Safety & Emergency
Terms from Abandon Ship to SOPEP, each linked to related terms and to the desks that work with them.
Entries updated May 2026
Related desks
Terms in Safety & Emergency
17 termsAbandon Ship
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.
AIS
Automatic 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 Regulations
The 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 Entry
A 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.
EPIRB
Emergency 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 Drill
A mandatory practice exercise conducted at regular intervals on board ship to train crew members in fire prevention, detection, and firefighting procedures.
GMDSS
Global 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.
Immersion Suit
A protective suit designed to reduce body heat loss when immersed in cold water, required to be carried on vessels operating in cold-water regions.
ISM Audit
An inspection conducted by flag state authorities or recognised organisations to verify that a shipping company and its vessels comply with the International Safety Management Code.
Life Raft
An inflatable or rigid survival craft that provides emergency flotation for persons abandoning ship.
Lifeboat
A rigid survival craft carried on board a vessel to evacuate crew and passengers in an emergency.
Man Overboard
An emergency situation in which a person has fallen from a vessel into the water, commonly referred to by the abbreviation MOB.
Muster Station
A designated assembly point on board a vessel where crew and passengers must gather during an emergency drill or actual emergency.
Permit to Work
A formal documented procedure used to control high-risk work activities on board a vessel, such as hot work, work at height, and electrical isolation.
Safety Management System
A structured and documented system enabling company personnel to effectively implement the corporate safety and environmental protection policy.
SART
Search and Rescue Transponder, a portable radar beacon used to assist rescue services in locating survivors at sea.
SOPEP
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan, a mandatory document carried on all oil tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above and all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above.