For a more generalisable solution: - Pick a ship with robust safety measures, procedures, and equipment, sailing in favourable conditions, if at all possible. - Rehearse evacuation. Drilling and mentally noting escape routes and pitfalls makes successful performance during an actual emergency the more likely. - Maintain situational awareness. Things can go pear-shaped remarkably quickly. Numerours modern shipping dis…
That piece of advice can be generalized to any survival situation.