Cruise Lines practicing muster drills without lifejackets

Could we soon be seeing on board muster drills completely free of lifejackets. According to new policies it could well be possible.

The muster drill on board is mandatory and every passenger must attend. It can be exciting for first time cruisers but for those out there with a little more cruising experience it is often nothing more than a chore and something not to be shouted about.

The safety lecture is compulsory but changes may come that will make taking your lifejacket to this drill optional. This will be a relief for those of us who know what it is like to get to and from the muster station whilst avoiding tripping over the lifejacket cords from your own jacket or the persons in front.

Some cruise lines do already have lifeboat drills completely free of lifejackets. One of the cruise industries major players, Royal Caribbean, has started what could become a very popular trend indeed.

Christiaan Van Raalten, director of Maritime Safety and Compliance for Royal Caribbean said “We started with the idea that if guests can proceed directly to their assembly stations without having to go back to their cabins to collect their lifejackets, it would greatly reduce congestion and help guests reach their assembly station much quicker. We also were able to decrease the amount of time it takes to conduct a muster-drill.”

Is this a good thing overall then we ask for the cruise industry and their passengers? Well in some aspects I am sure many people can appreciate the relief of not having to drag the big bulky jacket to the muster drill however being shown how to wear the jacket correctly is part of the exercise.

I am sure no matter what the outcome as a whole the difference will be minimal. Frequent cruisers are more than familiar with how to wear the life jacket correctly and first time cruisers will no doubt try it out once or twice after the drill because of the novelty of being on a ship.

Either way you must ALWAYS attend your safety drills whilst on board regardless of how many times you have cruised.