SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week
Cruise Ship Safety Tips
Over the Christmas Holiday season, the Safetydudette and I had the opportunity of going on a 15 day Cruise on the Holland America Eurodam.
We were VERY impressed with the Safety Excellence demonstrated by the Officers and Crew of this ship. From "people safety" to "food safety" to "the safety of the environment" they continually impressed us with their level of commitment and knowledge.
We took advantage of the Kitchen tour, where we questioned the Crew Members as if we were auditing the workplace. Not only did they know all the right answers, but more importantly they were proud to offer explanations as to exactly why they take the steps that they do. They had no idea that we were Food Safety or Health & Safety Professionals. If only all organizations would care so much about their customers.
While on the Ship:
1. Read all of the emergency instructions and procedures provided. Check the back of the cabin door and for printed material provided within the cabin.
2. Know (and practise walk) at least two routes from your cabin to your assigned emergency assembly station. You will be scheduled to have a passenger safety briefing before departure, be in your cabin when the drill begins and use the stairways and passages as directed by the Ship's Crew Members to get to your assigned emergency assembly station.
3. If you are not required to actually put on your lift vest as part of the passenger safety briefing, when you get to your cabin practise putting your life vest on before ship departure. This is a good time to adjust the straps to your body.
4. When the ship is underway, use the handrails along the hall ways and stairs. Particulary when the seas are rough.
5. Outisde decks and stairs should be treated as if they are slippery when they are wet. Expect that winds (possibly strong at times) and the motion of the ship will make keeping your footing difficult.
6. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Particularly after using the restrooms and before eating, drinkingg or smoking. Use the hand sanitizers if provided.
7. Contact the Medical Team if you experience any vomiting or diarrhea.
8. Be extremely careful with any smoking materials. Smoke only in authorized areas. Ensure that smoking materials are extinquished before leaving your stateroom.
9. Treat the Ship as you would a Hotel, know where your Fire Exits are from your cabin, main eating areas, pool areas, etc. in addition what to do in case of Fire. Know the difference between the Fire Alarm and the General Emergency Alarm.
10. If you don't use a bath mat in your tub/shower at home, here is a good time to use one. A slight motion of the Ship may be all all you need to lose your balance.
While on Shore:
1. Be food safety wise while on shore. Check out the visible sanitary conditions of the restuarant before ordering. If in doubt, better not! If there are animals and birds within the eating area, do you really think that the cooking area is treated any differently.
2. Limit the amount of jewelry that you wear while on shore. Don't advertise yourself to thieves as a profitable target.
3. Don't travel alone while on shore. The bigger the group the better.
4. Use the cruise line appointed shore excursion providers. Most cruise lines will wait for you if the excursion runs past the all aboard time if you use their provider.
5. Be careful when handling cash. Don't show large bills, or big wads of cash to anyone. Seperate money into numerous "stashes". Have tip money readily available and separate from the large bills.
6. If confronted by a robber, remember that valuables and jewelry can be replaced.
7. When you return to the ship, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if available.
Picture of the Week
For my Ice Fishing friends....Be careful where you park you vehicles.
