The order given by the master to evacuate a vessel when the ship is in imminent danger of sinking or when conditions aboard pose an immediate threat to life. Abandon ship drills are conducted regularly to ensure all crew members know their duties, muster stations, and how to operate lifesaving equipment.
Category: Safety & Emergency
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AISAutomatic Identification System, a tracking system that uses VHF radio transponders on ships to automatically exchange vessel identification, position, course, speed, and other data with nearby ships and shore-based systems.Collision RegulationsThe International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), a set of rules published by the IMO that establish navigation protocols for vessels to follow in order to avoid collisions.Enclosed Space EntryA regulated procedure for entering confined or enclosed spaces aboard a vessel, such as cargo holds, ballast tanks, and void spaces, where the atmosphere may be oxygen-deficient or contain hazardous gases.EPIRBEmergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, a distress alerting device that transmits a signal on 406 MHz to satellites in the Cospas-Sarsat system, providing the vessel's identity and GPS position to search and rescue authorities.Fire DrillA mandatory practice exercise conducted at regular intervals on board ship to train crew members in fire prevention, detection, and firefighting procedures.GMDSSGlobal Maritime Distress and Safety System, an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment, and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats, and aircraft.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026