Guest Author - Aaron Kirley
In recent years it has become clear that cruise ships are not impossible to fall off and despite stringent safety regulations passengers continue to fall off ships.
The Problem
It is incredibly difficult to fall off a cruise ship and the cruise industry takes extreme precautions to protect the safety of their passengers. The railings are chest high on grown men so you can’t just slip over the edge. There are no cracks down low that would allow a child to slip overboard either. Windows are tempered and nearly unbreakable. Dangerous areas such as upper decks are often closed down after dark and when rough seas are expected. Despite all of these precautions people do fall off cruise ships.
The Danger
Cruise ships can hold thousands of passengers and crew. Passengers can from time to time overindulge in alcohol which as we all know impairs judgment. Impaired judgment is what leads to overboard events at sea. An excessively careless activity can put you and other passengers at risk of falling overboard. Leaning over railings and standing on chairs next to railings can put you at risk. Leaning on glass windows and glass walls can put you at risk. Drinking alone on the deck at night can put you at risk. The list of careless activities is endless but it is safe to assume that a little common sense and regard for the risks can keep you safe at sea.
The Rescue
So what if it happens? If you witness an overboard event, you should alert the crew immediately. Ships are large and they can not turn on a dime, but they will do their best to recover the overboard passenger in a timely manner. Therefore it is important to toss a floatation device to the overboard passenger because it is likely that they will be in the water for an extended period of time. In rough seas it is nearly impossible to spot a bobbing head in the water even during the daytime. If you fall overboard it is likely that nobody will notice until it is too late to save you. Make as much noise as possible to get the attention of anybody on board. Wave you shirt in the air. Make you location known. If the boat doesn’t turn around then you need to go into survival mode. Use what you have to stay warm and conserve energy with the dead mans float. You can even blow up your shirt or pants like a balloon and use them as a floatation device. Once you’re reported missing the boat will turn around and steam back to the last port of call.
Hopefully this article is a wake up call for those that thought it was impossible to fall off a cruise ship. If you’re careful and you practice common sense then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about on your next cruise. Bon Voyage!
