General Emergency Signal
Encyclopedia
The general emergency signal is a signal
used on board cruise ships in times of emergency. The signal is composed of seven short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and internal alarm system. Within 24 hours of embarkation of all passengers, the crew will conduct a mandatory muster drill
in which the General Emergency Signal is sounded. The purpose of the drill is to educate passengers of emergency procedures should an actual emergency occur. The signal alerts passengers of an emergency so that they will begin proper procedures in which all persons collect their life jackets and proceed to their assigned muster stations. There is also an abandon ship
alarm which is used should it become necessary to abandon ship, after all other efforts have been exhausted. This signal is given audibly by the ship's Master (aka Captain) over the PA system. It is never given by automatic means or with recorded media.
Distress signal
A distress signal is an internationally recognized means for obtaining help. Distress signals take the form of or are commonly made by using radio signals, displaying a visually detected item or illumination, or making an audible sound, from a distance....
used on board cruise ships in times of emergency. The signal is composed of seven short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and internal alarm system. Within 24 hours of embarkation of all passengers, the crew will conduct a mandatory muster drill
Muster drill
A muster drill is an exercise conducted by the crew of a ship prior to embarking on a voyage. The purpose of a muster drill is to prepare passengers for safe evacuation in the event of an emergency while on board the ship and to familiarize crew and passengers with escape routes...
in which the General Emergency Signal is sounded. The purpose of the drill is to educate passengers of emergency procedures should an actual emergency occur. The signal alerts passengers of an emergency so that they will begin proper procedures in which all persons collect their life jackets and proceed to their assigned muster stations. There is also an abandon ship
Shipwreck
A shipwreck is what remains of a ship that has wrecked, either sunk or beached. Whatever the cause, a sunken ship or a wrecked ship is a physical example of the event: this explains why the two concepts are often overlapping in English....
alarm which is used should it become necessary to abandon ship, after all other efforts have been exhausted. This signal is given audibly by the ship's Master (aka Captain) over the PA system. It is never given by automatic means or with recorded media.