Ships are generally safe, but sinking is a potential danger. Crews are trained to handle emergencies and passengers should pay attention to safety instructions, locate their lifeboats and wear life jackets properly. In the event of an evacuation, follow crew instructions and stay calm in the lifeboat, which should have supplies and communication devices.
Like airplanes, ships are a primarily safe mode of transportation, and your risk of death aboard a ship is lower than in a motor vehicle. However, there are potential sources of danger on a ship, including the risk of sinking. Most modern ships are designed to float in a wide variety of weather conditions and even after severe damage, but no ship is unsinkable. As a passenger aboard a sinking ship, you will greatly increase your chances of survival by staying calm and following the instructions of the ship’s crew members.
The crew aboard a ship are extensively trained in emergency procedures, including what to do in a situation where the ship appears to be sinking. If a ship appears to be at risk of sinking, a series of crew actions are set in motion, including initiating the evacuation of passengers and alerting emergency rescue services that there is a problem. Modern ships are equipped with lifeboats with the necessary supplies, and the passenger cabins have life jackets for everyone on board the ship as well. If you keep your head in an evacuation situation where you need to abandon a sinking ship, things will probably work out for you.
To maximize your safety aboard a sinking ship, start by paying attention to the safety instructions given at the beginning of the voyage. Every boat is slightly different, so even if you’ve been on a boat before, be sure to listen carefully to what the crew member giving the briefing has to say. During the safety briefing, the crew member will tell you where in the cabin you can find a life jacket and what to do in an emergency situation. You will also be assigned a lifeboat and instructed on how to get to your lifeboat. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the briefing to make sure you know what to do in the event of a sinking, and after the briefing, familiarize yourself with the location of your lifeboat and life jacket.
Make sure you know how to find your lifeboat in low visibility situations, such as those that could be caused by a fire. You can usually also find a safety information card or poster in your cabin – please read it carefully and make sure you understand all safety procedures. You should also try on your life jacket to make sure it fits you properly and you understand how to put it on in an emergency. If the life jacket appears damaged or does not fit properly, request a new one.
If the captain orders the evacuation of a sinking ship, follow the safety procedures outlined in the safety briefing. If a crew member gives you instructions, follow them. Be sure to dress in comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely and wear your life jacket over your clothing. Proceed in a calm and orderly manner to your assigned lifeboat and, if necessary, assist disabled passengers to board the lifeboat. Once you are in the lifeboat with your assigned crew members, follow their orders.
Your lifeboat should contain stocks of food and water, flares, blankets, and communication devices. Most modern lifeboats have homing beacons that can be activated once the lifeboat is submerged in the water, helping emergency services find it. Staying calm and helpful will help keep everyone in the lifeboat relaxed until help arrives.
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