Crew Familiarization 24 Hours & 14 Days After Signing-on

Shipboard familiarization is one of the first tasks newly signed-on crew members must complete upon joining a vessel.  

Within 24 hours of embarkation, the initial familiarization process ensures they understand essential safety procedures on board.  

Over the next 14 days, a more in-depth familiarization takes place for a thorough understanding of their roles, ship procedures, and regulatory requirements.  

In this guide, we’ll break down the key aspects of both the initial and extended familiarization to help ensure a smooth transition and compliance with maritime regulations.

Safety Familiarization Within 24 Hours After Embarkation

Immediate familiarization is required under SOLAS Chapter III, Regulations 19.2-3 and Section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code.

Here’s what you can expect the Safety Officer or another qualified person to teach you within 24 hours upon stepping your foot on deck.

• Demonstrate understanding of safety information symbols, signs, and alarm signals as per muster list.
• Identify muster and embarkation stations as per muster list and emergency escape routes. 
• Locate and explain the Lifeboat(s), Liferafts, Life Jackets, and Survival Suits.
• Demonstrate recognition of the alarm signals for “GENERAL ALARM”  and “ABANDON SHIP” as per the muster list as well as the fire alarm signal.
• Demonstrate what to do if fire or smoke is detected or the fire alarm, the general alarm, or the abandon ship alarm is sounded. 
• Locate and explain fire-fighting equipment, alarm activating points, fire extinguishers, and breathing apparatus 
• Hand over a copy of the muster list or a job card which contains the specific duties of the new crew member as per muster list. 
• Demonstrate what to do if a person falls overboard. 
• Demonstrate immediate action upon encountering an accident or other medical emergency before seeking further medical assistance on board.
• Location of medical treatment room and stowage place of stretcher 
• Locate and demonstrate the operation of fire, weather-tight, and watertight doors.

Safety Familiarization Within 14 Days After Embarkation

While the extended familiarization must be provided as soon as possible, SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19.4 gives a leeway of 2 weeks for this to be carried out.

Here are the training you must expect within that time frame:

• Locate the following safety equipment: line throwing apparatus, distress rockets, and flares, Satellite EPIRB, Radar Transponders, Portable VHF.
• Locate and explain the operation of the emergency fire pump.
• Locate Fire flaps and –dampers, Emergency Stop.
• Locate and explain the function of the Emergency Generator.
• Locate and explain the function and activating points of the fire pumps, foam fire pumps, and foam monitors.
• Personal Protective Equipment according to the Company PPE matrix.
• Handle of fall arrester.

Management Systems and Company Policies

In addition, company policies also add these settings for the crew’s familiarization:

• Main ISM requirements and Company Policy.
• Job description and responsibilities as per company SMM.
• Ship specific appointment list and Company representatives.
• For Nautical Officers Only: Explain how to operate the GMDSS equipment.
• Main EMS requirements and Environmental  Policies of the Company.
• Explain garbage separation and treatment.
• Instruction requirements for external parties.
• The relevant environmental programs.

Security Familiarization

In accordance with the STCW Convention (as amended), shipboard security is an essential part of the familiarization process before taking over security duties.

Within two weeks of embarkation, here’s what you can expect to learn from your Ship Security Officer (SSO).

• Main security requirements and security Policy of the Company 
• Knowledge of security-related emergency procedures and contingency plans.
• Knowledge of current security threats and patterns.
• Recognition of characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security.
• Recognition and detection of weapons, dangerous substances, and devices.
• Ship Security Level 1; 2; 3– meaning and requirements, current level, and duties.
• Security-related communication, recording, and reporting.
• Operation of security equipment and systems.
• Inspection, testing, calibration, and maintenance of security equipment.
• Techniques used to circumvent security measures.
• Methods of physical searches of persons, personal effects, baggage, and ship’s stores
• Security relevant measures in access control, restricted areas, taking over stores, watch routines, monitoring, crowd management, and control techniques.

That’s it! After 14 days, you should be fully familiarized with your duties in emergency preparedness and security control.  

The responsible officer will have you sign the familiarization checklist as proof that you have completed the crew familiarization process within 24 hours and 14 days after signing on.

May the winds be in your favor.