Attending the life vest pratice required?

Question

I was just wondering, when you go on cruises, they normally have on the second day a time when you go attend this meeting to practice putting life vests on in case of an emergency. Yeah and like they put it on the intercom to tell everyone, to go blah blah and practice.

My question is, are you required to attend them? Like is it a MUST? Or just a safety precaution?

Because last time my family and I didn't go, because we already know how to do put it on, but still, We ended up skipping it and stayed in our cabin and relaxed. But I still feel a bit bad, not knowing whether it was required on not? Help?

Answer 1

Yes you must attend, if you dont.. they make everyone stand there until everyone is there. They basically search the entire ship to ensure everyone is there.

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Answer 2

Its on the first day, and I cant stand those things. Did you ever notice how bad the lifevests smell?

Answer 3

The life boat drill is done on the first day before (or during) departure. It is required. However, there are people who skip it. I'm not condoning skipping the drill, but you can skip it without getting in trouble. Your cabin steward will check your cabin, and if you're found in your cabin he'll ask you to go, and if you refuse, you'll have to sign a paper saying that you were informed of the drill. So if anything should happen and you don't know where to go or what to do, the cruise line is not liable for any damages.

Again, I'm not recommending anyone skip the life boat drill, I'm just saying that is possible to do so.

Answer 4

You are required to attend the Muster, normally they check you off against a list. I am surprised that you weren't called to another muster later on.

Attending the muster is for your own benefit, on your first day,on a strange ship, you learn the way from your cabin to the muster station with your life jacket.

If your cruise ship ever had an emergency, I'm sure you would find this information beneficial.

Answer 5

According to law, yes it is required. On most cruise lines, they check you off when you enter, then search the rooms and decks for anybody not attending.

Imagine if their actually was an emergency, wouldnt you be glad you went?

You can also get in a lot of trouble for not going...

Answer 6

By law you're supposed to attend.  

Even though you've already been through it, in my opinion it couldn't hurt to get the reminder.  If an emergency should arise, it's best to have the information fresh in your mind.  

I fly frequently, and I always watch the safety demonstration by the flight attendants.

Answer 7

Yes, it's required. They do a head count at the muster drill, also they check every cabin. It only takes 20 minutes and is kind of fun.

Answer 8

I just returned from a 5 day carnival cruise and the 'safety' drill was conducted shortly after we departed the Galveston Port.  Decks and cabins were searched by crew members.

Answer 9

Yes, it's required by the laws that govern ships carrying passengers (SOLAS -- Safety of Lives at Sea laws).

I'm actually pretty surprised you guys weren't brought in, sounds like that ship was a bit lax.

Normally the crew go through each passenger deck and make sure people are out of their cabins.  On the more diligent lines they also check people off a list.

Answer 10

First off, they usually do it on day 1, not the secound day. It is a law that they must do. You were very lucky you got away with not going. Why take a chance of not going. It doesn't hurt to get a refresher course each time you cruise, and it doesn't take more then 30 minutes. Bisides, the walking up and down the stairs is good excercise, which you sure do need while on a cruise.