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Cruise ships must fully comply with all pertinent regulations in the country of registry, the U.S. Coast Guard and certification by a Classification Society. Cruise ships must also be in compliance with the International Convention on Safety Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, including the International Maritime Organisation amendments of 1978, 1981 and 1983.

You will find a special emergency procedures card posted in your cabin on the door or wall close to the entrance of your cabin, which will describe the emergency procedures aboard your ship and designates the lifeboat to which you have been assigned. Please ensure that you study this card carefully and actively participate in scheduled drills. If you have any questions, you should contact an officer or reception desk.

A lifeboat drill will take place within 24 hours of embarkation on each cruise and at such other times as considered necessary by the ship’s Captain. Attendance at the Lifeboat Drill is mandatory. Lifeboat drills as a rule will take place just before you depart your port of embarkation.

A ship’s emergency signal consists of seven short followed by one long blast of the ship’s horn and bells internally. Upon hearing this signal, make your way quickly to your cabin and put on some warm clothing, a head covering, good footwear and your lifejacket. Then proceed to your muster station (passenger assembly station). Take with you the medication that you may require, but do not take any other personal belongings with you. Follow directions given by the ship’s crew as they have been thoroughly trained for these situations. The best advise in this type of situation is to remain calm and quiet and follow the instructions of the officers in charge.

There will be lifejackets in your cabin in the closet or under the beds or sofa. You should ensure that your lifejacket fits correctly and that you understand how to fasten it. If you require special size or smaller size for children, you should notify your cabin steward or stewardess. There will also be extra lifejackets stored in lockers at your muster station, if you are unable to return to your cabin in an emergency. If you have any problems or questions about your lifejacket you should notify the reception desk as soon as possible.

A designated area on board a ship, either inside or on deck (this will vary from Cruise Line to Cruise Line), where passengers to instructed to go in the event of an emergency.

You will find the location of your muster station on the Emergency Information Card located in your cabin.

Fire is known to be one of the worst hazards at sea. All passengers should observe all the fire safety rules as outline by the officers of the ship.

With regards to cigarettes and other smoking material, please use the disposal receptacles that are provided throughout the ship. Never throw matches or a cigarette end over or off the side of the ship as they may be drawn back into the ship and cause a fire.

Never smoke in bed

Most cruise lines strictly prohibit the use of candles and irons in your cabin.

If you discover smoke or a fire, you should immediately notify the first crewmember that you see or dial the emergency number and report the location of the fire.

If you see someone fall overboard, immediately throw a lifebuoy into the water to mark the spot and then report the incident to the first crewmember that you see or dial the emergency number and report the incident.

Security

This is a system for safeguarding life, property and the environment at sea. It entails verification against a set of requirements during design, construction and operation of ships. These requirements are based on the accumulated experience from the cruise ship fleet, research and development and almost 140 years of experience. Surveyors are stationed around the world and work with the Cruise Lines to ensure compliance throughout the lifetime of the cruise ship.

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Last Modified: 03/24/06