New SOLAS regulation II-1/19-1 requires the following:
A damage control drill should take place at least every three months. It is not required, all crew members to participate in every drill, but only those crew members with damage control responsibilities.
The damage control drill scenarios should vary each drill, so that emergency conditions are simulated for different damage conditions. Damage control drill scenarios should be conducted (as far as practicable) as if there were an actual emergency.
Each damage control drill should include:
– For crew members with damage control responsibilities, reporting to stations and preparing for the duties described in the muster list required by regulation III/8.
– Use of the damage control information and the on-board damage stability computer, if fitted, to conduct stability assessments for the simulated damage conditions.
– Establishment of the communications link between the ship and shore-based support, if provided.
– Operation of watertight doors and other watertight closures.
– Demonstrating proficiency in the use of the flooding detection system (if fitted) in accordance with muster list duties.
– Demonstrating proficiency in the use of cross-flooding and equalization systems (if fitted) in accordance with muster list duties.
– Operation of bilge pumps and checking of bilge alarms and automatic bilge pump starting systems
– Instruction in damage survey and use of the ship’s damage control systems.
At least one damage control drill each year should include activation of the shore-based support, if provided in compliance with regulation II-1/8-1.3, to conduct stability assessments for the simulated damage conditions.
Every crew member with assigned damage control responsibilities should be familiarized with their duties and about the damage control information before the voyage begins.
A record of each damage control drill should be maintained in the same manner as prescribed for the other drills in regulation III/19.5.
Source: MSC.421(98)
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