There is a Mythbusters episode on this. Rose literally and figuratively fucked Jack.
I don’t recall the full episode but a few things stood out.
- it would be cold as hel, so properly strapping a lifevest around some flotsam seems iffy
- isn’t saltwater more buoyant or is that old fishwife’s tale? Also idk if that test body of water is salty.
Only if they had the knowledge and abilities (and time to come up with a plan) of two people whose job it is to come up with exactly this kind of thing.
Sure, it was possible. That doesn’t make it probable.
“Climb on the door” seems like something within their knowledge and abilities.