There are four stages to an effective abandon ship procedure:
Stage 1: Notification and Mustering
Everyone on board is notified that they must evacuate the vessel by sounding the alarm. Muster instructions should be given in addition to the distress signal.
Stage 2: Lowering the Abandoned Ship Means Into Water
During this stage, the MES is deployed into the water. Releasing a catch or handle allows the chute and rafts to slide into the water.
Stage 3: Embarking
Only the assigned crew should lower the boat into the water using davits or cranes once the side boat and normal lowering procedure are in place.
The safety officer oversees the brake control, which is at the Master’s discretion. The rest of the crew will board using a side pilot ladder; the Master will be last to board.
Stage 4: Debriefing
This stage is only applicable for drills. Following the drill, the safety officer should take everyone on board the drill’s events, ensuring all aspects of its execution are discussed. Equipment usage and lowering/deploying abandoned ship means (boats or rafts) should receive special attention.