MattE
Newly Enlightened
Life long sailor here. Cruise ships are like floating apartment buildings, I have never taken a cruise. I prefer a sailboat. Here is my 2 cents.
Taking a reliable light with you, which you can have with you where ever you go is a good idea, dont leave it in the cabin, you never know when you'll need it. Such light has to be small enough to be with you at all times, it has to be reliable (read simple), and preferably some sort of waterproofing wil be a good idea. Functions of the light (SOS, Blinky etc), maker of the light, lumens, type of LED, doesn't mean much. All you need is a reliable light with you all the times.
As important as the light, (may be more important) will be a whistle. Rescuers may not see your light if they are on an adjacent corridor or one level up or around the corner from where you are stuck etc. There are very good whistles at very reasonable prices. Buy a few of them and give to family members/friends coming with you on the cruise. Once again keep it with you at all times. If you leave it in the cabin it will not help.
The most important thing will be your situational awareness. Please, please, pay attention to your surroundings. Always know where you are in the ship. Always pay attention where the nearest exists are. I believe they perform fire drills once the passengers are on board. Take it very seriously.
If SHTF do not panic. Panic kills. Remember, you have the whistle, you have the flashlight, you know where you are in the ship, you know where the exits are and you have taken the drills seriously. You will walk away from the situation without a scratch, no need to panic.
Keep in mind that the chance of a real situation happening is probably less than one in a million. Once you have taken the above four simple precautions, sit back, relax and enjoy your cruise
Be Safe
Matt
Taking a reliable light with you, which you can have with you where ever you go is a good idea, dont leave it in the cabin, you never know when you'll need it. Such light has to be small enough to be with you at all times, it has to be reliable (read simple), and preferably some sort of waterproofing wil be a good idea. Functions of the light (SOS, Blinky etc), maker of the light, lumens, type of LED, doesn't mean much. All you need is a reliable light with you all the times.
As important as the light, (may be more important) will be a whistle. Rescuers may not see your light if they are on an adjacent corridor or one level up or around the corner from where you are stuck etc. There are very good whistles at very reasonable prices. Buy a few of them and give to family members/friends coming with you on the cruise. Once again keep it with you at all times. If you leave it in the cabin it will not help.
The most important thing will be your situational awareness. Please, please, pay attention to your surroundings. Always know where you are in the ship. Always pay attention where the nearest exists are. I believe they perform fire drills once the passengers are on board. Take it very seriously.
If SHTF do not panic. Panic kills. Remember, you have the whistle, you have the flashlight, you know where you are in the ship, you know where the exits are and you have taken the drills seriously. You will walk away from the situation without a scratch, no need to panic.
Keep in mind that the chance of a real situation happening is probably less than one in a million. Once you have taken the above four simple precautions, sit back, relax and enjoy your cruise
Be Safe
Matt
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