Safety & Security Onboard a P&O Cruise Ship

Our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure cruise holiday environment.

P&O Cruises is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment onboard our ships to enable everyone to enjoy a great cruise and to take home only wonderful holiday memories.

Our policies, procedures, staffing and security arrangements are designed to ensure our guests can be confident our top priority is ensuring their safety and security.

These arrangements include:

• Strict policies on the Responsible Service of Alcohol along with colour-coded cruise cards with photo-ID to prevent under-age drinking and warnings that it is against the law for anyone – even a family member – to buy alcohol for a child
• A ‘zero tolerance approach’ to any excessive behaviour that affects the enjoyment of other passengers with the likely disembarkation of offenders at the next available port
• Hundreds of CCTV cameras strategically located in the public areas of all ships in the P&O Cruises’ fleet
• Trained security personnel onboard and strict procedures including crime scene preservation in the event that this is required

Important Safety Information

Shortly after you have embarked, as a requirement of international law you will attend a mandatory guest emergency drill. During this drill, clear instructions will be provided which must be followed in the event of an emergency, including how to find your muster station, the essential actions you must take in an emergency including how to wear your lifejacket. In the meantime, for your own safety please read the following and refer to the safety notice behind the door in your room. On the day you embark, a safety video is available for viewing on your room television. We recommend that you make the time to watch it.

The General Emergency Alarm, which is used to call guests to their Muster Station, is seven or more short blasts, followed by one long blast on the ship’s alarms and may be accompanied by the same signal on the ship’s whistle. If you hear this signal, whether the ship is at sea or in port without having been warned that an exercise is taking place, you should go quickly to your room, collect your lifejacket, warm clothing, head covering, sensible footwear, any medication you may require, plus your cruise card for identification and proceed to your Muster Station. Please walk quickly and quietly, and on stairways and in alleyways keep to the right to allow other guests and crew to pass. The use of lifts is prohibited, as in the event of a power failure you may be trapped.

If you have mobility difficulties and feel that you may need assistance in an emergency, please tell your room steward and Reception today in order that special arrangements can be made.

Please carry your lifejacket until you are at your Muster Station and to avoid accidents, please do not allow the lifejacket tapes to trail on the floor. In the event of an emergency, low location strip lighting will switch on automatically. If the visibility in your area is reduced so that you cannot see the normal exit signs, you should keep close to the floor and crawl if necessary. Follow the illuminated strip and it will lead you to an exit.

Your assigned Muster Station is marked on the Safety Notice, which is located behind your room door. When you reach your Muster Station, please keep as quiet as possible in order to hear any instructions which may be passed over the public address system, or by the officers in your Muster Station. Please ensure that all phones are switched off before entering the Muster Station.

If you would like more information about our emergency procedures, please ask at Reception for a copy of our information sheet.

Lifejackets

Lifejackets are stored in your room. There are small lifejackets provided for children. If your children have not already been issued with these jackets, please ask your room steward to supply them. There are also spare lifejackets stowed in lockers on deck.

Fire

Fire is one of the most serious hazards at sea. Cigarette ends, cigars or matches should not be thrown over the ship’s side as these may be drawn into a ship’s side opening and cause a fire. Smoking is only permitted in specified outdoor areas and ashtrays are provided accordingly. All rooms and private balconies onboard this ship are designated non-smoking. If you should discover a fire, please raise the alarm by activating one of the red manual fire alarms located throughout the ship and advising a member of the crew.

ROOM FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM

Rooms are equipped with alarms by either buzzer or via the telephone system or a combination of both. If a fire is detected near your room, the buzzer will sound or your room phone will ring. You will hear a message instructing you to vacate your room by the nearest, safest possible exit. Please follow this instruction immediately.

Man Overboard

If you see a person fall overboard, throw them a lifebuoy and alert the nearest crew member by shouting “man overboard, man overboard”. If there are no crew members in the vicinity, immediately dial Reception (speed dial) from any onboard phone.

Reporting Security Incidents

To report a security incident or emergency onboard, please immediately dial Reception (speed dial) from any onboard phone or contact your nearest crew member.

Room Safety

Do not leave items on balcony

As your safety is our highest priority, we would like to remind you of some important precautions you must take while in your room or on your balcony. Never use candles, naked flames or any other burning material either in your room or on your balcony.

Please note

• All rooms and private balconies onboard are designated non-smoking.
• Heated electrical items (such as a curling iron) used in your room should not be left plugged in and unattended.
• Please do not use powerboards with surge protection devices.
• When finished, please ensure items are immediately unplugged.
• Do not tamper with smoke detectors.
• The use of irons and non-thermostatically controlled water heaters is strictly prohibited.
• Do not hang clothing out on the balcony or leave personal items unattended on the balcony. Before retiring for the evening please bring all personal items inside.
• Do not place any items on top of the light fittings.
• Do not hang anything on the sprinkler heads.

Tender Safety

For your own safety in the ship’s tenders please:

• Read the “Tender Safety Notice” at the head of the gangway.
• Note smoking is not permitted while in the tenders
• Keep your hands and arms off the side of the tender as it comes alongside the ship or wharf
• Follow the instructions given by crew members
• Remain seated while in the tenders
• Wait until instructed by the ship’s staff before getting in or out.

Accident Prevention

Do not sit or stand on ship rails

Please take time to review the suggestions given below for your personal safety.

• Never hold the frames of open doors as the ship’s motion may cause the door to close on your hands or fingers.
• Careful attention is necessary when moving around the ship, as the pitching and rolling motion may cause you to slip.
• Never sit or stand on the ship’s side rail or balcony rails
• Always hold the handrails when going up or down stairs, or while moving about the ship
• Please secure baggage or other movable objects in your room/suite
• Deadlights (the heavy steel plates over port-holes) must remain closed and can only opened by your steward
• Open decks are slippery when wet due either to inclement weather or the daily routine ship cleaning. Use caution when walking in these areas, and rubber soled shoes are suggested.
• Please take caution when on open decks, the ship’s speed and locations may cause strong winds across the decks which can easily reach 30 knots even on relatively calm days. Retain a firm hold on all exterior doors when passing through them.
• Rubber soled shoes should be used at all times when the ship is pitching and rolling. They are also recommended for some tours and when going ashore in the ship’s tenders
• Raised thresholds are common on ships, particularly at fire doors, exterior doors and/or adjacent to bathroom facilities, including the bathroom in your room. Please take care when walking through all such locations as there are high steps and raised thresholds throughout the ship
• Do not attempt to raise or lower top bunks. Ask your steward(ess) to do this for you
• Children under nine years old, must never be allowed to sleep or play on top bunks
• Ladders must be used to climb and descend bunks
• The lifts are automatic and therefore unattended. Never place hands between closing doors
• Children under 12 are not permitted to use lifts unless accompanied by an adult
• Never leave your children unattended on a room balcony
• Do not stand on chairs or stools for any reason
• To avoid trip hazards, remember to switch on your light
• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas of the ship. If you lose any items onboard, please visit Reception before you disembark. Any items (excluding clothing) unclaimed within three weeks of your cruise return, may be donated to charity. For hygiene reasons, unclaimed clothing will be destroyed onboard.

Pool Safety

• The area around swimming pools and spas may be slippery due to guest usage. Please take particular care in these locations
• Never leave your children unattended, particularly when they are using the swimming pool or spa
• There are no lifeguards on duty
• Please do not jump or dive into the pools
• No alcohol is allowed in the pools
• There is no access to pools or spas when they are netted
• If you see anyone in difficulty, please throw them a life ring, assist if possible and call Reception

Illicit Substances

P&O Cruises reserves the right to search your person and/ or luggage for any illicit substances and to deny boarding or, disembark any persons in possession of illicit substances. We are sure that you will appreciate that this security is in the best interest of all concerned.

Noise and Behaviour

While we encourage you to enjoy your cruise, for the comfort of other guests, please avoid making excessive noise in your room or in the corridors. If you seriously inconvenience or jeopardise the safety or enjoyment of any guest onboard, the Captain has the right to confine or put you ashore. P&O Cruises accepts no liability for this serious action or for any loss incurred (including repatriation expenses) and no refunds are available.

Smoking

Smoking, including cigar, e-cigarettes and and pipe smoking is only permitted in the designated open deck areas. Please note, all rooms and private balconies onboard this ship are designated non-smoking. Guests under 18 years of age are not allowed to purchase tobacco products. We are proud to offer this refreshing smoke-free environment for the safety and comfort of our guests. A $500 cleaning fee will be added to your onboard account if we find evidence of smoking in your room.

RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL

In the interests of guest safety and security onboard, we adhere to a strict Responsible Service of Alcohol policy. We also take a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to any excessive or irresponsible behaviour that can offend or affect other guests. This is all part of our commitment to making sure everyone onboard enjoys a great cruise so that you take home only wonderful holiday memories. We’re particularly strict about underage drinking onboard – that’s why minors get their own colour-coded cruise cards. Guests must be 18 years or over to purchase or consume alcohol. Please remember, it’s against the law for anyone – even a family member – to buy alcohol for a child. Photo Identification may be requested.

Any alcohol purchased ashore will be confiscated and will need to be collected before you disembark. Our senior officers and security staff will deal firmly with alcohol-related issues or excessive behaviour including the possibility of those involved being disembarked. It’s really about everyone enjoying the magic of cruising but always being considerate of others by acting responsibly.

Ship’s Security

Keep your cruise card close

In order to prevent unauthorised persons boarding the ship, you are required to:

• Carry your Cruise Card with you when going ashore.
• Produce your Cruise Card at the gangway when you leave and return to the ship
• Ensure that you also have a Government issued picture ID with you before leaving the ship
• Do not accept and bring onboard any parcels or packages from strangers
• Please note, you may also be asked by our Security Staff to open parcels or handbags which you are carrying
• Under no circumstances are guests allowed to enter crew living or working areas, even if invited by a member of the ship’s staff. Some areas of the ship, such as the Galley are occasionally open for inspection on particular escorted tours.

Safety and Security when Ashore

The safety and security of our guests is our most important responsibility and P&O regularly communicates with various government agencies and officials to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.

Unfortunately, terrorism, crime and civil unrest are a potential concern in many countries. Therefore, we encourage you to consider the following safety and security recommendationswhen going ashore in any port:

• Travel with others and stay in open public places.
• Dress down conservatively and minimize the amount of jewellery you wear
• Take care of handbags, cameras and valuables
• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you
• Use discretion when handling cash publicly. Separate money for small and large purchases to avoid showing a large amount of cash. Have gratuities ready
• Do not provide personal information to persons you do not know
• Exercise extra caution when exploring during the hours of darkness
• Do not accept rides from unofficial taxis; look for certification and proper licenses
• If confronted by a criminal, just remember that money and valuables can be replaced
• Consider going ashore on a P&O tour or other organized group; independent guests touring on their own should be particularly vigilant
• Do not leave drinks unattended when in bars or restaurants
• If you are involved in an auto accident, only stop in locations you consider safe in order to exchange vehicle information
• Do not travel in rural or deserted roads and areas
• Keep well clear of any gathering crowds or demonstrations.

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Explained

Crew members receive compulsory training in RSA policies and procedures with refresher training every two months along with training to recognise signs of intoxication in passengers.

No commissions are paid to staff on alcohol sales and crew members can face disciplinary action including dismissal for failing to prevent under age or intoxicated passengers from being served alcohol.

Passengers are also prohibited from bringing alcohol onboard. Any alcohol found is confiscated and not returned until the end of a cruise.

‘Zero Tolerance’ Approach to Excessive Behaviour Explained

Our security personnel undergo specialised training. They are alert at all times for anyone displaying inappropriate behaviour that can affect the enjoyment of other passengers.

Numerous CCTV cameras located in public areas operate on a rolling 24-hour basis as part of overall security monitoring onboard our ships.

Senior officers and security staff will deal firmly with alcohol-related issues or cases of excessive behaviour. Any passengers who offend in this regard can be disembarked from the ship to return home at their own cost.

The guiding principle is that everyone should be able to enjoy the magic of cruising while always being considerate of the comfort of others.

Prevention and Response Guide

Although it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to report an incident while you are onboard a P&O Cruises’ ship, it is still important to know what to do just in case.

Incidents or allegations of criminal activity should be reported directly to the onboard Security Department by dialling 000 or by contacting the Reception desk.

Any situations where medical assistance is required should be reported to the Medical Department by dialling 000 or by contacting the Reception desk.

P&O Cruises has agreed Protocols with law enforcement agencies in Australia and the Pacific Islands for the reporting of crimes and serious incidents at sea.

When special CARE is needed

We have specially trained CARE teams onboard and onshore to assist passengers and their families in the event of a traumatic incident or experience.

A streamlined process is also in place to deal with customer complaints including guidelines for response times and handling.

A toll free number is advertised in cruise literature for passengers wishing to contact Customer Relations and our landside emergency number is answered 24 hours a day.

Norovirus

A stomach bug with vomiting and diarrhea symptoms that can last for one to two days. Protect yourself and others by regularly washing your hands and changing to clean clothes everyday.

Ebola Virus Safety Policy

At P&O Cruises the safety and health of our guests and crew is our top priority, and we understand that media coverage of the Ebola virus and related cases has raised concerns among some travelers.

In order to safeguard our guests and crew, screen for any guests or crew who have recently visited or traveled through Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea within 21 days of the cruise departure date. We also screen for any guests who have had physical contact with or helped care for a person suspected of having Ebola or diagnosed as having Ebola within a minimum of 21 days before embarkation. Additionally, we are monitor bookings for any guests coming from these countries.

To assist in these efforts, we require all embarking guests, crew members and ship visitors to complete a mandatory health screening questionnaire upon embarkation. If deemed necessary, some guests may also be asked to submit to further medical screening prior to being allowed to board. Please be aware, based on our assessment, you may be denied boarding. We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Please be assured that P&O Cruises does not have any ships calling in any countries for which the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued Level 3 Travel Heath Notices, and none of our crew members are from these areas. We have robust medical protocols that are consistent with public health recommendations. Our medical staff is fully engaged and monitoring the situation closely, along with our colleagues in the rest of the travel industry. The cruise industry is in close, frequent contact with the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) for updates and guidance.

Guests seeking more information on Ebola can visit the World Health Organization’s website at www.who.int ; or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

We thank you for cooperating with this very important screening process.

Reporting Security Incidents

To report a security incident or emergency to shoreside authorities, we recommend that you contact local law enforcement or Australian or New Zealand consular agencies. Contact information for the destinations we visit can be found below.

You should report all security incidents which occur onboard  the ship to the Security Officer. Any security incidents which occur ashore should be reported to the Reception Desk on your return to the ship.