Section 18.3 Emergency Drills and Training: Building Competence and Confidence

Theoretical knowledge of emergency procedures is insufficient; practical, hands-on training through regular and realistic drills is essential to ensure that crew members can respond competently and confidently in a real crisis. Drills transform procedures from paper exercises into ingrained reactions, improving muscle memory, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.

1. Regulatory Requirements (SOLAS, ISM Code, STCW): International regulations mandate various emergency drills. Key requirements include:

SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19 – Emergency training and drills:

Abandon Ship Drill: Each crew member must participate in at least one abandon ship drill and one fire drill every month. If more than 25% of the crew have not participated in abandon ship and fire drills on board that particular ship in the previous month, drills should be held within 24 hours of leaving a port.

Lifeboat Drills: Each lifeboat shall be launched with its assigned operating crew aboard and maneuvered in the water at least once every three months during an abandon ship drill.

Rescue Boat Drills: Rescue boats (other than lifeboats which are also rescue boats) shall be launched each month with their assigned crew aboard and maneuvered in the water.

Enclosed Space Entry and Rescue Drills: Must be held at least every two months.

ISM Code: Requires the company to establish procedures for identifying, describing, and responding to potential emergency shipboard situations. It also emphasizes the importance of training and familiarization.

STCW Convention: Mandates specific emergency preparedness and response training for seafarers as part of their certification.

2. Objectives of Drills:

Familiarization: Ensure crew are familiar with their assigned duties as per the muster list, the location and operation of safety and emergency equipment, and escape routes.

Equipment Proficiency: Provide hands-on practice in using life-saving appliances (LSA), fire-fighting equipment (FFE), damage control equipment, and communication systems.

Procedural Practice: Rehearse emergency procedures outlined in the ship’s Safety Management System (SMS) and emergency plans (e.g., SOPEP, contingency plans).

Teamwork and Coordination: Develop effective teamwork and communication between different emergency parties (e.g., command team, fire parties, first aid party, technical support party).

Identify Weaknesses: Reveal deficiencies in procedures, equipment, or crew understanding, allowing for corrective actions.

Build Confidence: Instill confidence in the crew’s ability to handle emergencies effectively.

Test Equipment: Drills provide an opportunity to test the operational readiness of emergency equipment.

3. Planning and Conducting Effective Drills:

Realistic Scenarios: Drills should simulate realistic emergency conditions as closely as possible. Vary scenarios to cover different types of emergencies (fire in different locations, flooding, abandon ship, man overboard, enclosed space rescue, cargo-specific emergencies).

Clear Objectives: Define specific objectives for each drill. What skills or procedures are being practiced and evaluated?

Pre-Drill Briefing: Conduct a briefing before the drill to explain the scenario, objectives, safety precautions, and roles of participants and observers/evaluators.

Safety First: Safety must be the paramount concern during any drill. Ensure all safety precautions are in place, especially when launching lifeboats or using equipment. A designated safety officer should oversee the drill.

Active Participation: Encourage active participation from all crew members, not just the emergency squads.

Use of Equipment: Whenever safe and practicable, actually operate the equipment (e.g., start emergency fire pump, don SCBA, operate portable extinguishers on a controlled fire if permissible, lower lifeboats to embarkation deck).

Communication Practice: Test internal and external communication procedures and equipment.

Unannounced Drills: Periodically conduct unannounced drills (while ensuring safety) to test the crew’s immediate reaction capabilities.

Vary Locations and Times: Conduct drills in different locations on the ship and at different times (e.g., during darkness, in port – with appropriate permissions) to simulate varied conditions.

4. Specific Drills for Bulk Carriers: In addition to standard drills, bulk carriers should conduct drills tailored to their specific risks:

Cargo Hold Fire Drills: Simulating response to a fire involving common bulk cargoes, including procedures for sealing holds and operating fixed CO2 systems (simulated release).

Liquefaction/Cargo Shift Response Drills: Tabletop exercises or simulated scenarios discussing immediate actions, stability concerns, communication, and decision-making if cargo liquefaction or shift is suspected.

Damage Control Drills for Hull Failure: Given the structural stresses bulk carriers can face, drills focusing on responding to suspected hull cracking or localized flooding in cargo holds or void spaces are important.

Emergency Operation of Hatch Covers: Drills on emergency closing or securing of hatch covers if a sudden squall approaches during cargo operations or if damage is suspected.

5. Post-Drill Debrief and Learning: This is a critical component of the drill process.

Immediate Debrief: Conduct a debriefing session as soon as possible after the drill involving all participants.

Open Discussion: Encourage open and honest feedback. What went well? What were the challenges? What could be improved?

Identify Lessons Learned: Document any deficiencies in performance, procedures, or equipment.

Corrective Actions: Develop and implement corrective actions to address identified shortcomings. This might involve revising procedures, providing additional training, or repairing/replacing equipment.

Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all drills conducted, including the scenario, participants, duration, lessons learned, and corrective actions taken. This is a requirement under SOLAS and the ISM Code.

6. Onboard Training and Familiarization: Beyond formal drills, ongoing training and familiarization are crucial:

New Crew Member Familiarization: All new crew members must receive familiarization training on safety and emergency procedures, their specific duties, and the location and operation of relevant equipment as soon as possible after joining (within 24 hours for essential duties).

Refresher Training: Regular refresher training on the use of LSA, FFE, and emergency procedures.

Equipment-Specific Training: Training on the operation and maintenance of specific emergency equipment (e.g., SCBA, fixed fire-fighting systems, rescue boat davits).

Safety Meetings: Regular safety meetings to discuss recent incidents (industry-wide or company-specific), lessons learned from drills, and any new safety regulations or procedures.

Use of Training Materials: Utilize videos, posters, manuals, and computer-based training (CBT) to supplement practical drills.

7.The Master’s Role in Drills and Training: The Master has overall responsibility for ensuring the crew is adequately trained and drills are effectively conducted. This includes:

Leading by Example: Actively participating in and overseeing drills.

Promoting a Safety Culture: Encouraging a proactive approach to safety and emergency preparedness.

Ensuring Compliance: Verifying that all regulatory requirements for drills and training are met.

Resource Allocation: Ensuring that sufficient time and resources are dedicated to training.

Evaluating Effectiveness: Assessing the effectiveness of drills and training programs and initiating improvements.

By investing in comprehensive and realistic emergency drills and training, a bulk carrier’s crew can significantly enhance their ability to manage crises effectively, thereby safeguarding lives, the vessel, and the marine environment. This preparedness is a cornerstone of a strong safety culture onboard.