Contributing to the emergency response
- Know your muster station, your duties and the escape routes for each type of emergency.
- Recognise the alarm signals and respond correctly — the general emergency alarm and the fire alarm.
- Know the types of emergency (fire, flooding, collision, person overboard, abandonment) and the basic response to each.
- Take precautions against pollution and know the basics of preventing it during operations.
The muster list gives every person a station and duties for each emergency, and the seafarer must know theirs, the escape routes, and the alarm signals — the general emergency alarm of seven or more short blasts and one long blast, and the ship's fire alarm. Whatever the emergency, the seafarer contributes to the organised response rather than acting alone, and takes care of their own safety by dressing appropriately, following the crew's instructions, and not becoming a casualty. Everyone also has a part in preventing pollution during routine operations such as bunkering.
NOTE — Know your part in every emergency The muster list assigns you a station and duties for fire, flooding, abandonment and other emergencies. Knowing your part, your escape routes and the alarm signals before anything happens is what lets you contribute rather than freeze.
TIP — Contribute to the organised response In an emergency the ship responds as an organised team, not a set of individuals. Respond to the alarm, go to your station, follow instructions, and play your assigned part.