Cruise ship drill requirements

Further SOLAS amendments entering into force address enclosed-space entry and rescue drills and the code for recognised organisations.

The amended regulation III/19 in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea was adopted in 2013 in the wake of the Costa Concordia incident to ensure that passengers undergo safety drills before the ship departs or immediately on departure. Previously, the requirement was for the muster of passengers to take place within 24 hours of their embarkation.

An amendment to SOLAS regulation III/19 on emergency training and drills makes mandatory the carrying out of enclosed-space entry and rescue drills requiring crew members to participate in an enclosed-space entry and rescue drill at least once every two months.

The aim of the amendments is to try and reduce the fatalities which might occur if crew enter enclosed spaces without adequate training or protection.