SIREVA – Passenger safety during rescue and evacuation from passenger vessels
Motivation
Cruises are becoming more and more popular. In the past 10 years, the yearly number of passengers in the world has almost doubled to 20 million. Even with the latest technological advances, accidents cannot be ruled out completely. The ever increasing size of passenger ships means that new challenges arise in case of an evacuation.
Goals and approach
In the scope of SIREVA research project, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), innovative concepts and technological solutions are established, which will contribute to a complete, fast and safe evacuation of passenger ships. During this, older persons and those with reduced mobility have to be taken into particular consideration. The findings should increase the safety on passenger ships while placing no restrictions on freedom and personal rights. Previously performed evacuations are analysed to develop new strategies and technologies. This is continuously accompanied by studies regarding acceptance and legal issues. Based on the first results, an integrated evacuation concept will be developed that also takes a technical system for decision-making support into account. This should also include the possibility of an onshore situations center. At the same time, new trainings and simulation concepts for evacuation procedures will be researched.
Innovations and prospects
This complex issue will be developed interdisciplinary, with researchers and end users working together closely while also paying close attention to different aspects of acceptance and legal security. Once the project is over, the developed results will build the foundation for marketable solutions.