Avoid flying over water at night, because your chances for a successful ditching (and quick rescue) are diminished in darkness. Avoid periods of strong surface winds and heavy swells for the same reason. Expect the engine to go into " auto rough " as soon as you're beyond gliding distance from the shoreline. Realize that the engine probably isn't making odd noises. It's your mind playing tricks on you. But monitor the engine gauges anyway. Place the raft near the exit door and secure it. Items are sure to get tossed around in the violence of a water landing. You need to ensure the raft stays in place so you know exactly where to find it when you need it. Review ditching strategies (into the wind, parallel to the swells) before embarking on your journey. Carry as much fuel as practical and plan a route that overflies islands if any exist on the way to your destination. Even if there are no airports on the islands you fly over, getting to one would be far better than bobbing in the open ocean, and being on a stationary island improves your odds of being found. Postpone your descent prior to landing as long as practical. Sometimes controllers will direct you to descend to low altitude many miles from the shoreline. If you make your request to stay high well in advance, however, they may be able to put you on a route that accommodates your wishes. FLIGHT TRAINING MARCH/APRIL 2025 33