The chances of getting trapped on a sinking ship are extremely low, thanks to modern technologies and sophisticated safety systems. However, disasters occasionally occur, such as in road and rail accidents. Some accidents can occur when you are traveling to a country whose safety standards are not applied correctly. In this article you will find tips to increase your chances of surviving in such a situation.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Fundamentals - Before you set sail
Step 1. Understand the mechanisms behind the disaster
Understanding how a ship sinks, even if only out of personal curiosity, allows you to better understand what to do if you find yourself in such a situation. Each ship reacts to water impact in different ways, depending on the shape of the hull, the center of gravity and the case. There is no set of fixed rules for all ships.
- In the initial phase the water infiltrates inside through the lowest point of the ship, the bilge area. Bilges are openings located in the lower part of the engine area. Bilge water infiltration is very common on normal vessels, and occurs through the water intake case, main bearings or valve seals. The bilges are equipped with pumps that expel the water when it reaches a certain level. However, they are often not enough. Ships can sink when they hit other boats or other objects, such as icebergs, when the water catcher breaks, or when it is under attack. In the case of the Greek cruise ship MTS Oceanos, water seeped through a crack in the outboard drain valve that was away from the bilges and flowed into the ship through toilets, sinks and showers. The pumps wouldn't help in any way. In the Titanic, the steel seams gave way more than 15 meters from the front to starboard and the water flooded six compartments. The rest is history. There was too much water for the pumps to expel it. The Lusitania was torpedoed and exploded twice. The MS Sea Diamond and the MS Costa Concordia ran aground after hitting the seabed in perfect atmospheric conditions. There are many other famous examples.
- Small boats behave differently than large ones. As far as possible, they are built with floating materials. The reasons why a small boat sinks are found in a low stern panel, in the lack of drain plugs, and in the opening of closed or broken hatches (in the case of ferries). The latter is the cause that sank the Estonia ferry.
Step 2. A ship's stability depends in part on its center of gravity
In the case of the Estonia ferry, water infiltrated through a broken door. In that event the oscillation slowed down. A very indicative signal, since the oscillation is necessary to allow the ferry to remain stable. In transoceanic ships the configuration is different. Studies show that if the center of gravity is low, the boat sways faster, passengers feel seasick, cargo frees, and containers can run out, according to researcher from the Department of Naval Engineering and Architecture at the University of Michigan. at sea. If the center of gravity is higher, however, the ship oscillates more slowly and, consequently, all these phenomena do not occur. Too large an oscillation can overturn the ship in the open sea, the ideal one does not exceed 10 ° at free rudder.
Step 3. When you board a boat, immediately locate the position of the life jackets
It doesn't matter if you take a tour of the harbor or a cruise, knowing where they are can save your life.
- When you go on a cruise, the first phase of the emergency drill involves checking that passengers have their life jackets in the cabin. If you are traveling with children, make sure there is a jacket for them too, otherwise notify the crew immediately. Also check where the lifeboat closest to your cabin is, and if there are any signs that can guide you there in case of poor visibility. Emergency exits are usually marked with luminous labels, like on airplanes.
- Read the instructions for putting on and using the life jacket. If you have any questions, ask the crew.
- If the ship's crew speaks a language other than yours, look for someone who can tell you what to do in an emergency. It is best to know this information even before getting on board.
Step 4. Think about priorities
Even if only from a theoretical and philosophical point of view, think about the following questions: What would happen if people started pushing? Should women and children be safe first? Or should everyone think for themselves? This obviously depends on the laws in force on the stretch of sea you are crossing and the nationality of the boat you are traveling on. When women and girls were rescued on the Titanic, the ocean liner was in international waters and its home country was England, whose laws at the time required this type of behavior. It must also be considered that they had a long time to reach the lifeboats. The Lusitania, on the other hand, sank in 18 minutes, no one had time to reach the lifeboats.
Method 2 of 2: If the Ship is About to Sink
Step 1. Send a Mayday signal if you are the captain of the boat
Read a guide to know how.
Step 2. Listen for the evacuation signal
They are usually seven short siren beats followed by a longer one. The captain and other crew members can also use the internal intercom system to alert all passengers.
Step 3. Put on your life jacket
Get ready to get out of the ship as quickly as possible. If you have the opportunity, also take some essential items for survival, but only if this does not endanger your life or that of others.
- If you have enough time, wear all waterproof accessories, such as head protection, torso protection, and gloves. If a survival suit is present, and you have time, put it on, it could increase the chances of survival in freezing water, although it may be difficult to have one supplied. It is usually the crew who have this type of suit available, and are trained to put them on in less than two minutes.
- Take care of the children and pets as soon as you are done getting ready.
Step 4. Follow the instructions
This is the most important step of all. If you don't know how to get to safety, the captain and crew will tell you how. They are well trained to deal with rescue operations on ships and certainly know the safety procedures better than you. You should only attempt to escape on your own if there is no authority present to give you the correct instructions. A well-equipped boat has a collection point where all passengers gather to prepare for evacuation. If you are asked to go to any of these points, do so immediately.
- If you can't hear the instructions, or don't understand them (if they're in another language, for example), keep a rule in mind. Head up for an escape route. Going to the central area or into the ship is not a wise move, but don't be surprised if many will, in a panic.
- If the captain gives you an order but you don't feel like doing it, say it right away, otherwise do your best to help out.
Step 5. Stay calm and don't panic
It may seem terribly mundane, but the more scared you are, the more time you will waste getting to the lifeboat. Studies show that only 15% of people know how to manage panic, while 70% show difficulty in reasoning and 15% become irrational. For this reason it is important to remain calm, so that you can help other passengers stay focused on the goal: to survive. If people around you panic, try to do whatever you can to calm them down, that kind of reaction slows down and puts evacuation at risk. Unfortunately on cruises panic can be very dangerous, given the number of people involved; this can lead to them pushing and shoving, hurting themselves before they can even escape the ship.
- Look out for another type of panic, fear paralysis.
- If you see someone paralyzed with terror, yell at him something. This technique is used by flight attendants to make passengers escape from the burning plane, and can be adapted to this situation.
- Try to keep your breathing under control. If you are familiar with breathing techniques such as yoga, pilates and the like, use them to calm yourself down. They can be useful, especially if you end up in the water.
Step 6. Use the quickest way, not the shortest way, to escape
This way you avoid fewer dangers. When the ship begins to tilt, grab whatever allows you to stand and reach your destination, such as handrails, pipes, hooks, spotlights, etc.
- Don't take the elevator. As is also the norm for fires, you absolutely must avoid taking the elevator, the current could go out and consequently you would get stuck, the last thing you would want if you were on a sinking ship. Only use it as a last resort if the stairs are flooded.
- If you are inside the ship, beware of objects that are not fixed to the ground, they could fall on you and make you pass out or, worse, kill you.
Step 7. When you have made it to the bridge, head to the collection point or the nearest lifeboat
Most cruise ships provide safety instructions before departure so that all passengers know what to do in an emergency. If this doesn't happen, head to the passenger assistance center. Crew members are usually the last to abandon ship, as their job is to make sure all passengers are secured.
Don't try to be a hero by staying aboard with the crew. Do what you have to do to make sure that neither your safety nor that of your loved ones is compromised. Remember that you are not in a movie
Step 8. Look for a lifeboat
It is always best to avoid getting wet before entering a lifeboat. If you are wet you run the risk of hypothermia or cold shock. If the lifeboats have already been released, head for a suitable spot and jump in, following the crew's instructions if necessary.
- If there are no more lifeboats available, get a life buoy or something like that. Any device that allows you to float is always better than nothing, even if the chances of survival are reduced if you are forced to remain in the water.
- It may be necessary to jump off the boat or more simply on an inclined side. If you dive near a lifeboat, swim to reach it, wave your arms and scream for attention.
- Always check the water before diving, there may be boats, people, fires, propellers, etc. It is always better to jump into a lifeboat, but if not possible try at least to dive nearby, in order to be recovered immediately.
Step 9. Keep calm and follow the instructions when you are in the raft
At this point all that remains is to wait for help. It can be scary to have to wait in the open sea, but be patient. Help is on the way.
- If you are in the raft, use rations in moderation. Only use flares when you are sure someone can see you and help you. Come closer to keep warm. Set up lookout shifts. Collect rainwater, and do not drink salt water or urine. Try to dress the wounds in the best possible way.
- Be determined. The stories of the survivors teach that only those who are determined can survive the difficult conditions of waiting for help.
- If you haven't been able to get into a lifeboat, look for something equally useful in the ship's debris, such as a dinghy or a barrel-like object that floats.
Step 10. You will have very difficult times
If you can't get into a lifeboat or spend too much time in the water, your chances of survival drop dramatically. The sea is cold and turbulent, even the best swimmers are in trouble when dealing with low temperatures and waves. If there are few lifeboats it means that there is no room for everyone, this could cause further panic and endanger the full lifeboats, as people may desperately try to get on board and risk capsizing them.
- If you stay in the water for a long time, you risk hypothermia, which will make you sleepy. If you lose consciousness or fall asleep, you risk drowning.
- If you come into contact with frozen water, you risk a cold shock, manifested by the inability to control your breathing, followed by an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This shock may make you unable to react, and you may inadvertently get water into your lungs. Those accustomed to the impact with cold water can resist for a few minutes, the time it takes to regain control, but those who do not succeed risk drowning. This phenomenon occurs before hypothermia occurs.
- The shock can lead you to believe that you are experiencing a surreal situation and will prevent you from doing your best to survive. If you don't get shocked, you may still suffer from mental stress caused by being in the middle of the water and not knowing when help will arrive. To prevent this from happening you have to focus on survival, playing some mind games, counting, thinking about other people's needs etc.
- Your hands and fingers may lose sensation very quickly, making even simple operations such as fastening your life jacket difficult.
- If it's sunny, heatstroke, sunstroke and dehydration can become a problem. Try to cover yourself as much as possible and carefully ration your water supplies.
- If you can survive, be prepared to face many difficulties. Ask a counselor for a consultation to help you overcome PTSD if necessary.
Advice
- Bring food, plenty of water, blankets, and a compass to the lifeboat if you can. They will be essential to survive, especially if you have to wait more than a few hours.
- Help others, not everyone can get by on their own.
- Usually the survival time in water, at temperatures between 21 ° and 27 ° C, is more than three hours. Studies show that the human body loses temperature three times faster in water than in air. See the table below for more information.
- Hold on. It will help you stay in good spirits.
- If you frequently travel on ships for business or pleasure, consider making a bag specifically for these circumstances. While it's not a cheap idea, it could increase your chances of survival. Make sure it's waterproof and can stick to your wrist. Fill it with water, food, torches, etc. It should be able to float even when full.
- The following table details the survival times in the water:
| Water temperature | Fatigue or Loss of Knowledge | Estimated Survival Time | |
| 70–80 ° F (21–27 ° C) | 3–12 hours | 3 hours - indefinite | |
| 60–70 ° F (16–21 ° C) | 2–7 hours | 2–40 hours | |
| 50–60 ° F (10–16 ° C) | 1–2 hours | 1–6 hours | |
| 40–50 ° F (4–10 ° C) | 30–60 minutes | 1–3 hours | |
| 32.5–40 ° F (0–4 ° C) | 15–30 minutes | 30–90 minutes | |
| <32 ° F (<0 ° C) | Under 15 minutes | Under 15–45 minutes |
- To collect rainwater: spread a tarp or waterproof tarp over the raft to collect rainwater and dew.
- Make an emergency float. If you don't have time to put on your life jacket, make a makeshift float - remove your pants and make a note on the ankles. Wave them to collect the air and push the waist towards the water. This will trap the air inside and create an emergency float. This means of luck depends on the type of pants you wear, the water temperature and your build.
- Rats cannot predict the future. They only abandon ship when their place is submerged. In any case, if you see the rats jumping off the ship, it means that the water has managed to get in.
Warnings
- Shark attacks in the open sea are very rare, which is why when they happen they become news. If sharks surround the lifeboat or start bumping into it, avoid panicking, they are most likely just curious.
- Always wait until you are fully ready before helping children, so you will be prepared to assist them if needed. Older children can help younger ones, especially if you remain calm enough to give orders in a methodical way to increase the odds of escape and survival.
