Oceania plans departure day muster

Prestige Cruise Holdings — the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — has announced that effective immediately all ships will hold guest muster drills on the day of departure. Right now, all Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises vessels hold muster drills on the same day of departure, with few exceptions. Robin Lindsay, executive vice-president of vessel operations for Prestige Cruise Holdings, explained that: “On just a handful of occasions the drill is held the following morning, primarily to accommodate late-arriving guests. However, in light of the recent tragic event, Oceania and Regent have adopted a new policy that requires all muster drills to take place on day of departure.” In making the announcement, Prestige noted that all Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises vessels are designed and operated in compliance with the strict requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which mandates global standards for the safety and operation of cruise ships, through adoption of regulations, resolutions and treaties. The most important of these treaties is the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention, which includes comprehensive mandates on safety equipment and procedures. Prestige Cruise HoldingsÆ ships adhere to all IMO and SOLAS regulations and requirements. In addition, all officers and crew who have specific safety functions, such as evacuation leaders, boat commanders, fire teams, and lifeboat launching teams, regularly conduct simulated emergency training drills.