Lifeboat Drill Deficiencies Emphasize Need For Simulation Training

February 04, 2010

St. John's, Newfoundland - Febuary 4, 2010 - A Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) was conducted by parties to the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU on lifeboat launching arrangements between September 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009¹. The findings of the CIC noted significant lifeboat drill deficiencies during the 5,749 inspections that were conducted.

12.5% Of Lifeboat Drills Are Not Performed Satisfactorily

The CIC found that drill deficiencies are often caused by lack of training. In recent years, lifeboat training has been modified or restricted due to relatively high numbers of accidents involving lifeboat launching mechanisms^{2 3} The results of the CIC suggest that:

1. Initial lifeboat training methodologies need to be improved; and
2. Methodologies for maintaining lifeboat proficiency with shipboard equipment need to be improved.

1.4% Of Inspections Identified Lifeboat Deficiencies Serious Enough To Warrant Ship Detention

Lifeboat related drilling and safety deficiencies are becoming increasingly expensive for shipping companies. In addition to the risk of exposure of lifeboat crews being ill-prepared to successfully evacuate in an emergency, companies are feeling the pinch as schedules become compromised due to ship detentions.

Lifeboat Training Through Simulation

Virtual Marine Technology's (VMT) SurvivalQuest lifeboat simulator uses real world equipment and virtual environments to deliver safe, focused lifeboat training. SurvivalQuest can complement existing training programs and help improve lifeboat drill proficiency by:

1. Incorporating ship specific lifeboat configurations for individualized familiarization as per SOLAS and STCW requirements;
2. Emulating launches in a variety of sea states and weather conditions; and,
3. Shifting drills to a safe, virtual environment.

Trials conducted by experienced coxswains and trainers indicate that SurvivalQuest delivers a more effective training experience than is currently available with real equipment. The results suggest the use of SurvivalQuest in lifeboat training can ultimately increase crew proficiency and reduce the instances of ship detentions due to lifeboat deficiencies.

1. http://www.parismou.org/upload/pdf/Press%20release%20CIC%20Launching%20Arrangments%202009%20(final).pdf
2. http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data_id%3D25969/1326.pdf
3. http://www.aimpe.asn.au/files/lifeboat_drills_2009_3.pdf