§ 27.355 - What are the requirements for instruction, drills, and safety orientations conducted on a new towing vessel?

(a) Drills and instruction. The master or person in charge of a vessel must ensure that each crewmember participates in drills and receives instruction at least once each month. The instruction may coincide with the drills, but need not. It must ensure that all crewmembers are familiar with their fire-fighting duties, and specifically, the following contingencies:

(1) Fighting a fire in the engine room and other locations on board the vessel, including how to—

(i) Operate all of the fire-extinguishing equipment on board the vessel;

(ii) Stop the mechanical ventilation system for the engine room if provided, and effectively seal all natural openings to the space to prevent leakage of the extinguishing agent; and

(iii) Operate the fuel shutoff for the engine room.

(2) Activating the general alarm.

(3) Reporting inoperative alarm systems and fire-detection systems.

(4) Putting on a fireman's outfit and a self-contained breathing apparatus, if the vessel is so equipped.

(b) Alternative form of instruction. The master or person in charge of a vessel may substitute, for the requirement of instruction in paragraph (a) of this section, the viewing of videotapes concerning at least the contingencies listed in paragraph (a), followed by a discussion led by someone familiar with these contingencies. This instruction may occur either on or off the vessel.

(c) Participation in drills. Drills must take place on board the vessel, as if there were an actual emergency. They must include—

(1) Participation by all crewmembers;

(2) Breaking out and using, or simulating the use of, emergency equipment;

(3) Testing of all alarm and detection systems; and

(4) At least one person putting on protective clothing, if the vessel is so equipped.

(d) Safety Orientation. The master or person in charge of a vessel must ensure that each crewmember who has not both participated in the drills required by paragraph (a) of this section and received the instruction required by that paragraph receives a safety orientation within 24 hours of reporting for duty.

(e) The safety orientation must cover the specific contingencies listed in paragraph (a) of this section.