Shipboard Emergency Procedures

Lifejackets are provided for all personnel. Two can be found in each cabin, and additional lifejackets are located under the starboard settee in the main salon. Individuals should familiarize with the adjustment and the fit of their lifejacket, and with the smoke-inhalation protection device located in their cabin.

Cruise participants should locate and familiarize themselves with the throwing rings, life raft canister, and fire extinguishers. They must also read the Station Bill on the bulkhead of the main salon and the Supplementary Station Bill in their respective cabins to learn their duties and lifeboat positions in the event of emergencies.

A GENERAL EMERGENCY is declared for fires, man-overboard and any situation that may result in abandoning ship. The following procedures are then used:

• The GENERAL EMERGENCY signal ( continuous blasts on the ship's horn and siren for ten or more seconds) will be sounded.
• All persons will don life jackets and meet on the rear deck.
• The Cook/Seaman will be available to direct personnel.
• If necessary, the ABANDON SHIP signal will be given ( six or more short blasts on the ship's horn and siren). Upon this signal, all persons will muster in life vests on the rear deck and then go to their respective lifeboat stations. All hands must assist in the deployment of the lifeboats.

MAN OVERBOARD procedures are as follows:

• Throw a life ring (one with an attached strobe light if at night) toward the person.
• Immediately hail MAN OVERBOARD and pass that information to the bridge.
• If possible, maintain constant visual contact with the victim.
• Muster all hands on rear deck for head count and then assist with lookout and recovery operations.