When you’re at sea, the unexpected can happen in an instant. Emergencies such as fires, collisions, or sudden flooding demand immediate, coordinated action. In these critical moments, life saving appliances (LSAs) onboard are your best allies. Knowing how to use them correctly can mean the difference between life and death. At Dipti Fire Services, we believe that safety starts with knowledge. Here’s what you need to do in an emergency and how to properly use life saving appliances onboard your ship Immersion Survival Suit.
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### 1. **Stay Calm and Raise the Alarm**
The first step in any emergency is to remain calm and alert your crew. Sound the ship’s general alarm and notify the bridge or officer on duty immediately. Quick communication ensures that everyone can respond efficiently and safely.
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### 2. **Don Your Life Jacket Correctly**
Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat and your head above water. Put it on as soon as an emergency is declared:
– Fasten all straps and secure them snugly.
– Make sure the reflective tape and whistle are visible and accessible.
– Check the light (if equipped) to ensure it is operational.
Properly worn life jackets significantly increase your chances of survival in the water.
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### 3. **Proceed to Muster Stations**
Every crew member must know their assigned muster station and the route to get there. Muster stations are equipped with essential LSAs and are the starting points for organized evacuation.
– Follow illuminated escape routes and posted emergency instructions.
– Take only essential items such as your life jacket and, if instructed, an immersion suit.During an emergency, the chain of command is vital. Listen carefully to instructions from officers and trained crew members. Their guidance will help coordinate the use of LSAs and ensure an orderly evacuation.
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### 4. **Use Lifeboats and Life Rafts Safely**
If abandoning ship becomes necessary, lifeboats and life rafts are your lifelines:
– **Launching Lifeboats:** Follow crew instructions for boarding and launching. Ensure all safety checks are completed, and everyone is seated securely. During an emergency, the chain of command is vital. Listen carefully to instructions from officers and trained crew members. Their guidance will help coordinate the use of LSAs and ensure an orderly evacuation.
– **Boarding Life Rafts:** Step in carefully, don’t jump. Hold onto the grab lines and help others board.
– **Survival Kits:** Familiarize yourself with the contents of the survival kits inside lifeboats and rafts, which include water, food rations, first aid kits, and signaling devices.
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### 5. **Use Distress Signals and Communication Devices**
Effective signaling maximizes your chances of rescue:
– **Pyrotechnics:** Use flares, smoke signals, or rockets as directed to attract attention.
– **EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons):** Activate immediately after abandoning ship to transmit your location to rescuers.
– **Handheld Radios:** Maintain communication with other survivors and rescuers when possible.
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### 6. **Follow Crew and Officer Instructions**
During an emergency, the chain of command is vital. Listen carefully to instructions from officers and trained crew members. Their guidance will help coordinate the use of LSAs and ensure an orderly evacuation.
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### 7. **Stay Together and Conserve Resources**
Once in the lifeboat or raft:
– Stay together to maintain morale and maximize visibility.
– Ration food and water according to the instructions in the survival kit.
– Use thermal blankets, if available, to prevent hypothermia.
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### **Conclusion**
Emergencies at sea are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Regular drills and proper training on the use of life saving appliances are essential. At Dipti Fire Services, we’re dedicated to providing you with reliable LSAs and the knowledge to use them effectively. Remember: preparation saves lives. Take safety seriously, know your equipment, and ensure every crew member is ready to act when it matters most
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Address – 120, Rajiv Industrial Estate, Tokershi Jivraj Rd, Sewree West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400015, India
