What is one of the first actions you should take after abandoning and clearing away from a vessel?

The appropriate first action to take after abandoning and clearing away from a vessel is to identify the Person in Charge. This step is crucial in ensuring that there is clear leadership and that everyone knows who is responsible for making decisions. In an emergency situation, having a designated individual in charge can help organize the group, assess the situation, and ensure that all safety protocols are followed effectively.

Establishing a clear command structure can improve communication among the survivors, help in accounting for all crew members, and streamline any subsequent actions, such as signaling for help or gathering supplies.

While checking for injuries, gathering supplies, and signaling for help are all important actions to take in an emergency, they are secondary to first establishing who is in charge, as this will facilitate a more organized and effective response to the situation at hand.