Safety on board any vessel is built on training, discipline and teamwork. Ships operate in a dynamic environment where weather, machinery, and human factors can create sudden risks. That is why maritime rules, including the SOLAS Convention, require mandatory ship drills. They prepare the crew to deal with fires, floods, pollution, collisions, security threats, and abandon-ship situations. Below are the key drills every ship must carry out, how they work and why they matter.
Fire drill: Ensuring safety during onboard emergencies
Ships carry fuel, machinery, and electrical systems that make them vulnerable to fire risks. This type of ship drill not only focuses on rescue practice but also on the use of operating pumps, hydrants, extinguishers, and breathing apparatus to stay familiar with them.
How is it conducted?
- Activate the fire alarm to alert all crew members. It helps them recognise the sound used during real emergencies.
- Next, the crew should move to their assigned muster stations as per the vessel’s emergency plan and wait for instructions.
- The officer in charge will then explain the mock fire location and the type of fire to simulate the right response.
- The designated fire team, after wearing protective gear and collecting hoses, nozzles, and extinguishers, will head to the ‘fire’ site.
- The crew will set up hoses around the area to prevent heat from spreading to nearby compartments.
- A rescue team will simulate pulling out a trapped person while staying in communication with the command centre.
- After the drill, officers review what went well, note gaps, and guide improvements for better readiness next time.
Man overboard drill: Quick response and rescue procedures
A Man Overboard (MOB) ship safety drill is meant to train the crew on how to respond quickly when a person accidentally falls into the sea. At sea, every second counts, and the risk of drowning, hypothermia, or losing sight of the person is very high.
How is it conducted?
- Someone shouts ‘Man Overboard’ loudly and repeatedly. The nearest person points continuously towards the casualty’s location to avoid losing sight.
- The bridge sounds the MOB alarm and notifies the engine room and all departments.
- A lifebuoy with a light and smoke signal is thrown into the water to mark the spot.
- The ship performs a turn such as the Williamson turn, Anderson turn, or Scharnow turn based on the situation.
- Engines are slowed and prepared for manoeuvring.
- If the weather allows, the rescue boat is lowered with a trained team to recover the person.
- The person is brought safely onboard using a ladder, net, or rescue boat.
- The recovered person is given first aid and examined by the ship’s medical officer.
Abandon ship drill: Preparedness for life-threatening situations
An abandoned ship drill comes in handy during emergencies where leaving the vessel becomes the only safe option. Abandoning is usually required during uncontrollable fire, severe flooding, collision damage, grounding, or risk of sinking.
How is it conducted?
- The master gives the abandon ship signal, which is usually a series of short blasts followed by one long blast, so the crew recognises it instantly.
- All crew gather at their assigned muster stations, where attendance is taken and safety instructions are given.
- Everyone wears their lifejacket properly, ensuring the straps are tight and secure before moving further.
- The responsible officer checks if all crew members are present and records any personnel who are missing.
- Lifeboats and life rafts are checked for readiness, including engine tests, release mechanisms, and communication equipment.
- Crew members board the lifeboat or simulate boarding to understand seating arrangements, launching procedures, and load limits.
- A mock launch is carried out (without fully releasing), helping the crew learn how to safely lower the lifeboat.
Collision and grounding drills: Handling maritime accidents
Collision and grounding drills on a ship are practice exercises that prepare the crew to respond quickly and safely in the event of a collision with another object, another boat, or becoming stuck on the seabed.
How is it conducted?
- The drill begins with the ship’s general alarm to alert all crew members that an emergency response is required.
- All crew report to their emergency stations. Each member has a fixed duty, such as boundary cooling, damage assessment, or communication support.
- A team checks the affected area, looks for cracks, water entry, or structural damage, and reports their findings to the bridge.
- The crew uses pumps, watertight doors, and valves to limit or stop water from entering damaged spaces.
- The engine room and bridge coordinate to stop the ship, adjust power, or manage ballast tanks to stabilise the vessel.
- The bridge maintains contact with all teams, logs actions, and simulates reporting the incident to coastal authorities.
Role of ship insurance in maritime safety and risk management
Ship insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and stability of maritime operations. It protects shipowners from substantial financial losses resulting from accidents, collisions, machinery failures, cargo damage, or natural events at sea.
Marine insurance also supports smooth global trade. In the event of an incident, it helps cover repair costs, compensation claims, and legal liabilities, allowing the ship to return to service more quickly.
Note: This is an indicative list. Please read the policy wordings for the complete list of inclusions/exclusions.
Conclusion
Safe sea voyages depend on more than seaworthy ships; they rely on a well-trained crew. Drills turn action into instinct, ensuring that ships remain safe havens even in the most unpredictable waters. Single transit insurance further strengthens this safety net by covering risks that training alone cannot prevent. Because when emergencies strike, there is no time to think, only time to act.
FAQs
1. What happens during a lifeboat drill?
A lifeboat drill includes gathering at the muster station, checking equipment, lowering the lifeboat, and practising the launch process.
2. What is an anti-piracy drill?
An anti-piracy drill prepares the crew for piracy threats. It includes lockdown steps, lookout duties, communication, safe room use, evasive manoeuvring, and coordination with naval authorities.
3. What is a medical emergency drill?
A medical drill helps the crew practise treating injuries or illnesses at sea. It includes first aid, CPR, stretcher handling, communication with the bridge, and contacting tele-medical services.
4. What is a galley fire drill?
A galley fire drill focuses on responding to fires in the kitchen. It trains crews to shut off equipment, use fire blankets, apply extinguishers, prevent the spread of fire, and follow safe evacuation procedures.
5. What is a blackout drill on ships?
A blackout drill trains crew members to restore power in the event of a sudden electrical failure. It includes starting emergency generators, resetting systems, checking machinery, and ensuring navigation equipment resumes safely.
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