How Many Emergency Boats Are on a Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ships are an increasingly popular way of taking a vacation. But what happens if the ship gets into trouble? In this article, we will look at the number of emergency boats a cruise ship must carry for safety reasons.

The first thing to consider when looking at how many emergency boats a cruise ship must carry is the size of the ship. According to international maritime regulations, smaller ships (under 500 gross tonnage) are only required to carry one lifeboat. Larger ships (over 500 gross tonnage) must have enough boats for all passengers and crew aboard, with each boat able to carry 25% of those on board.

In addition to lifeboats, larger cruise ships also need to have additional emergency rescue craft. These include rafts and inflatable boats.

The number of these craft depends on the number of passengers and crew onboard, as well as the planned route of the voyage. Generally, there should be enough craft for 25% of those onboard and they should be located on both sides of the ship in case it capsizes or sinks during a storm or other disaster.

The number of emergency boats a cruise ship carries also depends on its size and purpose. For example, some large passenger ships may need more than one lifeboat per 25% because they have more decks or extra features such as casinos or swimming pools that may require additional evacuation points in case of an emergency situation.

In conclusion, while there is no set rule as to how many emergency boats a cruise ship must carry, larger vessels typically require multiple lifeboats and additional rescue craft depending on their size and purpose. This helps ensure that passengers and crew can be safely evacuated in case of an emergency situation at sea.