Lifeboat Drills

[MUSIC PLAYING] A lifeboat could be just what the name implies, a lifesaver, but only if the officers and crew have the knowledge and the practice of handling lifeboats safely. In this program, we'll focus on preparing for an effective drill, identifying roles and responsibilities, following step by step procedures, and practicing proven strategies for success. Be especially aware that drills designed to save lives, manning and lowering lifeboats, can in themselves actually be dangerous. In fact, of all the mariners killed in accidents onboard ships, more than 1 in 10 perish during a lifeboat drill. This means thorough preparation, reviewing your procedures, and inspecting equipment. Make sure the crucial release mechanisms and other machinery are in good working order, inspected and certified to IMO standards. Communications are especially important during a lifeboat drill. Make sure you know who's coordinating the drill, and then check all your communications equipment-- radios and other communications devices-- to make sure they're in proper working order. Before you began, review all instructions, procedures, and safety guidelines in your company SMS, safety management system. Name the coordinator in charge of the drill, and test your communications links. Use checklists to help you monitor equipment status, roles, and procedures. Bridge board station Chief [INAUDIBLE] reporting. We have 21 people at the board station. Every crew member who is assigned emergency duties must be familiar with those duties before the voyage even begins. That means training. Aye, this is Pierre on lifeboat number 3, come over. In both the drills we documented, the coordinators took extra pains to quiz each individual on their specific roles and responsibilities. Yes man, what is your duty? Notice that the drill coordinator not only confirms duties with each individual, he asks them to repeat back to him those duties to confirm understanding. That's what you call a close looped communication. When you give some instruction, you need a feedback. You need the person to repeats as to what his understanding is. You're also confirming the ability of the crew members and officers to communicate effectively with each other, especially in the case of an emergency. The official language on board the ship is English. Everybody should know English. Make sure you take care of your personal safety before you ever get in a lifeboat. That means, donning a life jacket, and other personal protective equipment. Your personal protective equipment, PPE, should include a boiler suit, safety helmet, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, and your protection. And most importantly, a life jacket. Life jackets should be snug and tight. Whistles, lights, and other emergency communications devices must be well maintained and tested. An immersion suit is provided for everyone on board a ship with one exception. It's up to the administrator of ships constantly on voyages in warm climates whether or not immersion suits are necessary. There are two common types of lifeboats systems, traditional davit launch systems, and increasingly popular freefall systems. Both use similar procedures, requiring close attention to all safety precautions, and especially the lifeboat release mechanisms and fall preventer devices. There are over 50 different release systems in use, but certain rules apply to most of them. Always check the release hooks and the fall preventer devices or FPDs. Identify your boat operator or pilot, and train him rigorously. Always double check the critical release handles and wenches that actually lower the boats, and always include correct recovery procedures in your drills. You should know your lifeboat equipments. Know the launching procedures probably. Read the instructions prior to anything, because this will save your life Let's now look at six step by step lifeboat drill procedures. Abandon ship and lifeboat drills begin with reporting to a muster station, a count and confirmation of who's there, and a report to the bridge before proceeding. This report also confirms that communications links are open and functioning correctly. In step two, the coordinator checks all personal protective equipment, and confirms the roles and responsibilities assigned to the members of the group. Step three involves checking the lifeboat and launching systems, then preparing them for use. This can include removing any latches or protective barriers, unplugging the power charging system and other couplings, opening the door to the lifeboat, and checking inside the craft for any potentially hazardous loose objects. Safety inspections should already have confirmed that the boat is stocked with provisions and that its onboard safety, navigation, and equipment warning systems are functioning properly. In step four, the pilot or coxswain boards the boat and begins a check of the steering, engine, and release mechanisms. This should include starting the engine and an external check of the propeller and steering systems. Pilots must be aware of back up and fail safe systems in case of malfunction. Once the pilot is satisfied the boat is ship-shape, begin boarding the rest of the crew. Crew members should distribute themselves evenly between port and starboard, front and back, to ensure stability. All members must fasten their seat belts securely and prepare to assume a brace position for launch. The last man in announces a full load, and shuts the door. Your drills may not always include an actual boat launch, but if they do, assume the brace position. Once waterborne, leave the vicinity of the ship as soon as possible. Test onboard systems and steering. You may also test other features, such as the water spray system, used to help extinguish fires and dilute waterborne oil, gas, and other flammable material, and the air support and supply system. When the test is complete, practice recovering the boat and restoring it to a state of readiness. Lifeboat and abandon ship drills are essential to a successful ship safety management program. The SOLAS regulations, safety of life at sea, require that every crew member take part in an abandon ship drill at least once a month. And if there's been a large turnover in crew, the drill must take place within 24 hours of leaving port. Look at each drill as an opportunity to build teamwork, communication, and skills. For greater success, do your homework, use your company's safety management system, and other instruction manuals. Critique your drills when they're done, and log them in your training records faithfully. Build in feedback sessions with all participants. Your aim is to assure continuous improvement, and your continued safety. Use this video for reference in your ongoing training to build knowledge, communication skills, and teamwork. These lifesavers are only effective when used by an attentive, well trained, and well coordinated crew.