Since there is a degree of discussion on underwater escape, some inaccuracies already corrected, it may be worth reinforcing essential actions taught during HUET.
- Do not release safety harnesses until all motion has ceased.
- Before releasing your harness, identify your location and firmly grasp a structural point which will lead you to your escape point.
- When (2) is complied with and the harness released, follow your grip to the exit point.
- Release (if necessary) the emergency exit and hold the frame securely.
- Check with the free hand that the exit is clear and unobstructed.
- Pull yourself through the exit and then inflate your lifejacket when clear of the airframe.
There is much, much more to HUET but these essentials have been refined over many years and will work. Like crab@ I've done this a few times, like every 2-3 years since 1969, am still current, and generally enjoy the course.
How an operator puts across these essentials to a paying passenger is the big question, along with having the right equipment in the first place. Even the choice of aircraft which can ensure better safety such as a twin with pop out floats or a single with fixed floats, rather than (in this case) a single with popouts.
Corporate knowledge can be lost and the lessons hard won in the past can be overlooked when experience is thrown out with ageing pilots and engineers.