Today was a sea day, which normally means that nothing happens. However, a late night emergency muster changed all that.
It’s formal evening and we had been enjoying the Captain’s Champagne Waterfall. Large dinner consumed, we were preparing to turn in for the evening. That was until the emergency muster alarm sounded…
The Captain informed us that he had received a report of someone threatening to throw themselves overboard. It was therefore his duty to issue an immediate muster call and to turn the ship around in case he needed to mount a full search and rescue operation.
This meant that everyone on board, passengers and crew, had to be mustered for counting to confirm no one was missing.
Cue much madness in the corridors of Sky Princess as everyone on board made their way to their assigned muster stations.
As you would expect, there was quite a bit of mumbling and grumbling. It was late in the evening and the alcohol was beginning to sour. There were also plenty of complaints about the unsubstantiated nature of the rumours that led to all the disruption.
To be fair to the crew, they managed the muster extremely well, dealing with the various complaints quickly and effectively.
The whole process took 1 hour and 7 minutes which is pretty impressive for a 15-deck monstrosity carrying more than 3000 souls.
“Special” cruisers
Concerningly, more than 100 passengers decided to ignore constant loudspeaker pleas for them to attend their muster stations. Obviously, passengers with mobility or hearing issues may have had problems, but it seems that some simply chose not to follow instructions. A rumour circulating the next morning suggests that one guest simply refused to leave the bar where they were sat.
If not for these malcontents, the count would have been completed in around 40 minutes. Instead, crew members had to visit each cabin belonging to the no-shows to confirm they were aboard – and everyone had to wait while these checks took place.
Thankfully, all crew and passengers were accounted for and Sky Princess was able to resume her voyage.
How to get through an emergency muster
Here are our top tips for getting through an emergency muster:
1. Memorise your muster station
You are legally required to visit your muster station before the ship is allowed to leave dock. Memorise where it is so that you can go straight there in the event of an emergency.
2. Listen to instructions
Listen carefully to the muster instructions given over the public address system. You will hear everything at least twice. The captain may tell you to return to your stateroom first. Or he may tell you to proceed to your muster point directly. Paying attention to the instructions will help to avoid any confusion.
3. FOLLOW the instructions
Whether you think the emergency is a false alarm is irrelevant. The crew have a duty to their passengers and they only ever call a muster when absolutely necessary. So please, follow the instructions given and get to your muster station as quickly as possible.
4. Stay in place
Stay at your muster station until you are told otherwise – the crew need to ensure that everyone is accounted for. The crew will supply drinks if required – and your nicotine habit can wait for an hour or two if needed.
It’s also a good idea not to talk over the captain’s announcements. He could be trying to issue instructions that may save your life.
5. Don’t be a dick
Yes, an emergency muster is an inconvenience – but it’s not the crew’s fault. They have a job to do – ultimately they are trying to protect you. They don’t have time to deal with petty grumbles or to provide personalised status updates – everything you need to know will be broadcast over the PA system.
And when the emergency is over, show some consideration to your fellow guests – particularly those with health and mobility issues.
6. Let someone know if you have problems
If you have a legitimate reason for being unable to reach your muster station, let someone know. There are crew in all the stairwells who can pass on a message. Alternatively, use your stateroom phone to call reception. The key is to let someone know that you are safe and well.
Thankfully emergency muster drills are very rare. According to the crew, some of them have never had to do a muster before – even after 20 years at sea.
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