Drills

Drills are an integral component of SMS(Safety

Management System).Fire Drill has a great
importance importance on ships safety.It helps the
ships’ crew to understand the basics of fire
prevention and also helps in following ways :-
* It enhances safety consciousness and safety
management skill.
*It prepares the crew to deal efficiently with an
emergency situation that may arise because of
fire.
* It familiarises the all the crew about their
specific duties in case of an emergencies.
*It trains the crew as to how to use the LSA and
LFA equipment.
*It helps the crew to understand to the procedure
to operate a particular fire-fighting system and
precaution that are to be taken before operating
the equipment. For example there are certain
steps need to be carried prior releasing CO2 Total
Flooding System.
* It familiarises the crew about the locations of the
Emergency Escape Routes which should be used in
case of Emergency.
*It improves the rescue capabilities if the crew.
*It Trains the crew about the safety policies of the
company and resent safety Notices or circulars.
It is extremely important that Fire Drill is carried
out in as realistic manner as possible in order to
fulfill the very purpose.
Fire Drills must be carried out at least once in a
month or when 25% of the crew did not attend the
last Drill in case of a Cargo ship.
For Passenger ship - Fire drill must be carried out
prior departure or if not possible then immediately
after departure.
Muster list should be displayed in all auspicious
locations like Bridge,engine room,Crew
accommodation etc.
A clear fire control plan should be properly
displayed in important areas.

The Structure & function of Emergency Response

Teams

The Basic Structure of any emergency team will be

normally as follows :-
(1) The Command Team- Captain
(2) The Emergency Team- C/O or 2/E
(3) The Bask-up or support Team- 2/O
(4) The Technical Team-C/E/O
Functions

(1) Command Team- The command center will be

located on Bridge.The Master is to take the
responsibility for the overall Safety of the ship.All
communications will be performed by this
team ,internal I.e. with other emergency teams
and also external I.e,with company,shore authority
etc.A log must be maintained (very important for
insurance claim),mentioning all the activities with
time and location of the vessel.
(2) The Emergency Team-The Emergency Team
will have the front line job of tackling the
emergency.In general C/O will lead the team if the
emergency is on Deck and 2/E or 1st Engr will lead
the team if it is in Engine Room.The duties of each
member of this team must be detailed and
practised for every emergencies to avoid any
confusion.
(3) The Back-up or Support Team :-Normally 2/O
leads this team.Its main job is to provide first aid
and prepare life boats for lowering .Apart from
this they assist the other teams as directed.
(4) The Technical Team:-This Team is normally lead
by C/E/O
This team will maintain the propulsion and
manoeuvring capability of the ship and all auxiliary
services as far as possible in that particular
emergency condition.
This team will direct to isolate power or stop
ventilation to restrict fire,in case ship needs to
alter her position to minimize wind effect and all
other technical decisions has to be taken by this
Team.