Section 3 Compulsory Safety and Shipboard Familiarization
Section 3 Compulsory Safety and Shipboard Familiarization
Before being assigned to shipboard duties all seafarers must receive basic safety familiarization to know what to do in an emergency. The master or a responsible officer on each ship should sign and date below to signify that the cadet has received training or instruction to be able to carry out the following tasks or duties.
As a Deck Cadet, one of your first and most crucial responsibilities upon joining a vessel is to undergo Compulsory Safety and Shipboard Familiarization. This process ensures that you gain a clear understanding of the ship’s safety procedures, emergency protocols, and daily operations, allowing you to work safely and efficiently in a maritime environment.
The familiarization process is mandated by the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention. It is essential for ensuring that all crew members, regardless of their rank or experience, can respond effectively to emergencies, understand their assigned duties, and comply with safety regulations onboard.
By completing this training, a cadet will:
Understand Emergency Procedures – Learn the location and operation of lifesaving and firefighting equipment, muster stations, and emergency escape routes.
Identify Safety Equipment and Their Uses – Become familiar with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), lifeboats, life rafts, fire extinguishers, and other critical equipment.
Know the Layout of the Ship – Familiarize with different areas such as the deck, engine room, accommodation, and restricted spaces.
Learn About Watchkeeping and Shipboard Routines – Understand the responsibilities during different watch schedules and operational procedures.
Follow Safe Working Practices – Adhere to risk assessment protocols, enclosed space entry procedures, and permit-to-work systems.
Recognize Security Measures – Gain awareness of ship security levels and how to identify potential security threats onboard.
Muster List & Emergency Response Duties: Understanding your role in fire drills, abandon ship drills, and man-overboard situations.
Firefighting Equipment Locations & Usage: Learning about different types of fire extinguishers, hoses, and fire alarms.
Lifesaving Equipment Familiarization: Understanding how to don a lifejacket, enter a lifeboat, and use a lifebuoy.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Knowing what PPE is required for different tasks and work areas.
Communication Systems: Understanding how to use internal communication systems, alarms, and emergency signals.
Shipboard Security Awareness: Learning about ISPS Code regulations, access control, and security threats at sea.
Workplace Safety & Hazard Awareness: Identifying potential hazards, slip and trip risks, and safety signage.
A well-trained and safety-conscious cadet is a valuable asset to any ship. Safety familiarization is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a lifesaving process that ensures you can protect yourself, your crew members, and the vessel from hazards. By taking this training seriously, you contribute to a culture of safety, efficiency, and professionalism onboard.
Remember: Safety at sea starts with awareness and preparation. Stay vigilant, ask questions, and always follow best practices to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and the crew.