Your Safety is Our Number One Priority
The safety of guests and crew has always been Azamara’s highest priority. Our marine record over our company’s operating history illustrates our commitment to the safety of our guests and crew who sail with us each year. The measures we take in the interest of safety are many, with our ships often exceeding what is required by regulatory authorities. It's all part of our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in every aspect of our business.
At the beginning of every cruise, shipboard crew members guide every one of our guests through a mandatory drill known as the Muster Drill, to ensure they are familiar with what to do and where to go in the unlikely event of an emergency. To further ensure they are aware of their specific muster location, we identify it on each guest's KeyCard. The location also is prominently noted on the back of every stateroom door.
In addition to the muster drill for our guests, our officers and crew conduct weekly, monthly and annual drills on every ship, and complete extensive training, obtain certification, and practice emergency scenarios in preparation for the very unlikely event of an emergency, including training on ship evacuation procedures. All our ships have more lifesaving appliances than the maximum number of guest and crew members permitted onboard.
All our ships are designed and operated in compliance with the strict requirements of the International Maritime Organization, the UN agency that sets global standards for the safety and operation of cruise ships, codified in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. Safety-related regulations are rigorous – and we often go above and beyond what is required; for example, carrying backup mechanical, navigational and safety provisions.
In addition, our vessels – regardless of where they're sailing in the world – comply with the U.S. Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) requirements, including railing heights, access control, closed circuit TV, medical preparedness, crime allegation reporting, and crew training. Our own requirements generally exceed those specified within the CVSSA. We work closely with regulatory authorities to improve safety laws, and regularly participate in discussions and studies to inform legislators of current practices and offer our perspective on regulations and standards to assure safety.
Flag State authorities and other maritime safety regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, from each country our ships visit also regularly inspect our ships. Their examinations focus on life-saving equipment and safety and environmental protection items. In addition to these inspections, our own ongoing system of internal as well as external (independent) marine expert audits also help us to remain vigilant, safely operate our ships, and maintain effective systems.
