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Surviving at Sea | SurvivalBlog

Posted On November 8, 2011 at 9:45 pm by / No Comments

We have all seen the Survivor television shows on TV and after watching have thought “I could do that.” Although the television show brings out the survivor in all of us there is no glamour in being stranded and having your life on the line. The decision’s you make could mean life or death and it is up to your training, knowledge and decision-making processes to survive.

In this post we will discuss surviving at sea, one of the most difficult survival situations possible. The chance that you will be lost at sea is evident as storms, collision, fire or war could strike and cause the situation to become more serious.

If you find yourself a survivor in the open sea you will be facing waves, wind, extreme heat or cold, and will be tested upon your abilities to obtain water and food. You’ll have to satisfy these basic needs- protection from the elements, water and food- to try to live as long as possible.

Your ability to survive will depend on your knowledge of the survival equipment, your skills, and your will to live. Whenever you board a ship or aircraft you should find out what survival equipment is on board in the event you go down. Life preservers, lifeboats and rafts can all save lives if they are accessed quickly enough as are food, water and medicine.

If you find yourself down at sea, take the following actions once you are clear of the vessel:

  • Get clear of the vessel and upwind. Stay in the vicinity of the vessel until it sinks as any rescue efforts will be looking there first.
  • Get clear of flammable water in the event of a fire.
  • Attempt to find other survivors

Make your way to a safety raft if possible or other safety device. If there are no safety devices available, try to find a large piece of floating debris. Try your best to relax, floating on your back takes the least amount of energy if you don’t have a floatation device.

Water will be your most important need as you can live for up to 10 days with it alone. If you have limited water supplies use them efficiently, and try not to over exert yourself. Watch the clouds and prepare to catch rainwater if more water is needed. You can also get water from fish by drinking the aqueous fluid found along the spine and the eyes of large fish. If you are lacking water, don’t eat. If you are nauseated you may lose your food immediately.

If no food is available fish will be your main food source. Avoid using fishing line around your hands and a raft as it can cause cutting. Use gloves to handle the fish if possible and gut and bleed them immediately after catching. Dry fish can remain edible for several days and leftover fish can be used for bait.

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