Lifeboat drills are essential to prepare both crew and passengers for emergencies. Everyone on board should clearly understand the procedures to follow, and the reasons behind them should also be explained so that they are remembered effectively during an actual crisis.

One of the greatest dangers after abandoning a vessel is forced immersion in water. Since water temperature is always lower than body temperature, the body begins to lose heat immediately. This leads to a dangerous condition called hypothermia, where the internal body temperature drops below normal. As hypothermia worsens, it can cause serious complications such as heart rhythm disturbances and even cardiac arrest. The severity of heat loss depends on factors like water temperature, duration of exposure, clothing, body fat, and physical activity.

Practical hints for survival after abandoning ship

1. Before entering the water, a person should wear as many warm clothes as possible, ensuring that all important parts of the body such as the head, neck, hands, and feet are properly covered, since these areas lose heat very quickly.
2. If an immersion suit is available, it should be worn over the warm clothing, as it provides better insulation and protection against cold water.
3. If the immersion suit does not provide enough buoyancy, a life-jacket must be worn and secured properly to ensure that the person stays afloat safely.
4. Anyone who is prone to seasickness should take preventive tablets either before boarding or immediately after entering the survival craft, because seasickness can weaken the body, cause fluid loss through vomiting, and increase the risk of hypothermia, thereby reducing survival chances.
5. Entering the water should be avoided whenever possible; instead, people should board lifeboats directly from the ship using embarkation decks, ladders, ropes, or fire hoses, as this reduces exposure to cold water.
6. Jumping into the water should only be done if absolutely necessary, and never from a height greater than 5 metres. If a jump cannot be avoided, the person should keep their elbows close to the body, cover the nose and mouth with one hand, and hold that arm firmly with the other to reduce the impact and prevent water from entering the lungs. Jumping behind a moving life-raft should also be avoided.
7. Once in the water, the person should quickly get their bearings and try to locate the ship, lifeboats, other survivors, or any floating objects. Clothing should be secured immediately to reduce heat loss. Although shivering and pain may occur due to cold, these are normal reactions and not dangerous, but quick action is important before losing hand function.
8. While in the water, unnecessary swimming should be avoided because it increases heat loss by disturbing the insulating layer of warm water around the body and by circulating warm blood away from the core. Movement should be kept to a minimum, even if it feels uncomfortable.
9. The position of the body in the water plays a key role in conserving heat. The person should float as still as possible with legs together, arms close to the body, and folded across the chest, keeping the head and neck above water to reduce exposure to cold.
10. The person should try to get out of the water and onto a lifeboat, raft, or any floating object as quickly as possible, since heat is lost much faster in water than in air. Once aboard, protection from wind should be ensured using covers or clothing, and staying close to others helps conserve body heat.
11. Maintaining a positive and determined attitude towards survival and rescue is very important, as a strong will to live can significantly improve the chances of survival until help arrives.
12. Alcohol must not be consumed before abandoning ship, as it increases heat loss from the body and impairs judgement, making the situation more dangerous.