Lifeboat Drills
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[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.