation.

Figure 8

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3. HYPOTHERMIA PROTECTION, FIRST-AID AND TREATMENT OF
ORDINARY SICKNESS
3.1. Hypothermia Protection

A prolonged immersion in cold sea water will result in heat-loss and low body-core
temperature, and finally drop into drowsy, unconsciousness, vascular sclerosis, till
death. Therefore attention should be paid to hypothermic protection.
The victim of cold is to be warmed up by wrapping with the thermal protective aid in
the raft, or to wear an immersion suit, or covered with a blanket or other extra clothing or
coverings.

3.2. First-aid

3.2.1.The apparently drowned

The life of the apparently drowned can only be saved if immediate action is taken.
Firstly lay him face down with the belly on the upper buoyancy chamber of the liferaft
or the gunwale of the boat so that he may vomit out the water he swallowed. While
doing this, care is to be taken that he will not fall into the sea. Wipe his mouth and
nose clean, loosen his belt and buttons and apply artificial respiration. He must be
kept warm. After natural respiration is resumed, massage his limps to stimulate blood
circulation.

3.2.2. Artificial respiration

There are several methods of artificial respiration, namely: mouth to mouth or

mouth to nose breathing; laying the victim face down or laying the victim face up. At-
tention is to be paid to the following points during artificial respiration.

First of all, the victim’s belt and buttons are to be loosened and he is to be kept
warm. Inspect for and take out any artificial denture or any blood or other object of
his mouth which may hinder natural breathing. The action of the artificial respiration
should be gentle so as not to injure the victim’s ribs. It should be rhythmic and continu-
ous till the victim resumes natural respiration and becomes conscious, or till death is
established and further action is useless. After the victim resumes respiration, let him
rest quietly.

(1) Mouth to mouth or mouth to nose breathing.

Lay the victim face up with his hands at his sides. Open his mouth with a spoon
handle or by other means. A handkerchief or 2-3 layers of gauze are laid on his mouth.
Hold his nose with one hand and blow forcefully through his mouth to expand his
lungs. Then rest a while and the air will escape due to the elasticity of the lungs and
chest. Repeat this cycle about 12-16 times a minute. (See Figure 9 (a)).

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 Figure 9
(a) Mouth to mouth breathing (b) Mouth to nose breathing

Air can also be breathed into the victim’s lungs through his nose (See Figure 9 (b)).
This is a method of choice for children and victims with broken ribs.

(2) Laying the victim face down.

Lay the victim face down with one arm bent under his head and keep his face
to one side so that his mouth and nose are free. Put a pillow or a small roll of clothes
under his belly (See Figure 10).

Figure 10

13
 Kneel down straddling the victim’s thighs and facing his head. Place your hands
on his back over his lungs with the thumbs close to his spine and fingers spread over
his ribs. Press down, then forward gradually to expel the air from his lungs. Next, relax
both hands to let the lungs expand and take in air. Repeat this cycle about 12-16 times
a minute. This is a better method for victims with no back or rib injury.
Another way of performing this kind of artificial respiration is to lay the victim face
down with both arms bent. Rest his head on his arm and preferably turn his to left
and let one cheek rest on one hand to allow free passage of air through his nose and
mouth. Get down on one knee at victim’s head and put the other foot near his elbow.
Put your thumbs over the points of the victim’s shoulder blades and spread the fingers
of both hands. Rock slowly forward with stiff elbows until your arms are vertical, then
apply steady pressure to his chest. Now rock slowly backwards and slide your hands
to his arms above the elbows. Grasp the victim’s arms, raise and pull them towards
you. When resistance is felt, drop his arms (See Figure 11). Repeat this cycle at a rate
of about 12 times a minute.

(3) Laying the victim’s face up.

Lay the victim’s face up and put a roll of clothes under his waist. Kneel down
straddling the victim’s thighs and facing his head.

Figure 11
14
 Put both hands on the lower part of his chest and press downward steadily to
expel the air from his lungs, and then release both hands to let air into his lungs due
to the elasticity of his chest (See Figure 12). Repeat this cycle about 12-16 times a
minute. This method is not suitable for victims with rib injury or apparently drowned.

Figure 12

3.2.3 Treatment of shock

Shock is caused by severe injury, excessive loss of blood, over-fatigue, starva-

tion, heat or cold. If proper measures are not taken in time, death will result. If bleed-
ing, stop it at once. See also paragraph 3.2.4. If severe pain is the cause, sedative
may give relief. In case of fractured limbs, the fractures should be secured before
moving the patient. Movement should be very smooth and keep the victim warm.
The causes of shock are numerous and different cases of shock require different
treatments. Ammonia inhalation may help the patient regain consciousness. Water
may be given, but alcoholic drinks should be avoided.
3.2.4.To stop bleeding

Apply direct pressure for a small wound; apply mercurochrome with several lay-
ers of gauze securely bandaged.
Press the hemostat points to stop bleeding. Where bleeding is considerable, ap-
ply the mercurochrome and haemostatic powder, and press the haemostatic points
with fingers or roll of bandage to stop the bleeding. For haemostat points see Figure
13.
Use of the tourniquet: the tourniquet is applied at the artery above the wound to
stop the bleeding on limbs. Where no tourniquet is available, a triangular bandage or
strips of cloth may be used instead. A towel or gauze should be placed under the tour-
niquet to protect the skin from chafing. The tourniquet must be loosened every 15-30
15
minutes to prevent necrosis of the limbs due to the interruption of blood circulation for
too long time.

1. Neck artery 2. Artery below clavicle 3. Arm artery 4.Thigh artery

Figure 13
3.2.5. Treatment of bone fractures

Limbs with broken bones should be put in correct position to ease the pain, and
then fixed to prevent aggravating the break, or bone splinters from piercing the flesh. If
an upper limp is broken, use a triangular bandage to sling the arm in front of the chest.
If it is a leg, fix it with a splint, or secure the broken leg to the sound on (See Figure
14). During stormy weather, wedge the victim between two healthy persons.

Figure 14

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 3.2.6. Treatment of burns and scalds

Ointment for burns and scalds should be applied liberally and the area should be
covered with 2-3 layers of gauze to absorb the fluid seepage. Care should be taken
not to burst the blisters, but let the fluid absorb by itself. Sedative and antibiotics may
be given.

3.3 Treatment and Prevention of Common Illnesses in Liferaft

3.3.1. Controlling sea-sickness

Seasick persons loose large quantity of fluid through vomiting, and survivors should
immediately protect themselves against seasickness once they have boarded a liferaft
by taking anti-seasick tablets, except when the sea is calm. The tablets should be
taken according to the instructions on the bottle. Drowsiness is normal after taking
the tablets. Sufferers from seasickness should breathe fresh air and have their faces
wiped with a moisture towel. The liferaft should be cleared of vomit.

3.3.2. Prevention of frostbite

Hands, feet, face and ears in particular are prone to frostbite in cold weather, ulcer-
ation may occur if neglected. The affected area should be kept warm and lightly mas-
saged to stimulate circulation. Prevention is important. All normally exposed portions
of the body should be protected from the cold or to be kept warm by frequent rubbing
with hands. Shoes, socks and clothing should be kept dry. The limbs should be moved
slightly after long sitting.

3.3.3. Prevention of sunburn

When exposed to strong sunshine, large areas of skin can soon blister and may be-
come septic. Ointment for burns and scalds may be applied. Long exposure to strong
sunshine should be avoided.

3.3.4. Prevention of bedsore

Bedsore may form on the buttocks after a long time in the liferaft. It may be pre-
vented by keeping clothing dry and changing the sitting position frequently. If bedsore
occurs, apply tertacycling ointment.

4. WATER AND FOOD

4.1. Fresh Water

Water is far more important for survival than food. In tropics, lack of fresh water is
the main cause of death. Healthy persons may not drink any water for the first 24 hours
17
 after boarding the raft as the body has sufficient water content, and drinking before that
time will only cause the excess fluid to be passed quickly as urine. The injured or sick,
depending on circumstances, may drink some water if thirsty.
In no case should anyone drink any sea water or sea water mixed with fresh water.
Drinking sea water even over o short period of time is fatal. Passing stool or urine,
breathing, vomiting and sweating all lose considerable amounts of water. For this rea-
son, sweating is to be reduced as much as possible. There are several ways of doing
this. When atmospheric temperature is high, wetting the canopy with sea water, opening
both entrances for ventilation will help to reduce the temperature in the liferaft. Soaking
the clothes with water will keep your body cool, but the clothes must be dried before sun-
set, as nights in the tropics are usually cool. Reduce your physical activity to a minimum.
Do not bathe in the tropic seas, as apart from being attacked by sharks, you may swallow
sea water.

Issue of the water ration is at the discretion of the leader, considering the amount of
water in store, the expected time before rescue, and the possibility of rain, as well as the
condition of the survivors. The liferaft is supplied with 1.5 liters of water for each person
of the rated complement. It is advisable that after 24 hours 500ml per person per day can
be issued. If the water in possession is less, the ration may be reduced.
Each person’s daily water ration should be divided into many small portions, one por-
tion being drunk each time. When drinking, the lips are to be wetted and the inside of the
mouth and the throat moistened by gargling before the water is swallowed.
Do not throw the empty tins away. Hang them in the raft to increase the chances of
detection be radar. They can also be used to stow rain water for drinking.

4.2. Food

Human beings can survive for a relatively long time without food as long as there is
fresh water to drink and no food is to be issued for the first 24 hours after boarding the
survival craft. Thereafter, a daily ration of food is to be issued to each person every day.
The daily ration of food is also to be divided into small portions and chewing it thoroughly
before swallowing.
Most seaweeds are edible, but they must be firm and smooth to the touch, fresh with
no marked odor. Before eating seaweed, inspect for small organisms, which should be
removed.
Fishes are edible except some tropic shallow-water fish and those with bristles or
spines instead of normal acales, which may be poisonous. Poisonous fishes are shown
in Figure 15. Remember however, that seaweed, fish and sea birds may be eaten to sup-
plement the food ration on condition that double quantity of the water ration is needed.
The residue of the fish of birds should be thrown overboard at night in areas where
sharks appear. Sharks, whales or dolphins will not attack the liferaft deliberately but
sometimes they may swim close to. The occupants must take care not to stretch their
limbs into the water.

18
 1. Striped puffer, 2. Puffer, 3. Pocupine fish, 4. Stone fish,
5. Turkey fish, 6. Devil stinger, 7. Ringtailed ray
Figure 15 Poisonous Fish

4.3. Fishing and Bird Catching

There are fish hooks and lines available in the survival craft carried by ships engaged
on international voyages for fishing and bird catching.
In survival craft carried by ships engaged in hometrade, there are no fishing hooks
and lines available, however, safety pins or hair pins may be used as the buoyant lines
of rescue quoit may be used as the angling lines.

4.3.1 Fishing

In using the dummy fish as bait, jerk the line frequently to make the dummy look
like real. Fish skin and intestines may be used as bait. If no other bait is available, hair
or strips of cloth may be used.
Gloves must be worn for grasping the fish, as injuries from fish fins may become
infected.
Edible fish can be dried for future use.

4.3.2. Bird catching

Sea birds are edible, and may be caught by a piece of triangular wood about 5cm
in length on each side with sharp corners and covered the whole with fish skin, or may
be caught by a fish hook embedded in a small fish or fish intestine as bait and floating
on the water with the aid of a piece of wood. Sea birds are difficult to catch but an at-
tempt is worthwhile.
Care must be taken not to pierce the buoyancy chambers with fish hooks.
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5. SOME NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
5.1. Remain in the Vicinity of the Distress Ship

After boarding the survival craft, it is of vital importance to remain in the vicinity of the
area where the accident has taken place. This will facilitate search and rescue by other
ships or the aircrafts.
Erect the radar reflector and use the pyrotechnic signals or heliograph to increase the
possibility of being detected. Use pyrotechnic signals only when you are sure a ship is
within the range of visibility or when aircraft flies over your vicinity. The range of visibility
of heliograph varies with the brightness of the sunshine and particularly with the condi-
tion of the atmosphere.

5.2. Ascertaining Direction

In ascertaining the approximate position of the survival craft, it is necessary to know

the direction of drift. The methods for ascertaining the direction of drift are as follows.

5.2.1. Ascertaining direction by the sun

The approximate direction may be ascertained by the sun. If the survival craft is
in a position north of latitude 23.5° N, the sun passes to the south of you at noon. If
the survival craft is in a position south of latitude 23.5° S, the sun passes to the north
of you at noon. Between these latitudes, the passing of the sun to the north or south
of you at noon depends on the time of year.
Sunrise and sunset are useful in ascertaining direction. The approximate direction of
sunrise and sunset is given it the Table 1 below:

Table 1

Latitude 60° N 30° N 0° 30° S

Feb.5 122°/238° 108°/ 252° 106°/234° 109°/251°
Mar. 21 89°/271° 90°/270° 90°/270° 90°/270°
May 5 55°/305° 71°/289° 74°/286° 72°/288°
June 22 37°/323° 63°/297° 67°/293° 64°/296°
Aug.6 55°/305° 71°/289° 74°/286° 72°/288°
Sept. 23 89°/271° 90°/270° 90°/270° 90°/270°
Nov. 7 122°/238° 108°/252° 106°/254° 104°/256°
Dec. 22 140°/220° 116°/244 143°/247° 117°/245°

Sunrise means that the upper rim of the sun just shows above the horizon, and
sunset means that its upper rim just sinks below the horizon. The figures to the left of
the slanted line indicate the direction of sunrise; while those to the right of the slanted
line indicate the direction of sunset.
The directions of sunrise or sunset at latitudes and dates other than those listed
in the table can be worked out by interpolation. For example, at latitude 40N the direc-
tion of sunrise on June 22 is about 54.
20
 5.2.2. Ascertaining direction by a wrist watch

When the survival craft is situated is a position north latitude 23.5°N, point the
hour hand of the watch exactly towards the sun, and the line by setting the angle
subtended between the hour hand and 12 O’clock will point South. (See Figure 16).
When the craft is situated in a position south of latitude 23.5° S, point the 12
O’clock towards the sun, and the line by setting the angle subtended between 12 O’
clock and the hour hand will point North.
The directions thus obtained are approximate.

Figure 16

5.2.3. Ascertaining directions by stars

At night, stars can be utilized for ascertaining direction. In northern hemisphere,

the Pole Star indicates true north. This star can easily be identified through the Great
Bear constellation. The 7 bright stars of this constellation is in a form of a long handle
of a scoop. The Pole Star is situated on the line extending from the 2 stars at the
mouth of the bowl, at a distance about 5 times the distance between them (See Figure
17).

Figure 17
The Pole Star &
the Great Bear
constellation

21
 In the southern hemisphere, the Southern Cross constellation may be used to deter-
mine true south. The four bright stars of the constellation form a cross, the vertical line
of which points to the South Pole (See Figure 18).

Figure 18
The Southern
Cross
constellation

5.3. Direction of Wind and Ocean Currents

The survival craft drifts as the direction of wind or ocean current varies.

5.3.1. The direction of wind

There is a calm belt known as doldrums in the vicinity of the equator with light and
variable winds. In a belt between 30°N and doldrums a NE trade wind prevails, while
in a belt between 30°S and doldrums a SE trade wind prevails. From 40° N and 40°
S towards the Poles the prevailing wind is westerly (see Figure 19).

Figure 19
1. Doldrums
2. NE trade wind
3. SE trade wind
4. Westerly wind
5. Westerly wind

22
 Figure 20 Pacific Ocean Currents

Figure 21 Atlantic and Indian Ocean Currents

23
 5.3.2 The direction of ocean currents

In the oceans, currents flow along a certain direction. The major current systems on
earth are the Pacific Ocean currents, and the Atlantic and Indian Ocean currents (see
Figure 20 and Figure 21).

5.4. Signs of Land

In a clear sky if large, white and fleecy cumulus clouds occur (that are usually ob-
served over land), indicate that the land is near.
Sea birds are grouped into two kinds-coastal and oceanic. Coastal sea birds do not fly
more than 100 miles from land. Birds shown in Figure 22 live on the ocean. Sight of birds
other than those shown in Figure 22 indicates that land is near.
In tropical waters, greenish tint in the sky or on the underside of a cloud may indicate
water such as coral reef.

5.5. Means for Attracting Attention

There are several signaling devices in the survival craft for the purpose of attracting
the attention of a ship or aircraft passing by as well as communicating with them. Accord-
ing to the signaling method, the signals may be grouped into: light and sound signals and
pyrotechnic distress signals.

Figure 22
Birds that live on the ocean
1. Tropic bird
2. Albatross
3. Shearwater
4. Frigate bird

Light and sound signals are made by means of whistle, the heliograph or the electric
torch. Morse code is used for communication. Messages in Morse code should be sent
24
at moderate speed, with the dots and dashes clearly separated so as to be easily dis-
tinguished. Suitable spacing should be given to each letter of the alphabet, and also
between each word.

The Morse code symbols are listed in the table below:

The Morse code Sumbols

Alphabet Morse code Alphabet Morse code

A • — N — •
B — • • • O — — —
C —•—• P •——•
D —• • Q ——•—
E • R •—•
F • •—• S • • •
G ——• T —
H • • • • U • •—
I • • V • • •—
J • ——— W •——
K — •— X —• •—
L •—• • Y —•——
M —— Z ——• •

Numeral Morse code Numeral Morse code

1 • — — — — 6 — • • • •
2 • • — — — 7 — — • • •
3 • • • — — 8 — — — • •
4 • • • • — 9 — — — — •
5 • • • • • 0 — — — — —

The distress signal in Morse code is represented by SOS “• • • — — — • • •”

Signaling devices available in the survival craft are as follows:
25
 5.5.1. Light and sound signals

a) HELIOGRAPH.

Heliograph is a highly polished metal mirror which reflects the sunlight so as to

attract the attention of a passing ship or aircraft. The heliograph has an observation
hole in one corner around which concentric circles and cross lines are cut, and is used
in conjunction with the bearing finder (see Figure 23).
When using the heliograph, hold it in one hand with the polished surface facing
the passing ship or aircraft. Hold the bearing finder in the other hand and look for the
passing ship or aircraft through the holes of both the mirror and the bearing finder.

Figure 23 Heliograph

Meanwhile, adjust the mirror so that the images of the cross lines and the inner
circle appear on the back of the bearing finder and lie equidistant to the bearing finder
hole (see Figure 24).

Figure 24 How to use the heliograph

26
 b) Signaling by whistle
Signals in Morse code may be sent by means of long and short blasts of the
whistle. Irregular sounding of the whistle is an effective method for attracting attention.
Sound carries a greater distance to the leeward side.
c) Signaling by electric torch
At night, the electric torch can be used to make signals in Morse code by giving
long and short flashes. Irregular flashes of the torch are also an effective method for
attracting attention.

5.5.2. Pyrotechnic Distress signals

There are 3 kinds of pyrotechnic distress signals provided in a survival craft: rock-
et parachute distress signals, hand flares and smoke signals. The rocket parachute
signal may be used both at day and night, sending a red flare of not less than 30.000
cd to a height of about 300 meters. It lasts about 40 seconds. The hand flare gives at
night a red flare of not less than 15.000 cd lasting for about one minute. The smoke
signal is used only in daytime; it emits smoke in orange color for a period 3 minutes.
When using these signals, the instructions on the container are to be followed strictly.
To ensure safety, they are to be fired on the leeside of the survival craft to prevent
sparks from dropping onto the liferaft and injuring to persons.

5.5.3. Radio signals

Some survival craft is equipped with radar reflector; this should be erected on the
socket of the craft to facilitate searching by the rescue ship or aircraft. When portable
radiotelegraph installation i.e. two-way radiotelephone apparatus, EPIRB or Satellite
EPIRB, or radio transponder has been brought into the survival craft, they may be
used according to the instructions.

5.5.4. Life-saving Signals

The illustration of life-saving signals is provided in a survival craft in accordance

with the provision of SOLAS, which is used by the survivors in the craft to communi-
cate with the rescue ship or aircraft.

6. ADVICE ON FINAL RESCUE

Final rescue is almost certain once your survival craft has been discovered. Attention
must be paid to the following points in the process of rescue.

6.1. Rescue by a Surface Craft

When surface craft comes to the rescue, it should approach and leave the survival
craft on the leeward side. While the rescue ship comes near, the drogue is to be drawn in
to prevent fouling the ship’s propellers. The line thrown down from the rescue ship must
be securely tied to the tow line of the survival craft.
27
 6.2. Rescue by an Aircraft

Although an aircraft may not be able to render direct assistance when it sees a sur-
vival craft, it can lead a rescue ship to the spot.
Some search planes may carry with them emergency supply equipment stowed in
buoyant containers, which may be dropped across the path of the drift of the survival
craft.
The survivors may approach the containers by paddling or by hauling in or throwing
out the drogue alternately and take the emergency supply to wait for final rescue.
When a seaplane comes to your rescue, it is very difficult for it to maneuver alongside
the survival craft while keeping the engines running and you must, therefore, make ef-
forts to get to the seaplane by yourselves. Care is to be taken that your survival craft is
not damaged by the revolving propellers.

6.3. Rescue by a Helicopter

Rescue is more easily accomplished by the helicopter, which may be effected in two
ways:

6.3.1. From the water

This method applies to survivors in the water, who may be rescued by means of
a rescue net. The net is lowered and towed and the survivor is scooped up in the net
(see Figure 25).

6.3.2. From a survival craft

Rescue from a survival craft is carried out by means of a rescue sling lowered
from the helicopter. Survivors pull the sling over their back until it rests securely under
the armpits, then each is lifted into the helicopter one by one (see Figure 25 and
Figure 26).

Figure 25
Rescue by Helicopter

28
 Figure 26 Using a rescue sling

The use of a rescue sling is shown in Figure 26.

a) The rescue sling
b) Put head and arms through sling, raise arms and stretch through the loop.
c) Pull rescue sling down over the back until it rests under the armpits, then pull the
safety runner down to the body.
d) Adjust the position of the rescue sling before lifting, and keep the arms down during
lifting to prevent slipping.

In case the survivors are not able to help themselves, one of the helicopter crew
is lowered by means of a special harness and the survivors are placed in the rescue
sling with the help of the helicopter crew (see Figure 26 and Figure 27)

Figure 27

7. SURVIVAL ON A BARREN ISLAND

It is always possible that survivors may drift to a barren coast or island before being de-
tected, particularly if abandonment takes place in coastal waters or near the islands. During
this time, the survivors should make use of all the available facilities, tools and equipment
to live temporarily on the barred island till the chance of eventual rescue.

29
7.1. Making a Safe Landing

There might be reefs or rocks around the island; it is essential for survivors not to land
close to the reefs in order to save the life of persons and to avoid damage to the survival
craft. It is advisable to select a soft bottom beach and land at high water so that the craft
may be hauled ashore.
The liferaft with canopy may be used as a warm and cozy shelter, see Figure 28.

Figure 28

In case that the liferaft is lost or entirely damaged during landing, try to find a cave
facing the sunshine or other sheltered place for dwelling.

7.2. To Find Drinking Water

Water is more important than the food to preserve life, so that if the island is uninhab-
ited, the first thing to do is to find the drinkable water. Water discovered on the island
should be carefully tested before drinking. It may be tasted with the tongue, and should
be discarded if found brackish and bitter. Care should also be taken in using it even if the
water is drinkable; firstly, drink a small amount, and after 7 to 8 hours if nothing abnormal
happens then drink it regularly.
If rivers, streams or springs cannot be found it may be necessary to dig for water.
Water fit to drink can often be obtained by digging a hole at least 50-100 maters inshore.
It will be sufficient to go 30m deeper after water is first sighted, and then test the water
as mentioned before. If possible, hold the line with stones to prevent falling.
Besides, drinking water may be collected from the natural water, such as rainwater,
snow or dew. It may also be possible to gather water by squeezing the flesh of animals,
such as birds or fishes, and further more from the short sections of roots, stems and
leaves of plants s well as from the fruits or seeds.
Another possibility is the use of an improvised solar still as shown in Figure 29.

30
 ABSORBENT MATERIAL AND SEA WATER
Figure 29

7.3. To Find Food

All the living things in the nature should be utilized as your food. The living resources
of the sea such as seaweeds, fishes, shrimps and shellfishes, and the animals such as
birds, four-footed animals and their eggs, and the fruits, roots and leaves of the plant are
all edible. However, foods which are not certain to be non-poisonous are to be tested first
by taking a small quantity, and then eat regularly if nothing abnormal happens after 7 to
8 hours.
The contents of Chapter 4 “Water and Food” of this Manual may be used as reference.

7.4. Life and Actions

The barren islands are isolated without any habitants, except some birds or animals.
It is important that collective movements should be taken. Do not walk out alone, if it is
necessary to do so, the leader is to be informed and the routes well marked to prevent
go astray. When taking a walk in the forest, self defense appliances such as knife or club
should be available. In the night time, bring a torch light with you. In winter season, care
should be taken not to drop into the ice crevices, when walking on the snow ground;
put on sun glasses to protect your eyes. In tropics, protect against exposure to strong
sunshine and high temperature; hats and thick sole shoes are necessary.
In order to meet the need for living on a barren island, the equipment of the survival
craft is very precious. The Jack knife may be used for cutting and peeling, or even as a
hook; far-sighted lens or camera lens may be used to kindle a light; the motor fuel can be
used to burn or boil food; hooks or safety pins may be used to angle; rope nets may be
used to catch birds, etc. It all depends on how to give full play to your wits.

31
7.5. Signals for Communication

Living on a barren island is only a temporary measure; the final rescue relies on
the early discovery by the rescue ship or aircraft. Therefore, it is very important to send
out signals in time.

1. Give best use of the survival craft’s visual signals such as rocket parachute lights,
hand flares and buoyant smoke signals by strictly following the instructions. How-
ever, these signals are only to be used when the rescue crew is in sight; don’t waste
any signal lights and don’t loose your chance of being discovered.
2. In the daytime, thick smoke by burning damp leaves or stems of plants may be
seen from a distance away, and in the night time, flames by burning dry substances
may also be detected. In the bright day time, waving colored cloth strips may attract
attention.
3. Making sound with a gong or drum may draw the attention of rescuer at a certain
distance away.
4. In the daytime, make a signal SOS on the beach or ground using stones, shells or
plants, or even human bodies.

When the aircraft flies overhead, the following body signals (Figure 30) may denote
meaning:

Figure 30
A. Pick us up.
B. All OK, Don’t wait.
C. Need medical assistance.
D. Affirmative (Yes).
E. Negative (No).

32
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