The Sea Survival Manual

Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical, £15.99
Publication Date: 2005

The sea is a dangerous environment. The authors have done much research to tell us how to equip and prepare for trouble, how to avoid it and how to get out of it. Lifejackets, liferafts, distress signals from flares to GMDSS, Grab Bags, Medical Emergencies and Fire are all included. Passage planning, heavy weather, MOB, and surviving in the liferaft are dealt with. The list is so long that it is easier to say that everything is included in this excellent book. Perhaps, in their need to emphasise things, they have been too wordy and their flowcharts are rather complex although their tips are succinct. Our CA Code of Practice is given as Appendix 1. We are on our own at sea. Rescue takes time and may not come. It is expensive, might put others at risk and will do the skipper’s reputation no good. Every skipper should read this and give it to his crew to read. While briefing some of mine on safety I feel like the poor air hostess before takeoff. Finally, I wonder why all the boats in the amusing drawings are flying the French ensign. - JLC