Another good procedure that proved ultimately useless was night search.
Start leg, close eyes, fire green very. Wait for glow to fade, look for red flare. At 4 miles per minute that is 2-3 miles with eyes closed on a visual search.
20 miles, 5 minutes later same procedure. 'nother 2-3 miles with eyes tight shut.
Now with the visibility 20 miles you might have a chance. With visibility at 3 miles and less - no chance.
The procedure was clearly designed for open ocean search in good visibility and probably good weather to find downed aircrew. Looking for a ship - no chance.