What conditions must be met before opening exits during a ditching situation?

In a ditching situation, safety protocols are paramount to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew. Opening exits before the aircraft has come to a complete stop can lead to a range of hazards, including the risk of inflating slides or encountering water that may still be moving due to winds or currents. Therefore, the condition that the aircraft must have come to a complete stop is critical for ensuring that it is safe to evacuate.

Additionally, having the captain give a command signifies that the flight crew has assessed the situation and is ready to direct the evacuation process, ensuring that it is conducted in an orderly, controlled manner. This command also helps to manage passenger behavior and expectations, reducing chaos during a high-stress situation.

While remaining seated and calm weather conditions are important factors in emergency procedures, they do not address the immediate safety issue of ensuring that the aircraft has stabilized before exits are opened.