Safety, Fire & Survival · Survival at Sea
In cold water without a raft, the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) position involves:
- ASwimming vigorously to stay warm
- BDrawing the knees to the chest and holding the arms against the sides to protect the body's core heat✓ Correct
- CFloating spread-eagled on the back
- DRemoving the life jacket to swim faster
Explanation
HELP minimizes heat loss from the high-loss areas — groin, sides of the chest, and neck — by drawing the knees up and arms in while the PFD keeps you afloat. Swimming or thrashing increases circulation to the skin and speeds heat loss; stay still unless rescue is close.
Authority: STCW A-VI/1 Basic Training (cold-water survival)
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