OFFSHORE SURVIVAL
Please note that Bob originally wrote these notes with our other group members in mind. Not all these notes may necessarily apply to aircraft other than the PA28. He frequently refers to use of Life-Jackets and the Dinghy. If you regularly fly over water without either of these items, you may wish to ask yourself the question "Why ?"Read up on Ditching Procedure. If landing along the swell, having the wind on the port side will mean you leave the aircraft on the sheltered side.
Give your passengers a thorough briefing before you fly including instruction on the use of the dinghy, and a warning not to inflate their life jackets until they are out of the aircraft. This is a legal requirement, and you may have to rely upon them to look after you if you are injured.
Agree the order in which you will evacuate the aircraft and who will take the dinghy
Physically check that each passenger's life-jacket is fitted correctly. People are notorious for saying "Yeah, it's okay", when it isn't.)
As you cross water, keep a mental note of any shipping, then if you are forced to ditch, try to land ahead and to one side of the ship or yacht. If you have a choice, the smaller the vessel, the better.
Consider leaving the Master and ACB (strobe) on.
Exit the aircraft calmly, but swiftly. If it is floating happily, once your passengers are out, and without putting yourself in danger, throw out anything that is not bolted down. Of particular use are blankets, coats, overnight bags, seat cushions, and first aid kits.
Before inflating the dinghy someone should tie it to themselves, so that it doesn't blow away. A belt, or life-jacket harness would be good points.
Inflate the dinghy on the downwind side of the aircraft, so that it is not blown onto it, and holed. If you are still stood on the wing it will be fairly easy to turn the dinghy over, if necessary.
If possible, get into the dinghy from the wing, and keep as dry as you can. Remove sharp shoes, and do not leap or jump in, as this could damage it.
If you have to enter the water hold the bottom of you life-jacket with one arm, and place the other hand over your mouth and nose. Enter the water gently, and try to keep your head out of it.
If the dinghy needs turning upright, get downwind of it, turn it so that the inflation cylinder is towards you. The weight of the cylinder and the wind will now help you turn it over. Also, the cylinder will not hit you on the head.
Climb into the dinghy and do a 'Head Count'. If anyone is injured, or cannot climb aboard, get their back towards the entrance, then 2 people should hold them under the armpits (NOT by the arms). Push them down into the water, then give a good pull as the buoyancy from their life-jacket pushes them back up.
Once everyone is aboard bail out the dinghy, and inflate the cover support. Trail the sea anchor and, if necessary, inflate the buoyancy tube. It should be firm, but not rock-hard.
Ensure that one person is tied to the dinghy, just in case a large wave should overturn it.
Ensure that everyone takes a sea-sickness pill. Do not have any nonsense about this.
Dry your clothes as much as possible. If you have anything suitable, insulate the floor.
Even on a warm day keep the cover up, to provide shelter from the sun. The flap could, of course, be left open for ventilation.
Have signaling equipment ready for use, and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Some pyrotechnics are double ended and it would not be nice to think you were about to set off a smoke signal, only to have a white hot magnesium flare hit you in the chest. Only use flares when you are sure someone will see them, not, as a search aircraft is travelling away from you. If possible, fire off two flares at about 30 second intervals.
Flares should be held at arms length, away from the dinghy, as they drop hot deposits. If you have gloves, wear them.
Sweep the horizon with the heliograph (mirror) at any time.
Marker dye lasts for about 3 hours, so make an intelligent guess when to use it.
Keep a log. This could be of use in further training will help form the basis of your talk for the Group, your book, and your appearance on 'Parkinson'.
If you can t get into the dinghy for any reason assume the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP). Arms held tightly against your sides, hands across your chest, legs drawn up to your chest and held together by crossing your ankles.
With more than one person you should tie yourselves together and huddle up to one another. Children should be put into the middle of the group.
HELICOPTER RESCUE
Once the pilot has seen you, stop signaling. He can't come and get you if he's blinded by your heliograph or dodging parachute flares.
Wait for the pilot to trap your dinghy the still air, directly underneath the helicopter, then lower the canopy.
DO NOT reach out and grab the cable or Winchman. All aircraft build up a large static charge, which must be earthed or you will get a considerable shock. If you grab your rescuer, and he gets a shock, he will probably say something like "Oh I wish you hadn't done that", or "Goodness, that hurt"!
Do exactly as you are told. He is the expert.
The Winchman will probably knife the dinghy, and let it sink. Don't argue. It is not practical to get it inside the helicopter, so just add it to the insurance claim.
GENERAL POINTS
Although long term survival is outside the scope of these you can make your stay, in the dinghy, more pleasant by not de-hydrating yourself. Avoid exertion, do not smoke and do not drink alcohol.
Avoid vomiting by taking sea-sickness pills, and shield yourself from the sun.
The keys to survival are willpower, common sense and improvisation, so
Prepare For The Worst, and Hope For The Best
Bob Hutton