Tuesday, November 04, 2008

The Custom of the Sea

When you're in a small boat at sea and there is no food and water, how do you survive?

By eating those who die first, and if necessary, killing and eating the weakest.

This is known as The Custom of the Sea. It's based on the Law of Necessity: Necessity knows no law. It's always shocking when it happens, and the survivors must be ready to face an inquiry when they finally reach land, and possible punishment, if the inquiry determines evil intent rather than necessity.

This is why a survival mindset is vital for anyone who puts him/herself into a situation that might result in such desperate measures. Be Prepared, say the Boy Scouts, and better yet Semper Paratus (Always Prepared), the motto of the US Coast Guard.

Go thou and do likewise.

h/t Hot Air Headlines.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Just bring a "bailout bag" with line, 3 plastic garbage bags, mirror, small fishing kit and a knife. Be sure to have a canteen of fresh water and flares. If possible add a portable gps and a vhf radio. While we're at it, have a 406 EPIRB, too.

You can make a watermaker with two of the plastic bags, use the other one for water storage/net for flying fish. (Honestly, they are everywhere!)

The mirror is for signaling and for checking out your 'doo.

All this fits in a Navy helmet bag. I carry this and more whenever I do long distance sailing.

This gear will get you rescued, soon.

dc