Muster Station and Emergency Muster
A muster station (also called an assembly station) is the designated location on a ship where crew members and passengers must go when an emergency alarm is sounded. Each person onboard is assigned a specific muster station, with their emergency duties listed on the muster list and their personal station card (muster card).
Answer in Brief
When the general emergency alarm sounds (7 short blasts + 1 long on the ship’s whistle), all crew proceed to their muster station, don life jackets, and prepare to execute their assigned emergency duties. The muster system ensures organised, rapid response to any emergency.
The Muster List (Station Bill)
The muster list (SOLAS term: station bill) is a document required by SOLAS that specifies:
- Each crew member’s name and rank
- Their assigned muster station
- Their emergency duties (lifeboat station, fire team, engine room emergency crew, medical team, etc.)
- The alarm signals for each type of emergency
Posted: In crew cabins, alleyways, mess rooms, engine room, bridge — prominent locations throughout the ship.
The muster list must be updated whenever there is a change in crew.
Emergency Alarm Signals
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 7 short blasts + 1 long (whistle/bell) | General emergency alarm — muster at stations |
| Continuous ringing of ship’s bell | Fire alarm (in some vessels) |
| Public address announcement | Specifies nature of emergency after alarm |
Note: Modern ships use the general emergency alarm for all emergencies. The nature (abandon ship, fire, flooding) is announced over the PA system. Crew act on their muster list duties for the announced emergency type.
SOLAS Muster Requirements
SOLAS Chapter III requires:
Abandon Ship Drill (monthly):
- Every crew member must participate at least once a month
- Each drill must include: muster at stations, donning life jackets, preparing lifeboat for launching, lowering lifeboat to embarkation deck level
- Lifeboat engine must be run during each drill
- Engine room must be provided with emergency fire pump operation (in fire drills)
Fire Drill (monthly):
- Separate from abandon ship drill or combined
- Includes: fire team mustering, donning SCBA, operating fire hoses, checking fire detection
Timing: One fire drill and one abandon ship drill within 24 hours of leaving port if more than 25% of crew are new.
New crew: Every new crew member must receive safety familiarisation before the ship sails or within 24 hours of joining.
Muster Card (Station Card)
A personal muster card is issued to each crew member (and on passenger ships, each passenger). It contains:
- The person’s name
- Their assigned lifeboat/liferaft
- Their muster station location
- Their specific duties during each type of emergency
- Alarm signal summary
The muster card is kept in the crew member’s cabin — taken to muster station during emergencies.
Lifeboat Assignments
Every crew member is assigned to a specific lifeboat (or liferaft on vessels without lifeboats for all). Lifeboat assignments consider:
- Each lifeboat needs a trained crew (AB or officer as coxswain, engineer for engine operation)
- Medical officer or designated first aid person assigned
- Balance of experience between lifeboats (senior and junior mixed)
Your Muster Station Duties — Examples
| Role | Typical Duties |
|---|---|
| OOW (Deck) | Bridge — navigation, collision avoidance, coordination with Master |
| Chief Officer | Forward damage control team or senior muster supervisor |
| Chief Engineer | Engine room emergency response, shutdown procedures |
| 2nd/3rd Engineer | Emergency fire pump, bilge pump operation |
| Bosun | Preparation of lifeboat — forward davit |
| AB | Lifeboat crew, fire hose team |
| Cadet | Messroom (passenger handling if applicable), assigned team support |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if you’re in your cabin when the alarm sounds? Don your life jacket (in your cabin or locker), collect your muster card, and proceed directly to your muster station. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
Q: What if you’re on watch when the alarm sounds? Your watch position may require you to remain (bridge OOW) or respond to the emergency (engine room). Your muster card specifies. The OOW should not abandon the bridge until properly relieved.
Q: How is the muster list created? By the Master/Chief Officer based on crew complement, vessel type, and LSA (Life Saving Appliances) configuration. The Safety Officer or Chief Officer typically maintains it.
Questions about emergency procedures, drill requirements, or safety management on your vessel? Chat with SailorGPT