Action taken (to prevent foundering):
When collision or damage assessment drills are undertaken, the first concern is the ingress of water, which if left unchecked, could lead to the vessel's foundering.
To prevent this, several steps can be taken:
If the vessel is bilged the holed compartment should be, if possible, isolated by closing watertight doors or openings and the section pumped out. If the pump cannot contain the flooding other means may be needed to reduce the intake of water.
Listing the vessel, especially if the damage is near the waterline, will reduce the flow of water into the vessel. This can be achieved by moving weights or ballasting.
Thought may be given to the use of any possible material to plug up a hole. This could include pillows, bedding, cushions, mattresses etc.
"Collision Mats" could also be incorporated. This is usually a strong piece of canvas with spars secured on two opposite sides. The mat is usually rolled up and the lines led under the hull until it is near the hole and then unrolled effectively sealing the holed area and reducing the flow of water into the compartment.
NOTE:- If spars are not used the water pressure may prevent the `tarps' (collision mats) from fully covering the holed section.
There are commercially manufactured `collision mats' for small craft. These are of the umbrella principle. The unit is pushed through the hole then opened around the area by pulling on the centre pole.