Can somebody, preferably somebody who actually works/has worked at sea, explain what safety systems freighters

Question

have in place in the event of a sinking?

For example, what systems are in place to prevent collisions, sinkings and so on. Also, what is in place should the boat actually sink? Lifeboats? What are these equipped with?

I'm fascinated with sailing, the whole concept of travel, and the danger, or safety, of such ventures, and have a big thirst for knowledge on all matters.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The number one system in place to prevent collisions and other mishaps at sea is the human element, unfortunately in some cases, human error is also the cause. Because of this, officers, and unlicensed personel alike are sent to schools to train for different situations, by studying old cases involving fire, grounding collision, etc..  In the Wheelhouse, There is a myriad of equipment to aid the watch officer in navigation, voyage planning, and collision avoidance. These instruments include, but are not limited to RADAR/ARPA, Fathometer, GPS, Plotter, Magnetic Compass, Gyro Compass, VHF Radio, and GMDSS Console. The best tool is a prudent sailors eyes, and skill in navigating by terestial, celestial, and electronic fixes on paper charts, LOOKING OUT THE WINDOWS. In the event of a collision at sea, the general alarm is sounded for all hands, watertight doors are closed, and damage is assessed and controlled if possible, ie ballast and dewatering. As this is happening, safety/security/ maday calls are made to notify authorities and vessels in the area that there is a problem, and assistance is required. If the vessel must be abandoned, the crew will don exposure suites, and PFD's, and take to the boats or liferafts. With them they will bring  if they can get to it, the ships Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon(EPIRB), that will transmit their position via sattelite to a land earth station, where rescue will be initiated. In the boats/rafts, will be food, water,  knife, a bilge pump, bailer, sea anchor, storm oil, compass, vhf radio, Search And rescue Radar Transponder(SART), candy, first aid kit, oars,  etc..

Answer 2

There are many Certification Authorities than describe and stipulate requirements for Vessels registered under their Authority, like American Bureau of Shipping, ABS, Lloyds and Det Norske Veritas, DNV.  Most of these refer to SOLAS Regulations, (International Convention for Safety of Live at Sea).  You can visit their site at, http://www.imo.org/Safety/mainframe.asp?... to see many of the individual system requirements.

There is a useful site called Safety at Sea, http://www.safetyatsea.net/ which is a free on-line publication to stay abreast of changes or search for relevant information.  You can subscribe for a free monthly copy.

I hole this helps.

Answer 3

Only thing I can add is the "candy" tastes like sawdust mixed with palm oil and honey.   Last time I checked a lifeboat on a new ship I didn't find any storm oil; think that has been taken off the list of necesities.    The lifeboats on both either side of the ship should be able to hold everyone on the ship in case one side is listing too much to be usable.   There are also life rafts which inflate automatically when the ship sinks to a certain depth.   Get in a lifeboat if at all possible.   The rafts will save your life, but they are far from comfortable.