If the water level is rising in the bilge of a survival craft, what should you do first?

When dealing with rising water levels in the bilge of a survival craft, the first action to take is to check the bilge drain plug. Ensuring that the bilge drain plug is secure and not allowing water to enter is essential because if it has come loose or is missing, it will continuously let water flood the bilge, complicating the situation even further. Addressing this potential issue can help prevent further accumulation of water and is a crucial step in managing the craft's stability and safety.

Starting the pumping process immediately, while seemingly proactive, could be premature if there is an ongoing source of water entering the craft. Checking for leaks in the hull is also important, but it’s typically vital to first rule out the simplest and most immediate cause of water ingress, which is the bilge drain plug. Signaling for help may be necessary in dire situations, but it should not be the initial response when a straightforward solution may be immediately available.