Clasification Society Rulefinder 2020 - Version 9.33 - Fix
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.1052(27) – Procedures for Port State Control, 2011 – (Adopted on 30 November 2011) - Annex – Procedures for Port State Control, 2011 - Appendix 7 – Guidelines for Control of Operational Requirements - 5 Fire and abandon ship drills

5 Fire and abandon ship drills

  5.1 The PSCO witnessing a fire and abandon ship drill should ensure that the crew members are familiar with their duties and the proper use of the ship's installations and equipment.

  5.2 When setting a drill scenario, witnessing the drill and finally assessing the standard of the drill, it is important to emphasize that the PSCO is not looking for an exceptional drill, particularly on cargo ships. The main points for the PSCO to be satisfied are:

  • .1 In the event of a shipboard emergency can the crew organize themselves into an effective team to tackle the emergency?

  • .2 Can the crew communicate effectively?

  • .3 Is the master in control and is information flowing to/from the command centre? and

  • .4 In the event of the situation getting out of hand can the crew safely abandon the ship?

  5.3 It is important that when setting the scenario the PSCO clearly explains to the master exactly what is required and expected during the drill, bearing in mind there may be language difficulties. PSCOs should not be intimidating, not interfere during the drill nor offer advice. The PSCO should stand back and observe only, making appropriate notes. It is important to emphasize that the PSCO's role is not to teach or train but to witness.

  5.4 Drills should be carried out at a safe speed. PSCOs should not expect to see operational drills conducted in real time. During drills, care should be taken to ensure that everybody familiarizes themselves with their duties and with the equipment. If necessary, drills should be stopped if the PSCO considers that the crew are carrying out unsafe practices or if there is a real emergency.

  5.5 Language difficulty between the PSCO and non-English speaking crews can make it difficult to put across the intentions for the conduct of the exercise. Care needs to be exercised when an unsatisfactory drill takes place, this is to ensure differentiation between the crew possibly failing to understand the attending PSCO's intention and failure through lack of crew competence.

Parent topic: Appendix 7 – Guidelines for Control of Operational Requirements
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