When should food or water be provided to survivors after boarding the lifeboat/liferaft?

Providing food or water to survivors after boarding a lifeboat or liferaft is a crucial aspect of survival situations. The correct timing for providing these essentials is typically after 24 hours. This timeline allows for several important considerations:

Firstly, immediately providing food or water can lead to complications, especially in an emergency or survival scenario. Many individuals may experience stress or seasickness, which can make consuming food or beverages immediately not advisable. Additionally, the chances of dehydration, while critical, can often be managed in the short term if the individuals are in a controlled environment.

Survivors might not be in a state to properly ingest food or water until some time has passed – allowing them to stabilize.

After 12 hours, the need for hydration becomes more pressing, but the body's need for food might not be immediately critical in a short-term survival situation. Rescuers are typically trained to evaluate individuals' readiness for food and drink based on their condition, physical state, and time elapsed.

Offering sustenance too soon could hinder recovery or worsen the situation, making it essential to wait until survivors show signs of needing nourishment, which often aligns with the 24-hour mark. This approach prioritizes the overall well-being of the survivors and considers