What is the Purpose of the Marine Evacuation System?

The Marine Evacuation System (MES) is a life-saving device that evacuates people from a boat or ship quickly and safely. The MES doesn’t take up a lot of space and can usually be deployed by one person, making it ideal for use in an emergency. MES aims to safely evacuate as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time possible.

What are the Components of MES?

The MES has 5 main components as follows: Controls – They are used for launching the device in the event of an emergency. Stowage box – This box is attached to the ship and life rafts; it stores supplies and facilitates the egress of passengers from the ship to the raft(s). Chute – The deck-mounted chute apparatus contains the actual chute and other fixed items used during embarkation, like a seat and grab rail. Raft(s) – Generally 1-4 in number, depending on the particular MES system. Bowsing winch – It’s attached to the ship and is used to bow the raft into the ship.

What are the Different Means of Communication for MES?

Means of communication can be divided into two categories: visual and audible. Some examples are given below. Visual: Light signals, typically LED or lamps Hand signals. Audible: Verbal (i.e., unamplified voice) Radio-based Klaxon/horn/whistle/bullhorn

What are the Four Stages of the Evacuation Procedure?

There are four stages to an effective abandon ship procedure: Stage 1: Notification and Mustering Everyone on board is notified that they must evacuate the vessel by sounding the alarm. Muster instructions should be given in addition to the distress signal. Stage 2: Lowering the Abandoned Ship Means Into Water During this stage, the MES is deployed into the water. Releasing a catch or handle allows the chute and rafts to slide into the water. Stage 3: Embarking Only the assigned crew should lower the boat into the water using davits or cranes once the side boat and normal lowering procedure are in place. The safety officer oversees the brake control, which is at the Master’s discretion. The rest of the crew will board using a side pilot ladder; the Master will be last to board. Stage 4: Debriefing This stage is only applicable for drills. Following the drill, the safety officer should take everyone on board the drill’s events, ensuring all aspects of its execution are discussed. Equipment usage and lowering/deploying abandoned ship means (boats or rafts) should receive special attention.

ISO 27991:2008: Ensure Safe Crew Evacuations

Learn about how the ISO 27991 standard can help maritime management plan for evacuations safely and effectively.

What is ISO 27991:2008?
Benefits of Implementing ISO 27991
What are the Different Types of Marine Evacuation Systems (MES)?
What are the Different Messages Requiring Communication in MES?
What are the Different Considerations Affecting MES Communication?
Follow Safety Communication Procedures With SafetyCulture
FAQs About ISO 27991

Article by

Rob Paredes

3 min read

16 Jul 2026

What is ISO 27991:2008?

The ISO 27991:2008 specification provides guidance on communicating between a Marine Evacuation System (MES) and the platform or survival craft it is attached to, as required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulation III/6.4.4. It recommends exchanging a minimum set of data between the MES and the platform or survival craft to ensure the occupants’ safety during an evacuation.

Benefits of Implementing ISO 27991

The benefits of implementing the ISO 27991:2008 specification include the following:

Reduced risk of injury or death during a marine evacuation
Reduced risk of delays in evacuation
Reduced costs associated with evacuations

What are the Different Types of Marine Evacuation Systems (MES)?

Some of the unique marine evacuation systems available are as follows:

The Chute System – The chute system is a method of emergency evacuation for cruise ships that can rescue up to 565 people within 30 minutes. The chutes are made of solid Kevlar material, allowing them to withstand severe weather conditions.
The Mini-Chute System – The mini-chute can hold 582 individuals and evacuate them in 30 minutes. It’s made using Kevlar, making it indestructible during an emergency event. The system is flexible and easy to set up without any complications.
The Slide System – The slide system has the advantage of being able to be set up anywhere on the ship, both at the front and back. The evacuation capacity is 657 people within 30 minutes and can be set up quite flexibly. The slide is set up at a 30-degree angle to allow for smoother movement of evacuees.
The Mini-Slide System – The mini-slide system is better for ships with a lower deck height. After inflation, this system can evacuate 615 people within 30 minutes. It’s the most crucial feature of the mini-slide system.

What are the Different Messages Requiring Communication in MES?

The entrance and exit of the MES passage typically have a controller and receiver, respectively. The messages that require communication apply to all MES systems, regardless of height or configuration (slide/chute/etc.). It supports controlled and safe evacuations and provides feedback during an evacuation.

CONTROLLER side

Starting evacuation*
Stopping evacuation*
Change pace of evacuation
Identify an incident has occurred

RECEIVER side

Ready to receive*
Stop evacuation*
Change pace of evacuation
Identify an incident has occurred

*If the communications system fails, there should be a clear plan for alternative means of communication, as outlined in either the MES operating manual or vessel training manual.

What are the Different Considerations Affecting MES Communication?

Whenever possible, communication devices on board a ship should be positioned ergonomically and in a way that doesn’t interfere with the operation of other life-saving devices, especially those near the equipment. It shall be able to function correctly for the duration of an evacuation. The following are some considerations to keep in mind:

Background noise and vibration
Lighting – artificial and strong, natural sunlight, as well as nighttime operation and backlighting
Conditions of restricted or reduced visibility
Environmental conditions (−30 °C to +65 °C) – humidity, visibility (e.g., controller viewing receiver in a snow storm), heavy weather
Robustness to withstand the conditions and forces generated during deployment and evacuation
Possible confusion between individual MES communication systems and shipboard operational, emergency, and damage control communications

Why use Mitti (by SafetyCulture)?

The maritime industry relies on effective communication to maintain safety and operations. Communication among marine community members is crucial when an emergency occurs to coordinate a response. Mitti (by SafetyCulture) is a multi-platform app that can do just that. With Mitti (by SafetyCulture), you can do the following:

Create and share paperless safety checklists that crew members can use for evacuation drills, ship inspections, and implementation of maritime safety standards
Take photos and videos with a geo-tagging feature that you can attach to reports
Track inspection data and identify trends over time, allowing for a more informed decision-making when preparing for emergencies
Generate PDF or Excel reports for easy record-keeping and future reference
Cascade maritime evacuation communication protocols across all crew members via Heads Up