If the water level is rising in the bilge of a survival craft, what is the first action you should take?

If the water level is rising in the bilge of a survival craft, the first action to take is to check the bilge drain plug. This step is crucial as it can quickly eliminate a simple yet critical issue that might be allowing water to accumulate in the bilge. If the drain plug is missing or not secured properly, it could lead to unnecessary flooding. Ensuring that the drain plug is in place and functioning effectively could prevent a more severe situation from developing.

Addressing this issue first is practical and may provide immediate relief from the flooding. If the plug is secure, then you can move on to other considerations, such as checking for leaks in the hull or signaling for help, as these require more resources and might already indicate a more significant problem. Waterproofing the craft can be an important measure, but it would be more relevant if the hull integrity is already compromised. Thus, verifying the status of the bilge drain plug is a logical first step in responding to water accumulation.