Cruise ship safety, and other travel safety


Photos: Courtesy of AP

The grounding and capsizing of the Costa Concordia yesterday seems almost unbelievable. But it’s a strong reminder that when we cruise, we’re still on a big machine that floats, in the ocean.

No matter how much we gays travel—be it cruising, hotels, flying—it’s crucial that we pay attention to safety.

I generally do the following, but after yesterday’s disaster am recommitted to do at least these things when I travel. I encourage you to do the same.

On a ship

  • During my FIRST visit to my stateroom, study the safety materials in the room.
  • Learn the exit routes, as posted in the cabin. Go look at those routes.
  • Consider alternate routes for how I would get off the ship if it were dark, or if the ship were listing to one side.
  • Discuss an evacuation plan with my partner or other traveling companions.
  • Pay close attention to the muster drill.
  • Really learn to use the life vest.

 On a plane

  •  Pay attention to the safety briefing.
  • Actually look at where the nearest exit is, and count the number of seating rows between me and that exit, because in a smoky or darkened plane you might have to actually find the exit by feel.

In a hotel

  • Learn the exit routes.
  • In a foreign country, check to make sure the exit routes are not blocked, or worse, locked. It’s unlikely, but not unheard of. Ant it wouldn’t hurt to check on exits even in North America and Europe–just so you know the way and have a plan.
  • Keep appropriate clothing ready in case of evacuation—shoes, pants, and shirt/coat near the door.

These are simple things, but in a world where we take travel safety for granted, yesterday’s Costa Cruises disaster serves as an excellent reminder of how wrong things can go.

 

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