Means Of Embarkation And Escape

Question 1

Accessibility

Answer 1

• Ensure all emergency exit openings/hatches/doors are clear of obstacles and are maintained in a safe condition. If the emergency exit is coming from a restricted space, ensure an access is provided to allow an individual to open the door from the inside, while maintaining security access control from the exposed deck.
• Ensure watertight integrity of the door/hatch. An escape door is an access door into the skin of the ship. Treat as a potential water ingress source.

Question 2

Emergency Lighting Arrangements

Answer 2

Emergency lighting will be in all the spaces listed in reference (e), SOLAS, and should work for a period of 18 hours. The majority of the lights that are designated as Emergency Lights are the normal lights throughout the ship. After meeting with the captain, have a deck officer turn on all deck emergency lighting. While conducting the deck walk, verify all the lights are operational. Have vessel’s crew replace any lights that are non-operational.

• Ensure that emergency routes are marked and illuminated. Verify the following:

• Emergency exits are properly marked.
• Signage is correct, adequate and as per the Fire Control and Safety Plan.
• Ensure the luminescent stickers are visible in the dark. To test the stickers, place your flashlight against the photo luminescent sticker for a few seconds and remove. Ensure the pattern of the flashlight is illuminated. If not, it needs to be replaced.