ACTION IN EMERGENCIES

ENGINE ROOM FIRE

(A) Scavenge Space Fire
(B) Exhaust Gas Boiler Economizer Fire
(C) Tank Top (Bilges) Fire
INITIAL ACTION: (By Person detecting the Fire)

Time Action
Raise the alarm – Use nearest manual fire alarm in alleyways.
Shout “Fire, Fire”.
Inform bridge / duty officer /duty engineer giving location of fire and his
name.
If the fire is small, attempt to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher.
If the fire is large, close compartment door, all other accesses and wait for
assistance. Do not enter any place where smoke is present, without proper
equipment.

BRIDGE TEAM
Time Action
Sound general Emergency Alarm (Internal and External). Announce
on public address system.
Steer vessel away from traffic, coast or shallow depths prior stopping,
if possible.
Inform ships in the vicinity.
Hoist appropriate “NOT UNDER COMMAND SINGAL”

Liaise with On Scene Coordinator.

Decide quickly if CO2 or other Fixed Fire Fighting System needs to be

released.
Inform AESM after initial action handled

Check location of Dangerous Cargo around engine casing, also check

other cargo.
Send Urgency message, if necessary.
Confirm head count.
Update position on GMDSS console.
Evaluate effect on stability if excessive water is used to extinguish
fire.
DUTY ENGINEER / ENGINE TEAM
Time Action
(as
applicable)
Inform Bridge or Raise fire alarm.
Transfer Main Engine control from Bridge to Engine Control
Room.
Slow down Main Engine.
Stop Engines in consultation with Bridge Team. Activate fuel
trips, emergency stops, etc, as required.
Switch off Engine Room blowers.
Start fire pump.

EMERGENCY TEAM
Time Action

(A) SCAVENGE SPACE FIRE

• Shut Scavenge drains of affected unit.
• Increase cylinder lubrication, cut out unit.
• Cut out unit, change over to Diesel Oil, if necessary.
• Start standby Auxiliary Engine.
• Start Auxiliary boiler.
• Stop fresh water generator.

If large fire:
• Stop Main Engine as soon as bridge confirms it is safe to do
so.
• Engage Turning Gear, open indicator cocks and keep turning
engine with cylinder lubrication manually. Stop Aux. Blowers.
• Shut Turbo-Charger Air outlet valve to scavenge manifold (if
fitted) and / or cover filter elements ensuring no ingress of air
through turbochargers.
• Inject CO2 or dry steam to concerned unit or operate steam
smothering after proper draining.
• Keep portable extinguishers standby near scavenge doors.
• Do not stop lub. oil pump.
• Keep clear of crankcase doors.

(B) EXHAUST GAS BOILER ECONOMIZER FIRE

• Bypass the exhaust Gas from the Economizer, if design
permits.
• Inject water in boiler through water washing fixed nozzle
system and through soot blowers.

CARRY OUT SAME ONLY IF CONSIDERED SAFE AND NO

DANGER OF HYDROGEN FIRE.

• Continue running circulating pump, if possible to confirm

tubes intact.
 • Other personnel to rig up two water spray hoses and start
boundary cooling.
• Exhaust Gas Economizer outer casing to be felt manually to
ascertain that fire has been extinguished. Inspection doors to
be opened with utmost caution.

(C) TANK TOP (BILGES) FIRE

• Use Foam applicator, flood the bilges with all available foam
to put out fire.
• Other member of Emergency team to keep fire hoses and
nozzle ready.

SUPPORT TEAM
Time Shut following:
Blower flaps
Funnel Dampers
Funnel Doors
All Entrances to Engine Room
Look for hot spots all 6 sides

Time Action

(A) SCAVENGE SPACE FIRE

• Help Emergency Team as directed and standby.
• Cover Electrical equipments likely to get damaged by boundary
cooling. (Generally boundary cooling is not necessary in a
scavenge space fire)

(B) EXHAUST GAS BOILER ECONOMIZER (EGE) FIRE

• Remove all combustible material from surrounding area.
• Start bilge pump, cover Main Engine
• Cover filter elements of Turbochargers. Take possible steps to
prevent any ingress of air to EGE through Main Engine Turbo
charger uptakes.
• Cover electrical equipments likely to get damaged by boundary
cooling.

(C) TANK TOP (BILGES ) FIRE

• Start bilge pump and keep additional foam applicator on standby.
• Monitor for hot spots around the fire area

SPECIAL DUTY TEAM

Switch off Engine room blowers or equipment which may be damaged by
water.

MEDICAL TEAM
Bring stretcher, first aid kit to the point of entry or exit used by fire fighters.
Remove casualty to safety and give first aid.
FIRE – INCLUDING CO2 RELEASE

INITIAL ACTION: (By Person detecting the Fire)

Time Action
Raise the alarm – Use nearest manual fire alarm in alleyways.
Shout “Fire, Fire”.
Inform bridge / duty officer /duty engineer giving location of fire and his
name.
If the fire is small, attempt to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher.
If the fire is large, close compartment door, all other accesses and wait for
assistance. Do not enter any place where smoke is present, without proper
equipment.

BRIDGE TEAM :
Time Action
Sound general Emergency Alarm (Internal and External).Announce
location and nature of fire on public address system.
Put Main Engine on standby
Steer vessel away from traffic, coast or shallow depths prior stopping, if
possible
Adjust ships course and speed to minimize wind effect.
Place vessel in most advantageous position with regards to weather and
traffic.
Confirm head count is taken and all accounted for.
Trip accommodation, cargo hold, Engine Room vents / fans, as
appropriate.
Hoist appropriate “NOT UNDER COMMAND SIGNAL”
Liaise with On Scene Coordinator
Decide quickly if CO2 or other Fixed Fire Fighting System needs to be
released.
Check location of Dangerous Cargo around compartment on fire, also
check other cargo.
Send Urgency message, if necessary
Update position on GMDSS console
Note down the time of CO2 release (required for evidence)

DUTY ENGINEER / ENGINE TEAM

Time Action
Transfer Main Engine control from Bridge to Engine Control Room.
Slow down / Stop Engines in consultation with Bridge Team. Activate
fuel trips, emergency stops, etc., as required.
Switch off Engine Room blowers in case of Engine Room Fire.
Check Fire pumps are running
Additionally, keep Emergency Fire pump ready
Start additional generator for power, if necessary
EMERGENCY TEAM

Make quick assessment and verify following (as applicable)

Time
Gravity of the situation?
Any personnel trapped?
Any toxic fumes or vapours present?
Any inflammable substance?
Any dangerous cargo present?
Container on fire?
Action
Any risk of explosion or spread of fire?
Is rescue a problem?
Does it pose a threat?
Can it be removed? or
Will it support spread of fire?
Details from IMDG – Emergency
Schedule. See Note.
Any risk to adjacent boxes

Plan fire fighting based on above results.

Time Action
One Officer and A.B. to don Fire suit, harness and SCBA.
Make entry into compartment with charged hose and nozzle set
to water spray. (Pressure on SCBA checked and logged)
If cargo hold fire confirm with “On Scene Coordinator” whether it is safe
to use water or CO2 should be released.
2nd team to don Fire suit, harness, SCBA and be ready for entry
If necessary 2nd team makes an entry.

Note: Please refer to the guidelines mentioned in the IMDG Code Supplement –
EMS Guide ‘Introduction to the Emergency Schedules for FIRE’ and
‘Introduction to the Emergency Schedules for SPILLAGE’.

SUPPORT TEAM:
Time Action
Shut all ventilators, doors, openings, booby hatches etc. Advise bridge
which ventilators have been closed.
Prepare as back up team and be ready with Fireman suit and SCBA to
make entry if necessary, to assist Emergency team.
Assist as required

Additionally:
Engine Room Fire Cargo Spaces Fire
Shut all blower flaps, funnel Shut all vent flaps
dampers, funnel doors and
entrances to Engine
Start Emergency fire pump Place canvas covers, if available,
over vent openings and wet them at
frequent intervals. If smoke is seen
coming out from around the hatch,
seal the area with duct seal, sealing
tape or cement .
Shut the fire line isolating valves Oil tanks adjacent to cargo holds
on fire shall not be drained. Drained
tanks are quickly heated up and will
thus represent an explosion
hazard. Filled tanks are slowly
 heated and are less likely to ignite.
All emergency exits from Engine Check for hot spots
room to be shut

Check for hot spots on all sides Flooding tanks adjacent to cargo
hold on fire with seawater can
efficiently cool down essential
structures.
Adjacent containers to any
container on fire should be
continuously sprayed with copious
quantity of water to prevent spread
of fire.
Any smoke emitting from Engine Room or hold will give an indication that some opening is
still left open.

SPECIAL DUTY TEAM

Action
Shut all electrical power to the compartment or area on Fire
On Scene Coordinator:
• Monitor fire fighter’s progress and update Bridge team
• Maintain communication between all the teams.
Advise Emergency and other Teams at the Scene of Emergency as
required.

Additionally:
Engine Room Fire Cargo Space Fire
Start Emergency Generator and take Cut off electrical supply to the
it on load cargo space, mechanical
ventilators.

Isolate all electrical circuits from

emergency switch board to Engine
Room

MEDICAL TEAM:
Bring stretcher, First aid kit to the point of entry or exit used by fire fighters.
Remove casualty to safety and give First aid.
Assist as required.
ABANDONING SHIP

BRIDGE TEAM
Time Action
Sound General Emergency Alarm (Internal & External)
Announce “Abandon Ship” on Public Address system.(By Master).
Send distress message on all frequencies and by all available means.
Distress message should include position, nature of emergency and
weather condition (time permitting).
STOP all Machinery.
If possible, following items should be taken to the lifeboat.
• Charts & Navigation instruments.
• Sextant
• Nautical tables
• Ruler, pencils, dividers
• Chronometer
• Ships Log Book
• Crew Documents
• If time permits, inform AESM as per emergency reporting format.

EMERGENCY TEAM
Action
Muster at respective Lifeboat Station & Complete Head count.
Mount rescue operation if anyone is missing.
Carry following equipments to the lifeboats:
• EPIRB
• SART
• GMDSS Walkie Talkies with lithium and other spare batteries
• Aldis Lamp with battery
• Ship’s distress signals
• Line throwing equipment
• Torches and spare batteries

SUPPORT TEAM
Action
Close all water tight doors, hatches
Prepare lifeboats and liferafts for launching

ENGINE TEAM
Action
Stop all machinery
Close all doors, entrances, sky lights and other opening to Engine Room
Report at respective Lifeboat
MEDICAL TEAM
Action
Bring extra provision and fresh water to the Lifeboats
Bring extra blankets to the Lifeboats
 COLLISION

BRIDGE TEAM
Time Action
Raise General Emergency Alarm (Internal / External). If possible
announce on public address system.
Inform Master.
Inform the traffic in vicinity on VHF Channel 16 / DSC
Check Angle of Contact.
Switch on deck lighting & display appropriate nav. lights / shapes.
Ascertain extent of damages.
Check for Pollution around the vessel.
Initiate damage control measures.
Update Vessel’s position to radio room / GMDSS Console/ Send
Urgency Message.
Download and back up data from vessels VDR / S-VDR
* NOTE DOWN THE FOLLOWING:
Time of Collision.
Own vessel’s course & speed at the time of collision.
Own vessel’s position at the time of collision
* Mark Course Recorder trace for actual time of collision.
* Mark Engine Data logger with date & time of collision.
* Note other Vessels details & serve notice to Master. Inform AESM.
If own vessel is not in an immediate danger of sinking, offer to render /
render assistance to other vessel.

* Required for evidence

ENGINE TEAM

Action
Prepare engines as required by bridge.
Check condition of Machinery & hull damage in E/R.
Check Propeller / Rudder / Steering for damage.
Prepare pumps to pump out sea water from E/R or cargo spaces.
Inspect Piping / Valves / Equipment for any ingress of water. Shut valves
if required.
EMERGENCY TEAM

Action
Check for hull or any structural damage
Sound all hold bilges, void spaces, cargo tanks including ballast & fuel
oil tanks to check ingress of water. Positive air pressure from any
sounding pipe will indicate breach of that compartment.
Check extent of damage and ascertain rate of flooding (tons / second)
by following formula: 3 x Area of hole in sq m x Sq. root of (depth of
hole in metres below sea level.). =3A√h
If area of hole is halved then rate of flooding will also be halved.
Therefore any makeshift plugging is better than nothing
Start pumping out immediately to list / trim the vessel to bring the hole
above water line.
Transfer liquid cargo to minimize pollution.

SUPPORT TEAM

Action

Close all water tight doors and fire doors. Check all compartments are shut.
Check for Fire & prepare all fire fighting Equipment. Refer appropriate section
emergency response for “Fire”
Prepare lifeboats/ life rafts for launching.
Remove anchor lashings.

MEDICAL TEAM

Action
Bring Stretcher & first aid kit to the Emergency headquarters.
Assist in preparation of Life boat launching.
 GROUNDING/ STRANDING

BRIDGE TEAM

Time Action
Stop Main Engines.
Sound General Emergency Alarm (Internal & External)
Call Master.
Inform Engine Room to change to high sea suction & check for
damages.
Display appropriate Lights & Shapes as per Colregs.
Make appropriate sound signals.
Switch On deck lighting.
Send Urgency Message & inform nearest coast State.
Inform the traffic around on VHF Channel 16.
AIS - Change Status (Nature of emergency)/ Send safety broadcast
Check for Pollution around the vessel.
Initiate damage control measures
Check for Timing of High tide & Range. Check direction of current.
Consider if vessel can be lightened by pumping out any Ballast / FW or
in extreme cases Cargo.
Consider possibility to change trim by internal transfer.
Use Engines to refloat after assessing the situation as per reports from
other teams. Avoid too many astern movements especially if the nature
of bottom is such that, the ship is likely to dig in deeper into the seabed.
Preferably wait for high tide.
Update Vessel’s position to GMDSS Console
* Note down
• Time of grounding
• Vessel’s course & speed at the time of grounding
• Vessel’s position at the time of grounding
* Check Echo sounder sounding Fore & aft. Compare with charted
sounding.
* Mark
• Course recorder Trace for actual time of grounding
• Engine data logger with data & time of grounding
Keep a record of Time, Name of Party contacted. How contacted (Tlx /
Fax / Tel) & brief details of all communication.

* Required for evidence

ENGINE TEAM

Action
Check condition of Machinery & hull damage in E/R.
Change over to High sea suction.
Check Tail shaft for Oil Loss.
Check Propeller / Rudder / steering for damage.
Prepare pumps to pump sea water from E/R or Holds.
Inspect Piping / Valves / Equipment for any ingress of water. Shut
valves as required.
Turn M/E on turning gear & hammer test foundation bolts.
EMERGENCY TEAM

Action
Check for Hull damage.
* Sound all hold bilges, void spaces, cargo tanks including ballast & fuel
oil tanks to check ingress of water. Positive air pressure from any
sounding pipe will indicate breach of that compartment.
* Take overside sounding all around the vessel by the hand lead line.
Note down height of tide.
* Check Draft Fore & Aft. after the grounding. Check draft at regular
intervals.
Check actual sea bottom condition.
Inform distribution of cargo weights to Bridge.
Inform original and current Ballast / FW distribution to Bridge.
Inform original and current Bunker distribution on Bridge.
Check for any movement / loss of cargo or any damage.

*Required for evidence

SUPPORT TEAM

Action
Close all water tight doors. Check all compartments are shut.
Check for “Fire” and prepare all fire fighting Equipment.
Remove anchor lashings.
Prepare lifeboats for launching.

MEDICAL TEAM

Action
Bring stretcher & first aid kit to the Emergency headquarters.
Assist in preparation of Lifeboat launching.
FLOODING/ STRUCTURAL FAILURE

BRIDGE TEAM

Time Action
Sound General Emergency Alarm (Internal & External)
Inform Master
Announce on Public Address system (Nature & location of Emergency)
Update Vessel’s position to radio room / GMDSS Console
Alter course / reduce speed to reduce pressure on the bilged
(damaged) compartment
Check for pollution. (Activate plan as per
SOPEP/SMPEP/VRP/State Plan/National Plan if required)
Initiate damage control measures
Send Urgency message.
Keep a record of Time, Name of Party contacted, How contacted (Tlx /
Fax / Tel) & brief details of all communication
Consider diversion to Port of Refuge.
If vessel is flooding very fast, consider voluntary beaching.
On bulk carriers, especially cape size bulk carriers with heavy
cargo in alternate holds, evaluate the risk of bulkhead collapse if
the flooding rate is higher than rate of pumping out.

EMERGENCY TEAM

Action
Mount rescue operation if anyone is trapped in the bilged compartment.
Sound all hold bilges, tanks including ballast & fuel oil tanks to check
ingress of water. Positive air pressure from any sounding pipe will
indicate breach of that compartment.
Check extent of damage and ascertain rate of flooding (Tonnes /
second ) by following formula: 3 x Area of hole in sq m x Sq. root of
(depth of hole in metres below sea level.)
If area of hole is halved then rate of flooding will also be halved
therefore any makeshift plugging is better than nothing.
Start pumping out the bilged compartment. Use all available
portable pumps
Shoring of bulkheads to be started immediately.
Consider transfer of weights distribution onboard to list / trim the
vessel to bring the hole above water line. Reduction in head will
reduce rate of flooding.
If fracture hole is in way of bunker tank or cargo oil tank then try to
transfer the bunkers / oil to another tank to mitigate pollution.
ENGINE TEAM

Action
Prepare engines as required by bridge
Check for hull damage in E/R
Use pumps to pump out sea water from Engine Room or cargo spaces
Inspect Piping / Valves / equipment’s for any ingress of water. Shut
valves if required.

SUPPORT TEAM

Action
Close all water tight doors and fire doors. Check all compartments
shut.
Check for any Fire & prepare all fire fighting Equipment
Prepare lifeboats/ Life rafts for launching
Remove anchor lashings

MEDICAL TEAM

Action
Bring Stretcher & first aid kit to the Emergency head quarters
Assist in preparation of Life boat launching
 STEERING FAILURE

BRIDGE TEAM

Time Action
Sound General Emergency Alarm
Inform Master and Engine room
Switch over to Hand Steering, if no response then switch over to Non-Follow Up system
If still no response, Stop / Slow down Main Engines. Use Emergency Stop if vessel
is in imminent danger (e.g. Grounding / Collision)
In case of any immediate danger of Collision / grounding: Sound Emergency Alarm. (Refer
appropriate section in this manual on collision / grounding)
Send deck officer and helmsman to steering flat. (Master may send OOW, if required ).
Ask Engine Team or Emergency Team whoever is available quickly to change over to local
Emergency Steering in steering room.
Establish communication with Emergency Steering gear compartment.
Display NOT UNDER COMMAND Signals.
Warn Traffic around the vessel on VHF Channel 16 or by using ship’s whistle / aldis lamp.
Broadcast the warning at regular intervals. (Safety Messages on VHF/DSC)
Update ships position in GMDSS console
AIS - Change Status (Nature of emergency)/ Send safety broadcast
Broadcast Urgency message to ships in the vicinity, if appropriate

ENGINE TEAM

Action
Inform Chief Engineer
* Change over to Emergency steering control
Man the Emergency Steering flat, establish communication with bridge
Prepare engines as required by Bridge.
Isolate the system as per maker’s instructions.

EMERGENCY TEAM

Action
Man the emergency steering flat and establish communication from bridge
*Change over to Emergency steering controls
Remove anchor lashings and prepare to use the anchors.

* Whosoever reaches steering flat first.

OTHER TEAMS TO ASSIST AS REQUIRED

 MAIN ENGINE/ POWER FAILURE

BRIDGE TEAM

Time Action
Inform Master and Engine Room
In case of Main Engines failure or slow down, inform Engine Control Room to bypass
safeties, if possible.
Change over to hand steering and steer away from immediate danger / traffic lane.
In case of an immediate danger of Collision / grounding: Sound General Emergency Alarm.
Display NOT UNDER COMMAND Signals
Warn Traffic around the vessel on VHF Channel 16 or by using ship’s whistle / aldis lamp.
Broadcast the warning at regular intervals.
Provide extra lookouts as necessary.
AIS - Change Status(Nature of emergency)/ Send safety broadcast
If in shallow waters or moving towards danger, call Anchor Stations. Do not hesitate
to let go both anchors to prevent running aground.
If vessel is going to stop, manoeuvre the vessel to take wind / sea on such a side that the
drift will be away from the danger.
Update ship’s position to GMDSS Console.
Broadcast Urgency message to ships in the vicinity, if appropriate

ENGINE TEAM

Action
• Call Chief Engineer
• Locate the fault and inform bridge approximate repair time
• Stop fresh water generator
• Start auxiliary boiler

Main Engine Failure Power Failure

Time Action Time Action
• Adjust jacket cooling water • If standby power has not come on
temperature and/or is not on load, then start it
• Engage turning gear manually
• Open indicator cocks • Confirm sequential start of all
• Turn engine on turning gear essential machinery
• Confirm all cooling water lines and
fuel lines to generators are in order

EMERGENCY TEAM

Action
Remove anchor lashings and keep them ready for letting go.
Close all water tight doors and fire doors. Check all compartments shut.
Check Stores and lashings, if vessel is likely to roll in bad weather when stopped
Provide torches / batteries

OTHER TEAMS TO ASSIST AS REQUIRED

RESCUE FROM HOLD/ TANK/ ENGINE ROOM

General Instruction:
If any person has collapsed or fallen in an enclosed space, no attempt should be made
by the person stationed at the entrance to rescue the injured. He should raise alarm and
inform Bridge, giving his name and location of incident to the Duty Officer.

Rescue from holds and tanks should not be carried out without wearing Self Contained
Breathing Apparatus.
Prior entering the space rescuers should first ensure that they are not themselves at risk.
Rescue team should try to reach the victim within 4 minutes of victim losing
consciousness, otherwise victim may have brain damage.
Ensure most experienced person(s) on board provide medical care to the injured.

Initial Action
BRIDGE TEAM

Time
(as Action Taken
applicable)
Sound Emergency Alarm (Internal & External)
Announce on Public Address system (Nature & location of Emergency)
Inform Master
Prepare for radio medical advice

EMERGENCY TEAM

Time
(as Action Taken
applicable)
At least 2 persons working as a team will be required to rescue the victim
Chief Officer or 2nd Engineer to don “Self-contained Breathing Apparatus”
(SCBA) (Note down pressure)
Bosun or Fitter to don SCBA. (Note down pressure)
Oiler or AB to don SCBA. (Note down pressure)
Rescue team to enter the space with harness, safety line, SCBA / ELSA /
oxygen resuscitator for the victim
Administer air or oxygen to the victim as soon as possible.
MEDICAL TEAM

Time
(as Action Taken
applicable)
Bring Stretcher and first aid kit to Emergency Team
Bring Oxygen resuscitator kit to the Emergency Team
Help Emergency Team to remove victim to a safe place
Bring warm clothing if necessary

ENGINE TEAM

Time
(as Action Taken
applicable)
Muster in control room and inform bridge
Assist as required

SPECIAL TEAM

Time
(as Action Taken
applicable)
E/O to ensure that lighting and ventilation to the effected area are
operational
E/O to provide additional ventilation / lights as required

SUPPORT TEAM

Time
(as Action Taken
applicable)
Bring rescue rig equipments consisting of ropes, tackles, harness etc. to
entrance of the compartment.
Bring ELSA to the effected area.
Make arrangement for additional ventilation to the effected area.
Prepare for evacuation by helicopter, if applicable

Follow Up Action

a) Consider deviating to nearest port of refuge (refer appropriate section for details)
b) If at anchorage or in port call an ambulance.
c) Consider seeking helicopter assistance to land casualty ashore
d) Monitor casualty’s condition continuously.
e) If casualty has been exposed to a hazardous Chemical, he should be given rest
and observed for at least 24 hrs.
 MAN OVERBOARD

General Instruction
The action to be taken will be similar whether a person has fallen overboard from own ship or is
seen in water.

Anyone seeing a person in the water shall immediately throw a life buoy, raise the alarm and keep
“Man Overboard” in sight.

Initial Action

BRIDGE TEAM

Time Action
Release bridge MOB markers, regardless of whether other buoys have
been released or not. (Two or more buoys give an approximate bearing
towards the casualty)
If MOB facility is available on electronic equipment such as GPS or ECDIS
then activate the MOB Command. This will assist in returning accurately to
the same spot.
Take immediate avoiding action to prevent the person from getting injured
by the ships propeller
Note the time & position of man falling overboard (as this gives an estimate
of distance travelled by vessel after the accident)
Sound general emergency alarm. (Internal & External)
Announce on Public Address system (Man overboard & the side, if known)
Inform Master.
Commence the Williamson turn or the shortest turn towards the side where
man has fallen overboard, depending on prevailing traffic and weather
conditions.
Ring Standby Engines. Vessel should be on manoeuvring speed and
ready to launch boat on completion of the turn.
Sound three prolonged blast on the ships whistle to warn other vessel’s in
the vicinity
Post extra lookout with binoculars to keep a close watch for the man
overboard.
Hoist Signal Flag ‘O’
Plot position of the vessel with respect to casualty
Broadcast MAN OVERBOARD warning on VHF Channel 16 / D.S.C to
other vessels and other Rescue coordination centers, as required
EMERGENCY TEAM

Action
Muster at emergency head quarters & complete head count.
Chief Officer / 2nd Officer to prepare the rescue boat immediately
In cold climate rescue boat crew must wear immersion suit otherwise
lifejackets must be worn.
Rescue boat crew must take spare life jacket and blankets for the victim.
Oxygen resuscitator should also be carried
Radio communication between the rescue boat and vessel must be
maintained as at sea level rescue boat crew may not be able to see the
casualty.
Rescue boat must be launched as soon as vessel is near the MOB
position
Rig the pilot ladder or nets as appropriate to assist in recovery
Download and back up data from vessels VDR / S – VDR.

ENGINE TEAM

Action
Muster in control room and inform bridge
Prepare engines for immediate maneuver, as required by bridge
Assist as required.

OTHER TEAM TO STAND BY OR ASSIST AS REQUIRED

 SEARCH AND RESCUE

NOTE: Master is to comply with such request provided there is no danger to own ship’s
crew and cargo, and vessel is within reasonable and practical distance from the
search area, and in conformance with SOLAS Ch. 5, Regulation 10.
Master to report fully to AESM/ owners and charterers and make proper entry in
ship logs. For every distress message, if Master is not responding, a log entry
stating the reasons for not responding must be entered.
NOTE: The procedures laid down in IMO publication, “IAMSAR Manual Vol. III are to be
followed.

01 If Distress Message received, plot position & try to obtain bearing(Course

to Steer)
02 Acknowledge receipt of Distress Message and retransmit.
03 Attempt to establish communication with vessel in distress.
04 Continuous listening watch on all distress frequencies maintained.
05 If own vessel first at scene it may be designated as CSS. [ Co-ordinator
Surface Search.]
Own vessel may also be designated as OSC. [ On Scene Commander. ]
If CSS and OSC already established, then full co-operation to be given, as
possible.
06 Communications between other surface units and SAR aircraft on 2182
KHz and / or VHF channel 16 to be established as available in the
circumstances.
07 Position, course and speed of other assisting units plotted. Pattern of
search agreed.
08 Good Lookout to be maintained visually and by Radar for locating
distressed vessel and / or survival craft. Keep X Band Radar on, for SART
signals.
09 Rescue lifeboat and rescue team ready. In cold climate full rescue boat
crew must wear immersion suit otherwise lifejackets must be worn. Rescue
Boat crew must take spare immersion suits / lifejackets and blankets for the
victims. Rig Nets, ladders, Cranes etc. to pickup survivors. (Consult
IAMSAR).
10 Stop the ship when in close vicinity of Survivors / Survival craft taking set
and drift into account and make a good lee for launching the rescue boat.
Maintain Radio communication between the rescue boat and vessel.
Switch on all Deck Lights.
11 All personnel onboard to be informed of rescue operations, and vessel
prepared for rescuing and reception of survivors. Prepare accommodation
and provisions for additional people.
12 A strict record of all pertinent timings to be kept.
13 Download and backup data from vessels VDR / S - VDR