"The Seven Steps to Survival"
1) RECOGNITION
· Recognize that a Life-Threatening Emergency May Exist
· Initiate Survival Procedures
2) INVENTORY
· What Have You Got that will Help You Cope with the Emergency?
· Assemble Needed Gear Quickly
3) SHELTER
· Your Boat is Your Best Shelter as long as it remains Afloat; Try not to Abandon it too soon.
· If You Abandon Ship, Try to bring along Clothing and Gear which will afford you Shelter in the Raft and Ashore
4) SIGNALS
· Advise Coast Guard and/or Other Vessels that you may require assistance, EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU WILL.
· If You Abandon Ship, try to bring along as Many EPIRB's, Hand-Held VHF Radios, and Pyrotechnic Distress Signals as You Have Aboard
5) WATER
· Fresh Water is Much More Important to Your Short-Term Survival than Food
· Take as Much Extra Water into the Raft as You Can
· Commence Rationing Water Immediately
· Never Drink Salt Water, Urine, or Alcohol
6) FOOD
· Add as Much High Energy Food to the Raft as You Can
· Don't Eat if You Have No Water; It will just Make You Thirsty
7) PLAY
· You will only Survive if You Maintain the Will to Live
· Keep Your Mind Focused on Life, NOT Death
