HB320 Introduction to Safety (3ECTS)

The Safety module provides essential knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to emergencies on board a vessel. Students learn how to communicate about safety matters, recognise alarms and safety signs, and take correct action in case of fire, evacuation, or medical incidents.

• 1. GMDSS

a. Describe the means by which navigational warnings are provided to ships at sea using Global Marine Distress and Safety System.

b. Explain how to obtain and apply navigational warnings.

c. Explain the relative advantages of VHF, SSB, wireless telephone and satellite communications.

d. List the important VHF channels and their uses for vessels.

e. Use the Admiralty List of Radio Signals and GMDSS.

f. Explain the operation of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB).

g. Describe how vessel traffic services (VTS) operate and where to find the necessary information.

• 2. SAFETY

a. How to communicate with other persons on board on elementary safety matters and understand safety information symbols, signs and alarm signals.

b. Know what to do if: A person falls overboard,

c. Fire or smoke is detected, or

d. The fire or abandon ship alarm is sounded.

e. How to identify muster and embarkation stations and emergency escape routes.

f. Locate and don lifejackets.

g. How to raise the alarm and have basic knowledge of the use of portable fire extinguishers.

h. How to take immediate action upon encountering an accident or other medical emergency before seeking further medical assistance on board.

i. Know how to close and open the fire, weathertight and watertight doors fitted in a ship other than those for hull openings.

j. Know how to survive at sea in the event of ship abandonment.

k. Know how to comply with emergency procedures.

l. Know how to take precautions to prevent pollution of the marine environment.

m. Know how to observe safe working practices.

n. Know how to contribute to effective communications on board ships.

o. Know how to contribute to effective human relationships on board ships.

p. Understand and know how to take necessary actions to control fatigue.

1. Basic knowledge of safety subjects, methodologies and their practice.

2. Identify, interpret, apply, and evaluate safety procedures and communication

methods in typical on-board situations.

3. The student possesses qualities required by the STCW-code, content of the Safety

Familiarisation training.

4. The student is provided with the necessary technical knowledge for general insight in

the use of telecommunication equipment.

• Evaluation form:

Written examination at the end of each semester containing general overview questions

that gauge the depth of knowledge. Questions cover the complete content of the courses

and practical solutions in certain distress situations.