In our last issue of Portfolio, we provided you with helpful tips on how to register your vessel. This week, the Division of Maritime Affairs, has put together some helpful tips regarding ways to improve your chances of survival when abandoning ship. Good preparation and proper use of safety equipment is key to survival.

What can seafarers do?

• Develop and execute a thorough weather preparedness plan - Ensure that your plan takes into account surface low pressure systems, non-tropical storms and other weather systems that may form rapidly and locally - (For example, not all hurricanes approach from the east.)
• Ensure you know how to use safety equipment – Do not wait until a real emergency to find out whether you know how to properly use lifesaving equipment. Instead, include in your regular weekly or monthly drills a thorough step-by-step assessment of all such equipment, especially liferafts, which can't actually be deployed during drills.
• Plan before evacuating - Before an emergency, ensure you know your assigned duties and responsibilities, such as, who's bringing what supplies-and ensure the responsible person is aware of the location of those items.
• Perform drills as if it is a real emergency - Conducting realistic drills gets the attention of crewmembers, builds their confidence and proficiency in emergency response procedures and reinforces a strong safety culture. Also, review drill performance with crew to identify areas for improvement.
• Even in coastal waters, plan for the worst - Despite being close to shore and/or in a normally high-traffic waterway, don't assume that others will be able to come to your immediate aid,
• especially if your location changes. Be physically and mentally prepared for the possibility of a prolonged exposure situation.
• Follow your plan - In emergency situations involving high stress and exhaustion, ensure all aspects are covered by running through step-by-step emergency procedures in accordance with established checklists. Use shoreside support resources to assist you with this.
• Don't forget the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) - The EPIRB is a vital piece of equipment that can significantly shorten the time necessary to locate and rescue you. Take it with you! In addition, carry a personal locator beacon (PLB); it is an inexpensive and effective device.
• Stay together in the water- Search and rescue personnel will more easily spot a group of people in the water than dispersed swimmers.

For more information, you can contact the Division of Maritime Affairs at 457-6151.