Those of us who have taken our cockpits for a splash are shocked not only by impact forces but also traumatized by the cold water and often lack of vision and subsequent disorientation. I was lucky. However, many aviators and their passengers pay the ultimate price when their flailing panic eventually leads to sublime rest. But it doesn't have to be that way. My unhappiness with my first real dunking in chilly Quamichan Lake, BC, motivated me to visit Victoriabased Underwater Egress Ltd. Proprietor Bryan Webster is a high-time pilot who has ridden a few aircraft down for unscheduled landings and has become acutely aware of the challenges associated with survival during the first few seconds after impact. I found the five-hour classroom and pool course much more comprehensive than anticipated and learned a great deal.

The first question Bryan asks his trainees is: "How many of you wear a life jacket when flying over water?" I was the only client to raise a hand. Some may think I'm a wuss, but let me explain my policy. If I will be flying alone and beyond gliding distance of land and will not have the opportunity to don a vest after an engine or control problem, the vest is donned before takeoff. If I will be at altitudes that allow me to glide to a safe landing spot or there is another pilot who can take the controls, I will always have the vest within reach. Of course, various problems could arise that would dictate the life jacket should be worn at all times and I certainly respect anyone who chooses to wear one constantly over water – and insists on passengers doing so. After all, we are responsible for their safety.

Before taking the course, I anticipated that a ride in the cockpit simulator dunk apparatus would qualify me. However, the pool portion of the training is much more comprehensive. One takes a minimum of four dunks with ever-increasing complexity, but I must make it abundantly clear that safety procedures eliminate all risks from the operation. No one has ever been injured during Canadian training due to the number of safety personnel in and around the training pool. Pilot/crew members who can't even swim could take this training – in fact, they should! All scenarios have been thoroughly practised, allowing the students to concentrate on procedures without fear.