I’d like to add a couple of points to Jeff Schweitzer’s great article on ditching (“One If By Land, Two If By Water?” June 2012). It’s not just a single-engine issue, and water can actually be a preferable place for an emergency, since there’s little likelihood of fire or hard objects.
One subject not covered in the article was passengers. You need to have a thorough over-water briefing, even if it scares your pax a little. If you go in, you’ll not only need all the help you can get, but you don’t want to have to be dealing with pax who are totally unprepared. I tell mine they are responsible for getting the door open, putting the overboard bag in it so it doesn’t slam shut and getting out with the raft. That way, all I have to do is focus on the water landing. I explain the probable orientation of the airplane in the water (nose down), make them practice opening the doors and explain noise and water issues.
