Muster Drill and Safety Briefing

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Muster Drill and Safety Briefing

The safety briefing and the muster drill are intended to familiarize guests with the procedures to follow in an emergency. This is not a general template that looks the same on every ship: the announcements, muster stations, and instructions on the ship you are traveling on are what matter. Two things should be distinguished: information about what to do in an emergency, and gathering at the assigned station.

Muster Station and Briefing

The muster station is the designated gathering point for passengers. The safety briefing explains the steps to follow in an emergency. Under SOLAS, passengers newly embarked on voyages where they are expected to remain on board for more than 24 hours must attend a muster before departure or immediately afterward. They receive instructions on how to use life jackets and what to do in an emergency. The specific station and instructions to follow are communicated for each ship. For getting around during everyday life on board, the accessibility of cabins and public areas is also relevant.

Timing and Procedure

The IMO distinguishes this muster from the safety briefing: when new passengers come on board, a briefing is required immediately before or after departure. It is delivered by an announcement or an equivalent means that can reach the passengers. A safety briefing can explain information and procedures; the muster also brings guests to the designated gathering point. The current regulation entered into force on January 1, 2015. The IMO summarizes the requirements for passenger drills.

On board, the crew and safety information indicate which signal applies, where your muster station is, and which instructions to follow there. The station’s location and the route to it vary by ship, so information from a previous trip does not apply. The current briefing and announcements on board are what matter.

Following Onboard Instructions

During the briefing, passengers should pay close attention to the station assigned to them and the steps described. Instructions about life jackets and emergencies relate to the equipment and procedures on the specific ship. In an alarm, follow the current signs, announcements, and crew instructions. The medical care on board provides a point of contact in the event of illness or injury.

Hygiene is also part of protecting health in shared spaces. If you develop symptoms of illness, follow the hygiene and reporting procedures communicated on board.