If the crash is in open-water, swim as far away from the plane wreckage as possible. Stay in one place, but pay attention to what needs to happen. While it's essential to stay calm after a crash, you also need to recognize when you need to act and do so swiftly.

Surviving a "water landing" (ditching) depends heavily on your actions in the minutes before and seconds after impact. First, ensure your seatbelt is low and tight across your hips. When the captain gives the "Brace" command, assume the position: feet flat on the floor (tucked back) and your head against the seat in front of you. Crucial rule: Do not inflate your life vest inside the plane. If the cabin fills with water, an inflated vest will trap you against the ceiling, making it impossible to swim out the door. Once the plane stops, follow the floor lighting to the nearest exit, take a deep breath, and swim out. Only once you are clear of the aircraft should you pull the inflation tabs. Once in the water, stay together with other survivors; groups are much easier for search-and-rescue teams to spot from the air. Use the "H.E.L.P." (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by huddling or pulling your knees to your chest to conserve body heat, as hypothermia is a greater threat than drowning in many ocean scenarios.

If your plane crashes in the ocean, your priorities shift immediately to survival, rescue, and managing the extreme environment. Here is a step-by-step guide based on aviation safety protocols and survival principles.

Immediate Actions (During and Right After Impact)

1. Brace for Impact: Assume the brace position (head down, hands behind your head) as instructed in the safety briefing. This protects you from traumatic injury.
2. Don’t Inflate Your Life Vest Inside: If you have a life vest, do NOT inflate it until you are outside the aircraft. An inflated vest can trap you inside a sinking cabin.
3. Exit Immediately: Follow crew instructions and emergency lighting to the nearest usable exit. Leave all belongings behind.
4. Activate Life Vest Outside: Once clear of the plane, pull the tabs to inflate your life vest. If it doesn’t inflate, use the manual tube. Your vest is your single most important piece of equipment.

Secondary Actions (Once in the Water)

1. Get Away from the Aircraft: Swim upwind and away from the plane to avoid fuel, fire, and sinking debris. Use the “cradle” position (knees drawn to chest, arms wrapped around them) to retain body heat if you can’t get into a raft.
2. Locate and Board the Life Raft: If available, inflate the life raft (usually by pulling a cord) and board it carefully. Help others if you can. Getting out of the water is your top priority to prevent hypothermia (even in warm seas) and shark exposure.
3. Assess