What Does a Cruise Ship Do if Someone Falls Overboard?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships are known for their luxury and entertainment, but what happens if someone falls overboard? This is a serious situation that must be handled quickly and expertly by the crew and passengers aboard the vessel.

Cruise ships have various safety protocols in place to handle any potential overboard incidents.

Immediate Action

Once it is confirmed that someone has gone overboard, the captain will initiate an immediate action plan. This includes sounding an alarm, stopping the ship, and calling for help from other vessels in the vicinity.

The ship’s crew will then begin searching for the person in the water, deploying lifebuoys and lifeboats if necessary. In addition, they will contact the appropriate authorities to alert them of the situation.

Search & Rescue

The search & rescue effort is typically led by coast guard or navy personnel who are experienced in locating people who have gone overboard. They may use helicopters, boats, and sonar technology to locate the person in question. The search & rescue team will also assess any medical needs of the individual if they are located alive.

Passenger Responsibility

It is also important to note that passengers are responsible for their own safety on board a cruise ship. There are certain steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of falling overboard such as always wearing a life jacket when near an edge or railing and never leaning over too far while on deck.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, cruise ships have procedures in place to handle overboard incidents quickly and safely. The crew is trained to initiate an immediate action plan while also contacting outside help from coast guard or navy personnel. Passengers can reduce their risk of going overboard by taking precautions such as wearing a life jacket when near railing edges or leaning over too far while on deck.