Give them enough rope

摘要

Few seafarers in their careers will have the need to abandon their ship using the primary lifesaving equipment located close to the accommodation block. Fewer still will have to abandon ship using remotely located survival craft, which, for most large vessels, will be at the forward end. Should such an emergency arise, it is fairly certain that something catastrophic has occurred in the amidships area or after part of the vessel. Where this is the case, however, it is worth questioning whether SOLAS has provided for adequate means of disembarkation.