6.1 Before getting underway on a voyage where
passengers are carried, the master of a vessel shall ensure that suitable
public announcements are made informing all passengers of the following,
as applicable to the vessel's operations and arrangement:
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.1 a general explanation of emergency procedures;
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.2 the location of emergency exits and survival
craft embarkation areas;
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.3 the stowage location of lifejackets;
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.4 the proper method of putting on and adjusting
lifejackets of the type carried on the vessel including a demonstration
of the proper donning of a lifejacket;
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.5 the location of the instruction placards for
lifejackets and other lifesaving devices; and
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.6 that all passengers will be required to wear
lifejackets when possible hazardous conditions exist, as directed
by the master.
6.2 As an alternative to an announcement that
complies with VIII/6.1, the master or other designated
person may:
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.1 prior to getting underway, deliver to each
passenger or, on a vessel that does not carry vehicles and that has
seats for each passenger, place near each seat, a card or pamphlet
that has the information listed in VIII/6.1.1 to VIII/6.1.6; and
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.2 make an abbreviated announcement consisting
of:
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.1 a statement that passengers should follow the
instructions of the crew in an emergency;
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.2 the location of lifejackets; and
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.3 that further information concerning emergency
procedures including the donning of lifejackets, location of other
emergency equipment, and emergency evacuation procedures are located
on the card or pamphlet that was given to each passenger or is located
near each seat.
6.3 Ferries operating on short runs of less than
15 minutes may substitute bulkhead placards or signs for the announcement
required in VIII/6.1 and VIII/6.2 where
the Administration determines that the announcements are not practical
due to the vessel’s unique operation.
6.4 On a vessel on a voyage of more than 12 hours
duration, passengers shall be requested to put on lifejackets and
go to the appropriate embarkation station during the safety orientation.
Where only a small number of passengers embark at a port after the
original muster has been held, these passengers shall be given the
passenger safety orientation required by VIII/6.1 or VIII/6.2 if another muster is not held.
6.5 The master of a vessel shall require passengers
to wear lifejackets when possible hazardous conditions exist, including,
but not limited to:
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.1 when transiting hazardous bars and inlets;
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.2 during severe weather;
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.3 in event of flooding, fire or other events
which may possibly call for evacuation; and
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.4 when the vessel is being towed.
6.6 Sufficient emergency instructions shall be
posted to enable passengers to know what action to take in the event
of an emergency.
6.7 Sufficient instructions on how to don lifejackets
shall be posted to enable passengers to undertake this action in the
event of an emergency.