How often should the Emergency Response Plan be reviewed and practiced?

The correct approach for reviewing and practicing the Emergency Response Plan is once a year or following any major changes to either the personnel onboard or the systems and equipment in use. Annual reviews ensure that the crew members remain familiar with emergency procedures, promoting readiness and an effective response to incidents. Additionally, when there are significant changes—such as the introduction of new equipment, alterations in personnel roles, or updates to regulations—the plan should be revisited to integrate those changes appropriately. This ensures that the response plan remains relevant and effective based on the current operational context, which is essential for maintaining safety onboard.

Other frequencies such as bi-annual reviews might not provide sufficient opportunity for regular practice and may lead to a lapse in knowledge over time. Similarly, a three-year interval might far exceed the recommended frequency to keep the crew adequately prepared. Monthly drills, while fostering preparedness, could lead to resource exhaustion and potential desensitization to emergency protocols if not managed effectively. Therefore, the annual review combined with adjustments after significant changes strikes a balance between maintaining readiness and ensuring the plan is tailored to the current operational environment.