Fire, abandon ship, man overboard, oil spill. SOLAS requires regular drills for these emergencies. The goal is simple: when a real emergency happens, the crew acts automatically and safely.
What makes a drill useful?
- Realistic scenarios. Vary the location, time of day and the "missing" people.
- Everyone participates, including new joiners. Explain their muster station and role.
- Full equipment use. Dress in firefighting gear, test communication, start pumps.
- Clear command chain, with the on-scene leader and bridge in contact.
- A proper debrief. What worked, what did not, and what will be changed.
For new crew
On joining, ask for a ship familiarisation:
- Where is your muster station?
- Where are the lifejackets, immersion suits and life-saving appliances?
- What do the alarm signals sound like?
- What is your role in fire and abandon ship?
For officers
Do not schedule drills only when convenient. Occasionally introduce a surprise element, such as a blocked escape route, to test how people adapt.
The best drill is the one after which people say, "Now I understand what I would do."