Surviving on a raft in the ocean is not an easy task. You have to deal with hunger, thirst, exposure, sharks, and other dangers. However, it is not impossible. Here are some tips on how to stay alive on a raft until you are rescued.

• Find or make a raft. If your ship or plane sinks, look for any floating debris that you can use as a raft. You can also use your life jacket or clothing to make a flotation device. Try to find something that is large enough to keep you out of the water and has some shelter from the sun and wind.
• Stay calm and alert. Panic can make you lose your rationality and waste your energy. Try to stay calm and assess your situation. Look for any signs of land or other vessels. Use a whistle, flare, mirror, or anything else that can attract attention. Keep an eye out for any dangers such as sharks, jellyfish, or storms.
• Collect and purify water. Water is essential for survival, but seawater is not drinkable. It can dehydrate you and cause salt poisoning. You need to collect rainwater or distill seawater using a solar still or a makeshift condenser. You can also use a piece of cloth to soak up dew or moisture from the raft.
• Catch and eat fish. Fish are a good source of protein and nutrients, but you need to catch them first. You can use a fishing line, hook, net, spear, or your bare hands. You can also attract fish by using bait such as seaweed, blood, or shiny objects. You can eat most fish raw, but some may have parasites or toxins that can make you sick. You can cook them using a fire or the sun.
• Protect yourself from the elements. The sun, wind, and saltwater can cause sunburn, dehydration, hypothermia, and skin infections. You need to protect yourself by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, clothing, and shoes. You can also use a tarp, sail, or blanket to make a shelter on the raft. You should also stay dry and warm by using towels, blankets, or body heat.

Survival on a raft is a challenge, but not a hopeless one. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of staying alive until help arrives.

Here are some more tips on how to survive on a raft in the ocean.

• Keep your morale high. Surviving on a raft can be mentally and emotionally draining. You may feel lonely, hopeless, bored, or angry. You need to keep your morale high by staying positive, optimistic, and hopeful. You can also keep yourself busy by doing tasks, exercises, games, or prayers. You can also talk to yourself or to a companion if you have one.
• Avoid seasickness. Seasickness is a common problem for raft survivors. It can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also make you lose your appetite and hydration. You can avoid seasickness by lying down, looking at the horizon, or chewing ginger or mint. You can also take anti-nausea medication if you have any.
• Be careful of marine life. The ocean is full of marine life that can be helpful or harmful to you. Some fish, turtles, birds, and dolphins can provide you with food or company. However, some sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, and sea snakes can pose a threat to you. You need to be careful of them and avoid provoking them. You can also use repellents, nets, or weapons to deter them.
• Know the signs of rescue. The most important thing for raft survivors is to be rescued. You need to know the signs of rescue and how to signal them. You can use a radio, GPS, phone, or beacon if you have any. You can also use a whistle, flare, mirror, smoke, flag, or SOS sign to attract attention. You should also know the international distress signals and codes.
• Don’t give up. The most crucial factor for survival on a raft is your will to live. You need to have a strong motivation and determination to survive. You need to believe that you will be rescued and that you have a future. You need to fight for your life and don’t give up.

Survival on a raft is a test of your physical and mental strength. By following these tips, you can overcome the challenge and make it back home safely.