Operational guide · Operational procedure

Passenger Musters at Embarkation: Before Departure, No Longer Within 24 Hours

SOLAS distinguishes the muster of newly embarked passengers on voyages over 24 hours from the safety briefing on voyages of 24 hours or less; the relevant rule also applies at later embarkation ports.

SOLAS III/19passenger musterCosta Concordiasafety drill

Operational Explanation

For voyages where passengers are scheduled to remain aboard for more than 24 hours, SOLAS III/19.2.2 requires newly embarked passengers to muster before or immediately upon departure. For voyages of 24 hours or less, III/19.2.3 requires a safety briefing immediately before or after sailing.

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS Regulation III/19, as amended by Resolution MSC.350(92) (2013), in force from 1 January 2015: muster of newly embarked passengers required before departure or immediately upon departure, no longer within 24 hours as under the previous version of the rule.

Scope of Application

At each embarkation port apply the limb relevant to the newly embarked passengers' scheduled voyage: full muster over 24 hours; safety briefing for 24 hours or less.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Determine scheduled time aboard.
Over 24 hours: muster newly embarked passengers aboard at stations before or immediately upon departure.
Up to 24 hours: provide the safety briefing immediately before or after sailing.
Repeat the relevant measure for passengers joining at later ports.

Practical Example

For a three-day voyage, newly embarked passengers muster aboard at their stations before or immediately upon departure. A terminal activity may support the briefing but does not replace that muster.

What Typically Goes Wrong

The Costa Concordia accident (2012) highlighted how too wide a gap between embarkation and the first safety muster leaves passengers exposed in the event of an early-voyage emergency: the 2013 amendment structurally eliminated this risk window, moving the obligation to before departure.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to avoid it
Still applying, out of habit or outdated training, the old rule of a muster 'within 24 hours of departure'	Non-compliance with SOLAS III/19 as amended from 2015, with passengers lacking safety instructions for a stretch of the voyage	Update crew procedures and training to the current rule: muster before departure or immediately upon departure
Muster incomplete for passengers with special assistance needs	Vulnerable passengers without a clear assistance plan in the event of an emergency	Identify and document assistance needs during check-in, integrating them into the muster plan

What the PSCO Checks

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) check the documentation of musters carried out for recent departures and may interview passengers themselves, as well as the crew, on the timing and content of the safety instructions received.

Operational Tips

Never rely on onboard procedures not updated to the 2015 requirement: verify they explicitly state 'before departure or immediately upon departure'.
For itineraries with multiple embarkations, assign clear responsibility for who carries out the muster for each new group of passengers.
Always document that the muster took place, with date, time and reference to the specific departure.

Preparation checklist

Scheduled duration checked
Onboard muster for voyages over 24 hours
Briefing for voyages up to 24 hours
New passengers at later ports included

FAQ

Is a full muster required for every departure?

Not without distinction. III/19.2.2 applies over 24 hours; the III/19.2.3 safety briefing applies at 24 hours or less.

Passenger Musters at Embarkation: Before Departure, No Longer Within 24 Hours

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Related Topics