Cruise ships are a popular vacation choice for millions of people each year. These ships have state-of-the-art facilities and offer unforgettable experiences.
Unfortunately, accidents at sea can happen, which is where preventative measures like safety drills come in. Why are safety drills necessary on cruise liners?
The importance of safety drills
Safety drills help prepare crew members and passengers for emergencies like fires, collisions and man-overboard incidents. Drills emphasize evacuation procedures so that those on board are familiar and can remain unpanicked should an emergency occur.
Cruise ships are usually packed with people, and mass panic is a safety hazard in itself. Thus, routine drills that prevent panic also save lives.
What should happen during a safety drill?
Safety drills are often called “muster drills”. They should be conducted before the ship sets sail. Drills should include:
- Assigning passengers to specific muster points.
- Instructing passengers on how to fit life jackets properly.
- Information about what different alarms mean.
- Briefings about the ship’s evacuation points.
The idea behind these drills is to familiarize passengers with these protocols so that they remain calm during an emergency. The law on safety drills is largely governed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Both federal and state agencies aim to enforce such conventions.
Accidents on cruise liners are relatively rare, but they do happen. If you have been injured at sea, then compensation could be an option. This can’t undo the accident or injuries, but it can help financially. Seeking legal guidance will help to strengthen your case.