Provisional Proposal Abstract - March 30^th, 2004

Issue 
Provide safety improvement of the evacuation system in terms of passenger/crew survivability by conceptual improvements of current lifesaving appliances (LSA). A tendency to develop passenger vessels carrying more than 5000 passengers can be seen. A major calamity, such as flooding or fire, would have catastrophic consequences. Special focus should be given to means of rescue. Little scientific evidence is available on the effectiveness of LSAs in realistic conditions. No technical evidence seems to be available on the performance of the rescue system, i.e. hardware and procedures/management. Analysing the rescue process as a whole and considering non-conventional measures, will increase the effectiveness of safety investments and save space on board. Moreover, the success rate will improve dramatically. Model scale and full scale tests of novel rescue system concepts under extreme weather conditions, will be required, a full scale test prototype will be developed in order to obtain evacuation success rates.

Objective 
How to improve current rescue systems This project is emphasising on the rescue process by both quantifying the performance of the LSAs and improving the concept of reaching the rescue vessel in a safe and reliable manner. The challenge is to exploit a first principles approach (regarding hydromechanics, mechanics, human behaviour, quantitative risk assessment and emergency management) in the design of rescue systems for passengers and crew, addressing both hardware and procedures/management. Aim must be to prove attained safety levels acceptable to the EU community. Stated safety levels must be supported by sound scientific evidence. In this respect physical model tests and full scale tests will play a decisive role.

Benefits 
Safety improvement and acceptance of rescue systems by the International Maritime Society. A more efficient use of investments with respect to rescue systems, as well as a reduction of required investments and space on board for LSAs.