The latest marine accident to a large cruise ship highlights the need for a closer look at safety systems and signage.
Cruising is one of the safest holidays one could enjoy. But the latest high-profile accident off the coast of Italy will be the subject of discussion by marine experts for many years to come. Although infrequent, such accidents do occur from time to time all over the world.
Signage is just one of the safety systems on ships which help to prevent accidents and to mitigate their effects. A good safety regime will give equal prominence to crew and passengers. Crew areas in passenger ships and crew accommodation on vessels not carrying passengers should have signage equally as effective as that required in passenger spaces. The safe direction and control of passengers is paramount when it becomes necessary to abandon ship or to move them to an alternate place of safety, while the emergency is being dealt with. After a severe incident, it is not impossible for even emergency lighting to fail, and it is under this circumstance that photo-luminescent signs are vitally important.
Providing effective safety systems does cost money and cuts into already tight budgets. But cutting corners on safety, either in training or the provision of safety systems, can have serious consequences, not only during an emergency, but also when the enquiries begin.