The entire crew feels responsible for our guests and is regularly given HESS (Health, Environment, Safety and Security) training. Safety drills with guests are carried out as standard and even take place before the ship leaves harbor.
Main content
Safety has top priority at AIDA
Technical ship safety
The tested ships of our fleet, AIDAbella and AIDAdiva, were the only ones to be awarded the “very good” rating in the ADAC cruise test 2012. The ADAC certified all of our tested ships as having cutting-edge technological, safety, life-saving and fire-safety equipment and a professional crew with a high sense of responsibility and knowledge of safety issues that is always ready to help. It also certified that we carry out scrupulous security controls of passengers and luggage during embarkation as well as routine evacuation drills. Special praise was reserved for our exemplary use of water-tight doors, which must always be closed without exception during the voyage of all AIDA ships. This shows that our zero-tolerance policy for error is effective for all safety aspects. These very good test results motivate us to continue to operate with the same high level of care and responsibility.
Organizational safety
To ensure that our employees react correctly at times of danger, we train each and every one of them in safety procedures from their first working day on according to the HESS training system. And this happens at every stage of their work – before, during and between their periods on board.
In 2012, we also opened the first center for maritime simulator training in Germany with the CSMART Rostock at the AIDA Academy. This is specially tailored to the quality standards in training and professional development and thus to safety in the cruise industry. We invest hugely in the training and professional development of our nautical and technical managers. Well-trained employees are an important guarantee for the safety of our guests and crew. As well as a first-class nautical and technical education, we expect our officers to show particular mental strength and team spirit. Each of them must be in a position to evaluate potential emergency situations extremely rapidly and then take the right decisions. That is why training units also cover the latest research findings from air travel and other safety-conscious industries.
CSMART stands for Center for Simulator Maritime Training, and is a globally renowned centre of excellence for training and professional development for nautical and technical managers. CSMART Rostock at the AIDA Academy is, along with CSMART Almere in the Netherlands, the second biggest simulator training center in Europe. The “Full Mission Bridge Simulator” is a reproduction of the bridge on the AIDAblu which was launched in 2010. An engine room simulator based on the SIEMENS steering on board AIDA ships is also part of the comprehensive safety training equipment in the maritime simulator training center.
Maneuvers can be simulated 1:1 on the 220° panorama screens with different prevailing conditions such as swell, wind, current, different lighting conditions or precipitation. Training is provided in the areas around the world in which AIDA Cruises operates, including in the ports of Hamburg, Bangkok and New York, as well as in frequently navigated areas such as the Kadetrenden, the Strait of Dover and the Bosporus.
Our safety officers ensure strict compliance with the regulations on board our ships. The crew demonstrates in regular drills that they are able to respond professionally in an emergency, and that all life-saving appliances are operational. Specially trained fire protection teams are present on every ship to ensure the safety of guests in the event of fire. All procedures are clearly defined in the Safety Management Manual.
More information is available in the video about safety.
Standardized Safety
Compliance with national and international laws and directives is second nature to us. We implement new regulations as quickly as possible – often exceeding the required standards. Internationally, the provisions set by the International Maritime Organization of the UN (IMO) are binding for AIDA Cruises. IMO regulations also include the SOLAS convention (Safety of Life at Sea). This sets out rules for the construction, fit-out and operation of ships. These rules include key regulations such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) and the International Safety Management Code (ISM). These guarantee safety in ports and operational safety on board.
