Candidates most commonly fail here by treating all three drill types as interchangeable — quoting one frequency for everything, or saying 'monthly' without qualification. The examiner wants to see that you know the distinctions, can justify the regulatory basis (the oral examination syllabus underpinned by MSN 1858, which implements SOLAS Chapter III — specifically Regulation III/19 — for non-SOLAS vessels certificated under the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code (REG YC Part A, which superseded LY3) or equivalent), and can speak to what must actually happen during each drill.
The core frequency requirements (as drawn from SOLAS III/19 as implemented via MSN 1858 and the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code)
- Muster and abandon ship drill — at least once a month, per crew member, in accordance with SOLAS III/19 as implemented via MSN 1858 and the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code. Where the vessel trades with a changing crew, a drill must be held within 24 hours of leaving port if more than 25% of the crew have not taken part in a drill on that vessel in the previous month.
- Fire drill — at least once a month, per crew member, in accordance with SOLAS III/19 as implemented via MSN 1858 and the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, and may be combined with the abandon ship drill where practical.
- Additional triggers — drills must also be held before sailing on entry into service, after a major modification, or when a significant proportion of new crew join, in line with SOLAS III/19 as implemented by the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code.
- The drills must be recorded in the Official Log Book (or equivalent vessel log), including the date, time, deficiencies observed, and any corrective action.
What must happen at an abandon ship drill
- Muster at assigned stations per the muster list.
- Donning of lifejackets (and immersion suits where carried).
- Lowering of at least one survival craft — in practice, each liferaft/rescue boat should be rotated.
- Starting the engine of a rescue boat if one is carried.
- Operation of distress signalling equipment — EPIRB, SART, pyrotechnics (demonstration only).
- Checking emergency lighting and battery-powered equipment.
What must happen at a fire drill
- Crew muster and check against muster list.
- Deployment of fire hoses — water confirmed at nozzle.
- Operation of fixed fire-fighting systems (boundary cooling, CO₂ etc.) should be checked but not discharged unless in an actual emergency.
- Checking of breathing apparatus and donning procedure.
- Checking emergency fire pump start and operation.
Muster list
Every vessel must carry a muster list posted in conspicuous positions. It must allocate every crew member and, where applicable, guests/passengers to specific emergency duties. It must be kept current — if crew change, it must be updated before departure.
Practical exam awareness
The examiner will often press on what you actually verify during a drill, not just that it took place. Know that a drill is not complete if equipment is not operated, if attendance is not checked against the muster list, or if deficiencies identified are not logged and rectified. A good candidate ties together the drill, the log entry, and the follow-up maintenance action.