From Policy to Practice: A Look at Disney Cruise Line Safety Training
At Disney Cruise Line, safety isn’t just something we do — it’s embedded in our shipboard culture. As maritime professionals, every crew member in every role plays a part in keeping our ships safe. Crew members often start their Disney Cruise Line journeys with maritime safety certifications and experience from previous jobs. Whether they start their first Disney contract with years of safety experience or join our crew ready to learn and build upon existing knowledge, safety is emphasized, taught and practiced from the moment they step on board one of our ships. This World Maritime Day, we’re diving into crew member safety training to show how policy is put into practice from day one.
“One of the most important pillars that we have is trainings. I would never leave a crew member unsure of what is happening.”
Safety Familiarization 1+2
Two safety familiarization classes equip crew members with basic safety information, including identifying muster and embarkation stations and emergency escape routes, what to do if the fire or abandon ship alarm is sounded, how to take immediate action during medical emergencies, and more.
Security Awareness 1+2
Over the course of two classes, crew members learn how to recognize and report security threats and suspicious behavior. They will also gain an understanding of ship security levels and procedures, learn about maritime-specific security threats, and follow emergency and contingency plans related to security.
“To make sure that safety is the number one priority, I make sure that we accurately do a double check on our crew members. Whether it comes to the shoes that you wear, the way you carry your trays, the way that you walk... it’s all important.”
Marine Evacuations Systems (MES)
The Marine Evacuation System (MES) is a crucial lifesaving device that uses an inflatable slide or chute connected to self-inflating life rafts to quickly move guests off a ship in an emergency. Crew members receive special training on these devices, making it possible to evacuate guests in a few minutes or less.
Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR)
Personal Safety & Social Responsibility covers multiple topics, emphasizing our crew members’ responsibility to themselves, their fellow crew members, our guests and the environment. Topics include accident prevention, marine pollution prevention, seafarers' rights and responsibilities, harassment and bullying, and more.
“First, always, is safety training. When we're doing the training, I feel good. I enjoy it.”
Crew Drill
Within their first two weeks on board, new crew members will participate in a crew drill. But this is not a one-time occurrence. Crew members spend significant time practicing the procedures needed to evacuate the ship, which includes launching and operating lifeboats and life rafts. All crew members participate in general safety drills every other week, providing the entire team with the opportunity to practice.
Passenger Ship Safety Training (PSST) 1+2
As crew members on a passenger vessel, crew members take two Passenger Ship Safety Training classes, where they will learn how to manage crowds during an emergency situation, organize the safe movement of passengers, establish and maintain effective communication, and more.
“Safety is always our number one priority. We do a lot of training, both one-on-one training and group training. I guide crew members not just with red flags. I help them out or give them advice to point them in the right direction.”
Elementary First Aid
Elementary First Aid teaches crew members immediate life-saving skills, allowing them to jump into action during onboard medical emergencies. These skills include CPR, AED awareness, control of bleeding, treatment of burns, fractures, sprains and other injuries, and more.
Whether they are on their first contract or their fifteenth, our crew members keep up with regular safety trainings throughout their Disney Cruise Line career, ensuring they are always prepared to put policy into practice at sea.
Interested in a Disney Cruise Line career and creating safety at sea? Join our crew! Visit DCLJobs.com to learn more and apply.
