FTV Boat Drills put Safety First

Today was the first life boat drill on board the TS Kennedy. These drills can come in many forms. Fire and Emergency drills, Man Overboard drills, Abandon ship drills, and Security Breach drills. Each drill has a different audible signal or tone. The cadets wait down in their holds until the alarm with a particular meaning comes over the general alarm PA system. 


Then they muster (attendance) in the location that is assigned to them on their billet (station) cards. Each cadet is assigned to one of 8 lifeboat stations on board the Kennedy. Once the cadets hear the alarm, they grab their life vest and a soft cover (hat) and head up to their boat station. The drills take anywhere from a half hour to an hour and a half. Depending on how efficient we can be when getting accountability.
These drills are done in order to prepare the ship for Coast Guard Inspections. The US coast guard inspects the drills to make sure we are up to code with safety, preparedness, and accountability. 

Keeping sailors safe on their voyages is a important task for those who design emergency equipment.

• Take this virtual  tour to learn more about lifeboats.
• Test your knowledge with this lifeboat online simulation game  
• Do you know what things to take with you when you go sailing? Play the boating safety game and find out what items you need to ensure you are safe at sea!
• The "Rescue Rover" activity explores how rescue devices are designed to aid in emergency situations. Work in teams of "engineers" to design and build a rescue device out of everyday items. 
• This "Life Vest Challenge"  explores how engineers work to solve the challenges of a society, such as creating and improving devices that can help prevent loss of life in water.