Sealogical has a very user friendly but sophisticated Drills section within our Safety module. With the recent addition of ‘Training Drills’ as an option we have enabled crew to go above and beyond in their commitment to safety on board.

A Chief Officer on board a 80m yacht told us, “drills aren’t just a box to tick; they are the cornerstone of a resilient and safe yachting experience.”

But running safety drills on a large yacht, with its complex systems and potentially diverse crew and guest list, requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices to ensure your drills are meaningful, engaging, and ultimately life-saving:

1. Tailor Drills to Reality:

Generic drills might cover the basics, but to be truly effective, your scenarios need to reflect the specific risks and layout of your yacht. Consider:

• Vessel-Specific Systems: Familiarize everyone with the location and operation of all safety equipment, from life rafts and EPIRBs to fire suppression systems and medical supplies unique to your vessel.
• Potential Emergency Scenarios: Think beyond “abandon ship.” Practice scenarios like man overboard (MOB) in various conditions, fire in different compartments, medical emergencies, and even security breaches.
• Guest Involvement: While crew training is crucial, consider how you will inform and involve guests in emergency procedures. Briefings upon arrival are essential, and simplified guest-focused drills can be beneficial.

2. Plan and Prepare Meticulously:

Spontaneous drills can have their place, but for comprehensive training, planning is key:

• Develop a Drill Schedule: Create a regular schedule that covers a variety of emergency scenarios throughout the season. This ensures all crew members get repeated exposure to critical procedures.
• Define Clear Objectives: Each drill should have specific learning objectives. What skills or knowledge do you want participants to gain? Communicate these objectives beforehand.
• Assign Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define who does what in each scenario. This fosters teamwork and ensures everyone knows their part during a real emergency. Use checklists and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Gather Necessary Equipment: Ensure all safety equipment needed for the drill is readily accessible and in good working order. This includes communication devices, signaling equipment, and any simulated emergency gear.

3. Make it Realistic and Engaging:

The more realistic the drill, the better the learning:

• Simulate Conditions: Where possible, try to simulate real-world conditions. This might involve using actual alarms, practicing communication over the VHF radio, or even conducting MOB drills in varying sea states (while prioritizing safety, of course).
• Incorporate Time Constraints: Introduce realistic time pressures to encourage efficient and decisive action.
• Use Props and Visual Aids: Employ visual aids like smoke machines (in controlled environments), dummies for MOB drills, or marked-out emergency routes to enhance understanding.
• Vary the Location and Time: Conduct drills in different parts of the yacht and at various times of day and night to test preparedness under different circumstances.

4. Communicate Clearly and Concisely:

Effective communication is vital during an emergency:

• Establish Clear Communication Protocols: Ensure everyone knows the designated communication channels and procedures during different emergencies.
• Practice Using All Available Communication Tools: This includes VHF radios, satellite phones, internal communication systems, and emergency signals.
• Use Standard Maritime Terminology: Encourage the use of clear and concise maritime language to avoid confusion.

5. Debrief and Learn from Every Drill:

The learning doesn’t stop when the drill ends:

• Conduct a Post-Drill Debrief: Immediately after the drill, gather all participants for a constructive discussion.
• Focus on What Went Well and What Could Be Improved: Encourage open and honest feedback. Avoid blame and focus on identifying areas for improvement in procedures, communication, or individual actions.
• Document the Drill and Findings: Keep a record of each drill, including the scenario, participants, observations, and any identified areas for improvement. This helps track progress and ensures lessons learned are not forgotten.
• Update Procedures as Needed: Based on the debriefing, update your safety protocols and training materials to reflect best practices and address any identified weaknesses.

6. Foster a Culture of Safety:

Safety drills are most effective when they are part of a broader culture of safety on board:

• Lead by Example: The captain and senior crew should actively participate in and emphasize the importance of safety drills.
• Encourage Continuous Learning: Promote ongoing training and awareness of safety procedures and equipment.
• Make it a Team Effort: Emphasize that safety is everyone’s responsibility and encourage collaboration during drills and in everyday operations.

As the Chief Officer said to us – “Running effective safety drills on a large yacht is an ongoing commitment. By implementing best practices, we ensure our crew and guests are well-prepared to respond confidently and effectively in any emergency, ultimately contributing to a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water.”