What's the point of those lifeboat drills and how do I know when they are?

Show all answers

Tom

The drill is required under international law. Usually held prior to departure, but we've had them done on the first day after departure. Always announced in advance over the intercom and time is usually in the ship newsletter. Or just ask any crew member...

The seven short blasts followed by one long blast is the emergency signal. Don't worry if you can't remember; the ship's staff will be there to remind you. They also check cabins during the drill.

Tip: No elevators operate after it starts. So, get your life jacket and find the general area of the muster station a few minutes early. Location of muster station is generally identified on inside of the cabin door.

Lew

It is the law that every cruise ship leaving on a cruise must do a lifeboat drill within 24 hours and the point is to make sure that every passenger and crew member knows where their muster station is, in case of an emergency.
If it is an exercise, it will be announced over the tannoy / loudspeakers that it is "Muster Drill in 30 minutes", "Muster Drill in 5 minutes" then, 7 short rings and one long ring on the alarm bells.
If it is a real emergency, the will use the alarm ships bells and the ships siren, without any warning. If there is time they will announce "All Passengers to Muster Stations" after the alarm.
They will only use the Lifeboat Muster Alarm for the drill, if you hear it again on your cruise, it's the real thing.

Penny B

the lifeboat drill is ONLY one time. the first day right before the cruise leaves. If it were a true emergency, it would be announced into the cabins as well as hallways.

Like when we were on a few weeks ago, and had to make an emergency stop in Puerto Rica, the announcement went into the cabins, which is unusual.

The announcement went into the cabins so people would know that we were going to be speeding up, and turning. A crew member had appendisitis. The cruise director said "we are sorry to bother you and especially in your cabins, but....."

Tivogal

cruiselines must do that lifeboat drill the first day of the sailing.
have a nice day
(cc)

Mary L

The point of lifeboat drills is to make sure everybody knows where his muster station is in the event of an emergency, and to check to be sure that each person knows where his life jacket is in his cabin and how to put it on properly. (The crew members check everybody, and are very helpful in case you have any problems or are confused about how to wear it properly.) Drills are held at the day of embarkation, almost always shortly before the ship leaves port. Drills are required by international law. You will notice when you get on board that the horns announcing the drill sound in the cabins in addition to the hallways and open decks. Non-emergency announcements are not sounded inside the cabins. As to when you know a drill is going to be held, just remember it's the day you get on board and before the ship leaves port. The crew members will probably be reminding people, too. Oh -- and don't try to skip participating in the drill! They send crew members to check all the cabins, and they take roll, too! You don't have a choice on this.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: