Emergency / Fire Drills
Musters and drills are there to prepare for a trained and organised response to emergency situations that can unexpectedly threaten loss of life at sea. It is important that they should be carried out realistically, closely approaching possible emergency conditions. Changes in the vessel's personnel from time to time should be reflected in corresponding changes in the muster arrangements.
- The muster list should be conspicuously posted before the vessel sails; on the bridge (the master list), in alleyways and messrooms, and in each cabin.
- Immediately on joining the ship, crew members should familiarise themselves with their emergency duties, the significance of the various alarm signals and the locations of their lifeboat station and of all lifesaving and fire-fighting equipment.
- Any defects or deficiencies revealed during drills and the inspections which accompany them should be rectified as soon as possible.
- A fire drill can be held simultaneously with the first stage of the abandon ship drill.
- Drills should be held at regular and also unexpected intervals to test the effectiveness of the teams.
