Water Survival Training Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Water Survival Training Exam

Preparing for a Water Survival Training Exam requires knowledge of survival techniques, equipment, and procedures to stay safe and increase the chances of rescue in a water emergency. Here’s a guide to help you focus your study:

Key Topics to Study:

1. Basic Principles of Water Survival

Stay Calm: Panic reduces survival time.
Conserve Energy: Float or tread water efficiently.
Survival Priorities: Airway management, staying afloat, signaling for rescue.

2. Use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Types of PFDs: Life jackets, inflatable PFDs, immersion suits.
Proper donning and adjustments to prevent slipping off in the water.
Maintenance: Regular inspection for tears, leaks, or damage.

3. Evacuation Procedures

Brace for Ditching: Securely brace yourself during an emergency landing on water.
Egress Training:
- Locate and operate emergency exits.
- Maintain orientation when submerged (e.g., reference to seatbelt or nearby structure).
Raft Deployment:
- Proper inflation and boarding techniques.
- Securing the raft to prevent drifting.

4. Survival in Cold Water

Cold Water Shock: Symptoms and responses.
- Sudden gasp reflex, hyperventilation, loss of motor control.
- Prevent by controlling breathing.
Hypothermia:
- Causes: Prolonged exposure to cold water.
- Symptoms: Shivering, confusion, loss of coordination.
- Mitigation: Use the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position) or huddle technique with others.

5. Signaling for Rescue

Use of emergency signaling devices:
- Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).
- Flares, signal mirrors, whistles.
Use of brightly colored clothing or dye markers to increase visibility.

6. Raft Management

Steps for entering and stabilizing a life raft.
Survival priorities in a raft:
- Establishing leadership.
- Collecting and rationing supplies.
- Preventing dehydration and exposure.

7. Dehydration and Survival Nutrition

Avoid drinking seawater.
Collect rainwater using available materials.
Preserve energy to reduce calorie needs.

8. Shark Awareness

Reduce movement to avoid attracting attention.
Use signaling devices only when necessary.
Stay in groups to appear larger.

9. Emergency First Aid

Treating injuries in a water survival scenario:
- Bandaging wounds to avoid infection.
- CPR techniques in a confined space.

10. Regulatory Requirements

FAA, EASA, or ICAO regulations for water survival training, depending on jurisdiction.
Survival equipment required on aircraft operating over water.

Example Questions:

What is the first step after successfully ditching into the water?
- a) Inflate your life jacket before exiting the aircraft.
- b) Inflate your life jacket after exiting the aircraft.
- c) Swim immediately to the nearest visible shore.
- d) Dive underwater to avoid debris.
(Correct Answer: b)
Which technique helps retain body heat in cold water?
- a) Backstroke.
- b) Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP).
- c) Dog paddle.
- d) Freestyle swimming.
(Correct Answer: b)
What is the most important action if you encounter cold water shock?
- a) Begin swimming as fast as possible to generate body heat.
- b) Hold your breath until the shock subsides.
- c) Control your breathing to prevent hyperventilation.
- d) Remove heavy clothing to lighten your weight.
(Correct Answer: c)
Why is it dangerous to drink seawater?
- a) It contains harmful bacteria.
- b) It accelerates dehydration due to high salt content.
- c) It causes hypothermia.
- d) It increases buoyancy, making it harder to tread water.
(Correct Answer: b)
What should you do to increase visibility to rescuers?
- a) Stay underwater as much as possible to conserve heat.
- b) Use brightly colored clothing, flares, or dye markers.
- c) Avoid signaling to avoid attention from predators.
- d) Lie flat on the water to create a larger surface area.
(Correct Answer: b)