When incidents occur and put the lives of those onboard at risk, it is important to be able to signal the ship is in trouble. There are many ways to do this. If another vessel is in sight, you can repeatedly raise and lower your arms as though you are flapping wings. You can wave brightly colored clothing that is attached to a paddle or pole. You can sound a foghorn to signal SOS (3 short blasts, then 3 long, then 3 short). A flashlight can be used to flash SOS (dot dot dot, dash dash dash, dot dot dot).  Flying the ship’s ensign upside down also indicates distress. You can accomplish the same effect by flying the distress flag, an orange flag with a black square under a black ball.
Radios can also be used to signal distress. VHF radio channel 16 is the distress and<unk>  frequency monitored by the Coast Guard. Specific emergency procedure words are used to indicate the severity of distress. MAYDAY, the most severe, indicates the likelihood of losing the vessel of someone’s life. Pan-Pan, less severe, indicates the vessel has broken down or there is a medical issue, but it is not life-threatening. Lastly, securité indicates an important message for other ships.
When worse comes to worst and the ship is not salvageable, all onboard should abandon ship. We advise all to become familiar with abandon ship procedures, equipment such as lifeboats, and how to survive at<unk>  with limited supplies. The goal at this point would be to survive until rescue occurs, assuming that rescue attempts are being made. We know the<unk>  is a hostile environment; therefore, consider generating and carrying an abandon ship bag to improve chances of rescue, comfort, and<unk>  while awaiting rescue. Items to pack in the bag include: EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon), waterproof VHF radio, flares, smoke signals, mirror, anti-emetics, sunscreen, splints, narcotics, desalinator, fishing supplies, high-carbohydrate and low-protein energy bars, multitool device, collapsible water containers, dive mask, duct tape, and waterproof writing instruments. Overall, water covers a majority of the Earth and can be one of the harshest environments encountered. However, with proper planning, preparation, and education, the risks associated with this environment can be greatly minimized.
Safety at sea
Pregnancy and lactation drug labeling
Penile diagnoses
Care under fire
Diagnosis of death
Conducted energy device
Getting started
Commercial in-flight medical emergencies