Emergency Equipment Onboard

Lifeboats and Liferafts

When the ship has to be abandoned, lives depend on these four pieces of equipment. Here is a short introduction to each: what it is, what it does and what to watch for.

Personal Lifesaving Appliances

Until you reach the survival craft, or if you fall overboard, personal equipment is what keeps you alive. You should know these three by heart.

Firefighting Equipment

There is no fire brigade at sea; the crew puts out the fire. Here is the main firefighting equipment onboard and the basic rules for using it, card by card.

Distress and Locating Devices

To be rescued you first have to be found. These devices tell the world where your ship or survival craft is.

Inspection and Drill Schedule

Equipment only works if it is maintained and the crew knows how to use it. The basic SOLAS schedule looks like this: