WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF DRILLS ONBOARD

MARINESHELF publishes articles contributed by seafarers and other marine related sites solely for the benefit of seafarers .All copyright materials are owned by its respective authors or publishers.

   

       Regular fire fighting and life-saving appliance drills must be carried out in accordance with the statutory requirements. The events at such exercises must be recorded in the Official logbook.

      In addition, the Master shall ensure that contingency drills are also carried out for identified emergencies, which are listed below. The drills shall be conducted in accordance with a ship-specific drills plan prepared by the Master. Sample drills planner formats are provided in this manual for guidance.

        All exercises mentioned in this contingency plan shall be carried out at least once in 6 months, and as the Master considers most useful. However no single category shall remain un-exercised for more than 6 months period. Every effort shall be made to combine categories in the spirit of receiving the most benefit from a single exercise. For example collision, hull failure and flooding and being towed could be combined into one drill.

        Each exercise shall be thoroughly debriefed to identify shortfalls and strengths. Significant shortfalls, which affect the readiness of the ship, shall be recorded on board. As a result of such short falls, corrective action as necessary initiated.

   A record of such drills shall be kept on board.

        The purpose of these drills is to:

       Improve awareness of the potential hazards facing personnel and the vessel;

       Increase the standard and speed of response to identified potential emergency situations.

        Performance of crewmembers assigned fire-fighting duties shall be periodically evaluated by conducting onboard training and drills to identify areas in need of improvement, to ensure competency in fire-fighting skills is maintained and to ensure operational readiness of the fire fighting organization.

       The effectiveness of these drills shall be formally reviewed at the on board safety meetings. Any suggested improvements arising from these reviews shall be transmitted to the Designated Person for information or support as soon as is practicable.