You should try to enter the survival craft "dry". But this
may not be possible, and the craft is unlikely to be dry itself. You
can still cool to dangerous levels – especially if wet to begin
with, partly because of the evaporation of water in your clothing.
Even if wearing an immersion suit, or a so-called "dry" suit, you
may still be wet. But stay calm: there are things you can do to improve
your situation:
- In survival craft without covers, try to give yourself a waterproof
and windproof covering – plastic sheeting or bags, for example,
if suitable clothing is not available.
- Enclosed survival craft give you better protection from the elements,
but may still become wet inside. Having checked that there are no
other survivors able to reach the raft, close the covers as soon as
you can, before your hands get too cold.
- Try to avoid sitting in water: sit on your lifejacket if there
is nothing else available.
- Squeeze as much water as you can out of sodden clothing before
replacing it, to reduce body heat loss through evaporation.
- Huddling close to the other occupants of the survival craft will
also conserve body heat – but ensure craft stability is not
compromised.
- Follow your survival craft training (water and food rationing,
etc.).
- Keep a positive attitude of mind about your survival and rescue:
your will to live does make a difference! While you wait
"Stay warm; stay alive" should be your motto.