5 The survival phase: in the water
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1185/Rev.1 – Guide for Cold Water Survival – (30 November 2012) - Annex - Guide for Cold Water Survival - 5 The survival phase: in the water

5 The survival phase: in the water

 Because of the greater body heat loss in water, you are always better off out of the water than in it – despite how this may feel at first – and you are better off partially out of the water if you cannot get out of it entirely.

 After the initial responses have passed and you have regained control of your breathing, you should:

  • Orientate yourself and try to locate the ship, survival craft, other survivors, or other floating objects. If you were unable to prepare yourself before entering the water, button up clothing now. In cold water you may experience violent and distressing shivering and numbness. These are natural body responses that are not dangerous. You do, however, need to take action as quickly as possible before you lose full use of your hands.
  • Do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a fellow survivor or a nearby shore, craft, or other floating object onto which you can hold or climb. Staying calm and still conserves heat.
  • If swimming, swim on your back, using only your legs if possible. The arms are critical to heat loss. Not using your arms to swim means that you can keep them folded over your torso to assist in insulation.
  • Swim downwind of a floating object if you are trying to reach it, rather than straight towards it. The wind will bring it in your direction. Once upwind of a liferaft, for example, you are unlikely to be able to reach it. Keep checking the object's location and your progress towards it. If you decide that you cannot reach it, stop swimming, stay calm and stay still.
  • The body position you assume in the water is very important in conserving heat. Try to float as still as possible, with your legs together, elbows close to your side, and arms folded across your chest. This position – which may only be fully achievable if you are wearing a lifejacket or dry suit – minimizes the exposure of the body surface to the cold water.
  • If the lifejacket is fitted with a spray hood, put it on. The hood protects the airways against spray while drifting in the water.
  • The floating body tends to turn towards on-coming waves, with the legs acting like a sea anchor. If you have to, paddle gently to maintain a back-to-wave position. Although this may increase heat loss, you need to protect your airway from wave splash.
  • Link up with other survivors if you can: it helps location and rescue.
  • Keep a positive attitude of mind about your survival and rescue. This will extend your survival time. Your will to live does make a difference!
Parent topic: Annex - Guide for Cold Water Survival
Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.