How to Escape a Sinking Ship
Hopefully, you'll never be faced with the need to escape a sinking cruise ship. Although today's ships have plenty of lifeboats for everyone on board, it helps to be prepared in the case of an emergency situation. Above all, listen to instructions from the ship's officers, and remain calm.
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Instructions
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Before the Ship Departs
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1
Make sure your cabin has it's own personal flotation device (PFD). Practice putting it on correctly. Check for the expiration date and have the PFD replaced if it has expired.
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2
Locate the two nearest lifeboats from your room.
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3
Store your emergency survival gear in the open with your PFD for easy access. Survival gear should include a flashlight, sunscreen and water bottle.
If the Ship Starts Sinking
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Go to your cabin and get your PFD. If you have time, grab your survival gear.
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5
Move calmly to your lifeboat and follow orders from the crew members in charge. Look for lights marking exits to the lifeboats.
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6
Remain calm and do not jump into the water or onto the lower deck unless you have no other choice. Most ships sink slowly, so you should have lots of time to board a lifeboat.
If You have to Jump
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Look before you leap. Do not jump onto other people, into a lifeboat, or onto a lower deck. Jump feet first as far from the boat as possible.
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Swim away from the boat as soon as you hit water. The vacuum effect created as the ship goes down can suck you under. Get away from the ship quickly.
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Improve your chances of survival by finding a lifeboat or something to float on as soon as possible.
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10
Float with a group of other survivors for warmth and encouragement if no lifeboat is reachable.
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11
Kick and punch anything that brushes you from below. If sharks come feeding, most will back off after being punched in the eyes or gills.
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