SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week
Cruise Ship Safety Tips
Last year, The Safetydudette and I had the pleasure of going on a two week cruise with Holland America. Upon our return, I sent out the Safety Tip below on Cruise Ship Safety. With all the press that the Cruise Ship Industry is currently getting, I felt it timely to resend the tip out. People keep asking me if I will ever go on a cruise again. My response is that I just because a horrible accident has occurred, we shouldn't discount the whole industry. After all we still fly and drive. What about all the horrible accidents that occur there.
In my professional career, I have found that some Companies believe in Safety and honour their commitment to the safety of their customers. Unfortunately, at the same time I know of many companies that are just out to make the $$$$ and have little or no regard for the safety of anyone or anything.
I can assure you from our experience that Holland America is committed to their passengers safety. We had the opportunity of meeting with the ships Safety Officer and had a great discussion regarding the comprehensive in depth program they had on board. It impressed me that they were taking immediate action to address the findings of a fire that had recently occurred on another cruise line. While he couldn't provide me with full details of their terrorism plan, I learned enough about the Emergency Procedures to be very comfortable that is was quite extensive. At least on this cruise line, they don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of their passengers.
While on the Ship:
1. Read all of the emergency instructions and procedures provided. Check the back of the cabin door and for printed material provided within the cabin.
2. Know (and practise walk) at least two routes from your cabin to your assigned emergency assembly station. You will be scheduled to have a passenger safety briefing before departure, be in your cabin when the drill begins and use the stairways and passages as directed by the Ship's Crew Members to get to your assigned emergency assembly station.
3. If you are not required to actually put on your lift vest as part of the passenger safety briefing, when you get to your cabin practise putting your life vest on before ship departure. This is a good time to adjust the straps to your body.
4. When the ship is underway, use the handrails along the hall ways and stairs. Particularly when the seas are rough.
5. Outside decks and stairs should be treated as if they are slippery when they are wet. Expect that winds (possibly strong at times) and the motion of the ship will make keeping your footing difficult.
6. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Particularly after using the restrooms and before eating, drinking or smoking. Use the hand sanitizers if provided.
7. Contact the Medical Team if you experience any vomiting or diarrhea.
8. Be extremely careful with any smoking materials. Smoke only in authorized areas. Ensure that smoking materials are extinguished before leaving your stateroom.
9. Treat the Ship as you would a Hotel, know where your Fire Exits are from your cabin, main eating areas, pool areas, etc. in addition what to do in case of Fire. Know the difference between the Fire Alarm and the General Emergency Alarm.
10. If you don't use a bath mat in your tub/shower at home, here is a good time to use one. A slight motion of the Ship may be all all you need to lose your balance.
While on Shore:
1. Be food safety wise while on shore. Check out the visible sanitary conditions of the restaurant before ordering. If in doubt, better not! If there are animals and birds within the eating area, do you really think that the cooking area is treated any differently.
2. Limit the amount of jewelry that you wear while on shore. Don't advertise yourself to thieves as a profitable target.
3. Don't travel alone while on shore. The bigger the group the better.
4. Use the cruise line appointed shore excursion providers. Most cruise lines will wait for you if the excursion runs past the all aboard time if you use their provider.
5. Be careful when handling cash. Don't show large bills, or big wads of cash to anyone. Separate money into numerous "stashes". Have tip money readily available and separate from the large bills.
6. If confronted by a robber, remember that valuables and jewelry can be replaced.
7. When you return to the ship, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if available.
Picture of the Week
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Submitted by Keith Lamson of Operation Safety