How to Assign Look Out Duty In A Survival Condition, Lost At Sea
OutdoorHub 06.02.11
Many times in a survival position, people do not know how to go about finding food and knowing where to go next. Follow these tips for how to assign jobs to people aboard.
- Assign a duty position to each person: for example, water collector, food collector, lookout, radio operator, signaler, and water bailers.
- Lookout duty should not exceed 2 hours. Keep in mind and remind others that cooperation is one of the keys to survival.
- Keep a log. Record the navigator’s last fix, the time of ditching, the names and physical condition of personnel, and the ration schedule. Also record the winds, weather, direction of swells, times of sunrise and sunset, and other navigational data.
- If you are down in unfriendly waters, take special security measures to avoid detection. Do not travel in the daytime. Throw out the sea anchor and wait for nightfall before paddling or hoisting sail. Keep low in the raft; stay covered with the blue side of the camouflage cloth up. Be sure a passing ship or aircraft is friendly or neutral be-fore trying to attract its attention. If the enemy detects you and you are close to capture, destroy the log book, radio, navigation equipment, maps, signaling equipment, and firearms. Jump overboard and submerge if the enemy starts strafing.
- Decide whether to stay in position or to travel. Ask yourself, “How much information was signaled before the accident? Is your position known to rescuers? Do you know it yourself? Is the weather favorable for a search? Are other ships or aircraft likely to pass your present position? How many days supply of food and water do you have?”
