Fire, Abandon-Ship, and Emergency Drills: Learn, Don’t Just Attend

A drill is useful only when crew understand their role and can identify problems before a real emergency. Attendance alone is not competence. Effective drills connect the muster list, vessel equipment, communication and teamwork under controlled conditions.

Before the drill

Know the vessel’s alarm signals, muster station, escape routes and assigned duties. Read the relevant procedure and locate the personal protective or lifesaving equipment specified for your role. New joiners should receive vessel-specific familiarisation before being expected to perform confidently.

If an instruction is unclear, ask before the drill begins. Guessing in a real alarm is much more dangerous than asking a basic question during preparation.

During the drill

• Treat alarms and roll calls seriously.
• Follow the command structure and procedure.
• Use only equipment you are trained and authorised to use.
• Communicate clearly and confirm important messages.
• Observe access, lighting, signage and equipment condition.
• Never create an uncontrolled hazard merely to make a drill “realistic.”

The exercise should test people and systems without exposing participants to avoidable danger. Any simulation or equipment use must follow the vessel plan and trained supervision.

Questions every crewmember should be able to answer

• What alarm did I hear?
• Where do I report, and by which safe route?
• What is my assigned role?
• Who do I report to?
• What equipment am I expected to bring or check?
• What is the alternative if my primary route or station is unavailable?
• How is accountability confirmed?

The correct answers are vessel-specific.

Debrief for improvement

A good debrief asks what worked, what was unclear and what needs correction. Report faulty equipment, blocked routes, missing signage, communication difficulty or role confusion. Focus on facts and systems rather than embarrassing an individual.

Example: “The instruction at station B could not be heard over machinery noise. Please review the communication method before the next drill.” Track agreed actions and check that they are closed.

Refresher training

Shipboard drills reinforce, but do not replace, required approved training. If you cannot safely perform an assigned task, tell the responsible officer and request familiarisation or instruction.

Authoritative references

• IMO — SOLAS Convention
• IMO — STCW Convention