What does the 'HELP' position stand for in maritime survival?

The 'HELP' position stands for Heat Escape Lessening Posture. This survival technique is crucial for individuals who find themselves in cold water situations, as it helps to conserve body heat and reduce the risk of hypothermia.

When a person is submerged in cold water, the body loses heat much more rapidly than it would in air. By adopting the HELP position, an individual can minimize exposure of the body's heat loss areas. This position involves pulling the knees to the chest and wrapping the arms around the legs. This configuration not only reduces the surface area of the body that is exposed to the cold water but also allows the person to retain warmth, especially in the core regions.

Understanding the importance of this position can greatly enhance survival chances in maritime emergencies where cold water exposure is a factor.