Muster Drill? I don't want to do that.

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In light of the tragic accident that occured yesterday onboard the Costa Concordia, on the coast of Italy, it demonstates the importance of a "muster drill."  The Concordia ran aground, causing the ship to tip and to begin sinking.  Lives had been lost.  It has been rumored that the cruise line did not go through the muster drill exercise prior to impact.

Whether or not you put on a lifejacket, going through the practice of a muster drill is important.  It is amazing how many people attempt to skip out on this very important exercise.   Safety is a major issue when it comes to cruises.

A "muster drill" is an exercise in which all passengers on board cruise ship must participate in.  It is an exercise in what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or something that may jeopardize the welfare of all aboard.

Most cruise lines go through the exercise prior to leaving the port of embarkation (port you are leaving from initially), or shortly thereafter.  Some may put it off until the following day.  For those passengers who do not or were unable to  participate during the first practice, a second drill will be held.

The Exercise:  Upon sounding the alarm of 7 short and 1 long blast of the ship's horn, all passengers are required to go to their stateroom, collect their lifejackets (in most cases), and go to their designated muster station.  The place of designation is posted on the back of the cabin door.  The sign ndicates which deck, what side of the ship, and the exact position you are required to go to.  Crew from the ship are given various responsibilites to help the exercise go as smoothly as possible. 

Once all passengers have checked in with the crew responsible for you and your station, you will be given a demonstration on how to properly put on your lifejacket.  In some cases, you may be asked to put on the lifejacket so that you are familiar with how it should go on and what should be on it (whistle, light, etc.).  They will describe how to hold on to your lifejacket and hold your nose properly in the event it is necessary to jump into the water.  Other instructions may be given.

In The Event of an Emergency:  There are different alarms, or codes for the various types of emergency that can occur on a ship.  The most important is the 7 short and 1 long blast which indicates abandon ship. 

1)  Listen if possible, to the announcements given over the PA system on board the ship.  In extreme emergencies it may not be possible for you to return to your stateroom. 

2)  Quickly (DO NOT run, DO NOT panic) and quietly take the stairs, and avoid the elevators.  Crew will be directing you at each of the stair wells and on every deck level.  They will tell you if you may go to your stateroom or not.

3)  Collect, and put on warm clothing, and take with you any necessary medication only from your stateroom.  DO NOT take your pocketbook or other personal items with you.

3)  Be sure to take your lifejacket with you, unless told to do otherwise.  Be careful that the straps are not dragging on the floor by which you or someone else may trip and fall.

4)  Quickly and quietly go immediately to your designated muster station.  Do not wait on children, or other family members.  You will meet up with them at your station.  Children who are participating in the Kid's/Teens' Clubs will be brought directly to the station.

5)  Upon arrival at your muster station, be sure to check in and be counted with a member of the crew/team responsible for you and your station.

Please note that occurances which require passengers to abandon ship are rare, but they do happen, and it is necessary to be prepared and familiar with what to do in such an event.

Your safety and the welfare of all passengers are of utmost importance. 

Please accept the muster drill as an important event during your cruise and to do so with utmost seriousness and concern.  It does seem intrusive, but hopefully you can recognize the importance of such a drill.  It can save your life!

Our heartfelt sympathy to those who lost their lives on the Costa Concordia, and their family .

Linda Kolanko, ACC

Cruise Planners - Cruise Pros Plus