10 Ferry Travel Safety Tips for a Worry-free Summer Vacation
Sailing the seas this summer? No matter if you’re a first-time or a seasoned traveler, it is essential to review some safety tips for summer vacation ferry travel. Ships are required to follow certain maritime safety inspection and monitoring protocols before, during, and after sailing. This is to ensure passengers and crew of their overall safety of operations at sea.
It is also the responsibility of passengers to observe safety protocols and follow directions set by the shipping line. Here are some ferry travel safety tips you should keep in mind.
Summer Vacation Travel Safety Tips for Ferry Travelers
Take note of these safety tips for summer vacation travel, especially for ferry travels that take place under the scorching hot sun.
1.Bring medications and a hygiene kit.
Pack appropriate medicine to combat seasickness and other common forms of pain. Include prescribed medication, alcohol, and other products for sanitary health. Ferries can get crowded, making it easy for communicable diseases to spread.
During the summer, it is essential to bring sunscreen, especially if you plan to watch the waves on the deck or your cabin’s balcony.
2.Use waterproof storage and containers.
Protect your electronics and important documents in waterproof storage bags or containers. Ferries are generally safe, however, rough seas and weather can cause small amounts of water to gather onboard. If you are hanging out on the deck, it would be best to keep you and your valuables waterproof.
3.Avail of travel insurance for long voyages.
Sea and ferry travel insurance is sold by different providers. Short trips on ferries, for example, may not require travel insurance. Long ferry travels, on the other hand, may require travel insurance to cover medical and transportation expenses in case of dire situations. Ask your shipping line about their insurance requirements before your trip.
4.Follow ship safety rules.
Pay attention during the ship’s muster drill. Watch life jacket demonstrations closely, listen to the emergency alarm, and find out the nearest emergency exit from your cabin. Regardless of how frequently you travel by sea, knowing these ferry safety tips and protocols can save a life.
Muster drills are mandatory safety exercises that are conducted to educate passengers and crew about safety regulations and evacuation locations during emergencies. It is usually conducted at the beginning of the voyage.
5.Roam the ship with a buddy.
If you are traveling with a partner or in a group, walk around the ship together. Going with a buddy makes you less vulnerable to danger and getting lost on the ship, especially medium to large-sized vessels. It is not advisable to explore the ship alone at night.
6.Lock doors and windows to your cabin.
If your cabin has a balcony, make sure to lock its door or window, not just to prevent rain or seawater from getting in, but also unwanted objects or persons from neighboring cabins. Keep yourself safe by locking the main doors and windows when you leave the room or go to sleep.
7.Keep your valuables safe.
Secure your items in your bags and luggage, especially for valuables like laptops, documents, or cash. Don’t flaunt your cash, cards, and other expensive belongings. Don’t make them visible to prying eyes. In case you are staying in a bunk bed or open type of accommodation on board, be aware of your neighbors. Keep your bags zipped and locked, and store them in your designated luggage rack.
8.Stay in your cabin or seat during rough weather.
When the journey gets too rough to handle, return back to your cabin or bunk to avoid accidents. Passengers are more prone to accidents like slipping, tripping, or falling down when the ship experiences sudden movements due to waves. Find a place to sit down if you are far from your cabin, and wait for the movement to calm before returning.
9.Be vigilant of your surroundings.
This ferry safety tip is applicable to all travel situations. Don’t tell strangers your cabin number and do not reveal too much personal information to avoid being targeted. Solo travelers should not tell others on board that they are traveling alone. In case of any problems or suspicious activity, do not hesitate to tell a crew member or authorized personnel.
10.Keep yourself hydrated for the whole trip.
One of the most important safety tips for summer vacation is to keep yourself hydrated. Bring a large reusable jug of water for your own use, or drink water provided by the shipping line. Extreme heat can cause exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration.
Ferry travel is not only a unique experience, but it is also a means to arrive at your destinations in the safest possible way. Be a responsible passenger and equip yourself with the above summer vacation travel safety tips to ensure an enjoyable and smooth journey.
ALSO READ: The Cebu to Masbate Travel Guide that You Must Check Out
Apply these safety tips for summer vacation on a trip with Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc. Choose us for your next trip to popular summer destinations in Visayas and Mindanao. We offer hassle-free sea travel to and from Cebu, Masbate, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Iligan, Ozamiz, Tagbilaran, and Lazi. Check our rates and schedules and book your tickets today.
