RULES TO FOLLOW DURING A SHIP ABANDONMENT

Even in the worst cases, a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes is required for the vessel to totally sink.

1. Put on the warmest clothing possible (woollen clothes are better insulators than those of cotton, especially when wet), making sure the head, neck, hands and feet are covered.



2. Immersion suit on top of warm clothing.



3. Life Jacket securely fastened (if the suit does not have floats).



4. Travel sickness tablets (taken before getting into the lifeboat).



5. Drink as much water as possible before abandoning the ship. Never drink alcoholic beverages.



6. If possible, avoid any contact with the water (use rope ladders, ropes, nets, etc.; get into the lifeboat while it is still on deck).



7. If it is necessary to jump into the water, do not jump from a height of more than 5 metres; it is better, if possible, to go down slowly, avoiding sudden contact with the cold water. Keep elbows to the side, covering the nose and mouth with one hand while gripping the wrist or elbow tightly with the other.



8. Once in the water:

   Try to orient yourself (locate the ship, lifeboats, other survivors, floating objects, etc.).

   Do not swim unless it is to reach a nearby lifeboat, fellow survivor, or floating object, and remain as still as possible in the water to avoid heat loss.

   Float with the legs together, elbows tucked to the sides of the body and arms crossed in front of the lifejacket. Adopt the foetal position, legs bent and brought up to the chest in front of the lifejacket and arms holding the legs. This position cuts down the body exposure to the cold water, keep the head and neck out of the water at all times.

   Join up with one or more fellow survivors.

   Try to climb onto a lifeboat or other floating object as soon as possible, so as to shorten the immersion time

9. Maintain a positive attitude in terms of survival and rescue.