The Seafarers’ Charity, a significant funder of maritime safety and welfare initiatives, is celebrating Maritime Safety Week (4-8 July) with the launch of a new safety drill competition and is calling on everyone who works at sea to get involved by practising and improving their crew muster drill.
If you are a Marvel at the essential muster drill on your boat, you can enter the competition by posting a photo or video of your best time for your Muster Drill on your social media accounts with the hashtag #SafetyDrillTime.
Whatever kind of boat you are on, everyone is required to practice the muster drill. The competition is designed to share just how good your crew are at this vital safety drill. By practicing and getting faster, you could save vital seconds in a real emergency at sea and help save lives.
Any kind of maritime vessel including sailing, fishing or commercial shipping and ferries are invited to take part in the competition. See the picture for instructions, practice your drill and record your best attempt with a photo or a video and share your skills on your social media accounts.
The judges will consider speed, technique and style. Winners will receive the 2022 Safety Champions plaque to put in pride of place on your boat as well as some great safety gear from Guy Cotton Clothing (UK entries only) and ExtraTuf Footwear. Fishing News is guaranteeing an extra special prize for fishing crew – your winning crew photo will be featured in their upcoming edition.
The competition opens on 30 June and continues throughout Maritime Safety Week which takes place 4-8 July. You have until midnight on Sunday 10 July to upload your entries. Winners will be announced during the following week.
Make sure you use the #SafetyDrillTime and tag/mention The Seafarers’ Charity to enter:
- Facebook: SeafarersKGFS
- Twitter:Seafarers_KGFS
- Instagram:Seafarers_KGFS
- Linkedin: Seafarers-KGFS
What is a Muster Drill?
A muster drill involves sounding an alarm to everyone on board and this can be by voice. Everyone goes to the muster point on the boat and puts on the appropriate clothing. Depending on your vessel this could be your warm clothing and waterproofs or survival suit and finally put on your abandon ship lifejacket. You should time your drill from the moment of the alarm to the point everyone is at the muster point ready for the emergency, proudly showing a ships life ring with the vessel name visible.
Perhaps you were always great at this drill but please let us know in your post if you have significantly improved your drill times during this competition.
