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Gard Guidance Masters

2.7.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING

Training and drills are an essential part of developing and continuously maintaining emergency preparedness and the growth of a safety culture rather than mere complying with regulations, such as mandatorily required under section 8 of the ISM Code.

Training and drills involve familiarisation with emergencies and procedures, so that when the safety or security of persons, property and/or the maritime environment is at risk, the situation is managed in the best possible way. Training and drills also include familiarisation with, and awareness of, applicable rules and regulations. In a real emergency, when chaos threatens, people often become afraid. Experience shows that people who regularly train and exercise in safety drills

are less frightened

do not panic

respond in a controlled manner

do exactly what they have been trained to do

handle the situation much better than before the training.

The Master should not forget that if he/she requires his/her crew to respond in a real emergency he/she must be prepared. He/she should bear in mind that

there is no substitute for training and drills

everybody on board should be familiar with the procedures to be followed in an emergency

the individual emergency procedures need to be followed

a well trained crew and their experience of and ability to manage emergencies will prove invaluable should it be needed.

The Master should

strictly adhere to the frequency of lifeboat, abandon ship, fire, ship security and other drills as prescribed by international laws and conventions

use every opportunity to improve the routines of such drills

conduct training as frequently as possible

ensure that everybody attend any training provided

have the training conducted and supervised by experienced officers, to show commitment from the highest level.

All of the above should be followed up with a debriefing session where important lessons can be learnt and corrective action prescribed.

Training and drills should be

as realistic as possible to minimise fear in a real emergency situation

carried out wearing full emergency equipment, whenever possible, to familiarise the crew with such equipment

recorded in writing in the appropriate log book.

2.7 Training and drills