Module 1.2 — Vessel orientation

Path 1 — Maritime fundamentals

Vessel orientation

Module 1.28 minInteractive vessel map

Module 1.2

Knowing where to go

When a rescue begins, you will be expected to move immediately and independently to your assigned station. Your vessel induction will show you the specific layout of your ship — this module gives you the framework so that induction makes sense and you can orient yourself quickly when you arrive.

Every vessel is different. The zones and deck names here represent common arrangements across humanitarian SAR vessels — treat them as a starting point, not a definitive guide. What stays consistent is the broad logic of how SAR vessels are organised.

What you'll cover

The key functional zones found on most SAR vessels
How decks are typically named
What's expected of you in different spaces

Estimated time

8 minutes — followed by a knowledge check. A completion certificate is awarded at the end of the full Path (after Module 1.6).

Section 1 of 3 — Interactive

Common zones aboard a SAR vessel

The zones below represent spaces you will typically find on a humanitarian SAR vessel. Tap each to learn what happens there. Remember — your vessel's exact layout will differ, and your induction will show you where things actually are aboard your ship.

Tap a zone to explore — 8 zones total

Tap any zone to learn what happens there

Stern / rescue deck

Where rescues happen

The stern deck is typically where RHIBs are launched and recovered, and where survivors first come aboard. Initial survivor reception — the first moments of triage and care — often happens here or immediately adjacent. During an active rescue this space is fast-moving and hazardous. You go here when assigned, not to observe. When not in rescue mode it requires constant maintenance and readiness checks. On some vessels reception happens on a separate adjacent space — your induction will clarify your vessel's layout.

SAR TeamBosunDeck crew

Women's shelter

Safety and dignity

Most humanitarian SAR vessels maintain separate shelter spaces for women and men. The women's shelter typically also accommodates children and families. Many of the women aboard will have experienced gender-based violence during their journey. This space must be managed with the highest standards of dignity and privacy. Access is restricted to assigned staff — protection officers, female cultural mediators, and medical personnel as needed.

Protection officersFemale mediatorsMedical team

Men's shelter

Recovery and rest

The men's shelter provides covered space for male survivors — typically a deck area or adapted hold with blankets, dry clothing, water, food, and basic sanitation. Survivors here are recovering from their journey — for many, this may be the first time they have felt safe. Behaviour in and around the shelter must be calm and non-intrusive. Access for non-assigned crew is restricted. Cultural mediators play a key role in communication and de-escalation in this space.

Cultural mediatorsProtection officersLogisticians

Medical bay

Every second counts

The medical bay is where critical cases are treated — hypothermia, drowning, obstetric emergencies, trauma. Every second can be important to save a life, and the medical team needs this space to be unobstructed and quiet. If you are not medical personnel, you do not enter unless directly asked. Its proximity to the rescue deck is deliberate — the distance between rescue and treatment should be as short as possible.

Medical coordinatorNursesMedical staff

Accommodation & mess

Where the crew lives

Cabins, bathrooms (heads), the scullery, and the mess (communal dining area) are in the accommodation block. Space is tight — cabins are often shared by more than two people, storage is minimal, and noise discipline matters because crew sleep at all hours. The mess is where informal briefings happen and where the crew decompress. Treat shared spaces with care and read the atmosphere before contributing to it.

All crewAll NGO staff

Bridge

Command and navigation

The bridge is the nerve centre of the vessel — navigation, communications, watch-keeping, and command decisions all happen here. Some vessels require you to request permission before entering; others don't — your induction will clarify this. During operations the Master, SARCO, STL, and Post-rescue leader coordinate from the bridge simultaneously. Always be aware of what the OOW is doing before entering, and never speak during a manoeuvre.

MasterSARCOSTLPost-rescue leaderOOW

Engine room & stores

Engineering and logistics

The engine room houses the vessel's propulsion and power systems — engineering crew only unless directed. Stores hold rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, and fuel. Inventory management and equipment readiness checks are daily responsibilities. You will not routinely need to access these spaces.

Chief EngineerEngineering crewLogistics coordinator

Stern deck

Women's shelter

Men's shelter

Medical

Accommodation

Bridge

Engine

Section 2 of 3

How decks are named

Deck names vary between vessels — there is no universal system. One vessel's "Main Deck" may be another's "Rescue Deck." Some use numbers, others names, many use both. The names below are common reference points across the humanitarian SAR fleet — your vessel's induction will confirm the specific names used aboard your ship.

During your induction

Your vessel will have deck plans posted at stairwells and muster stations. Your induction is the right time to learn your vessel's specific names and confirm where your rescue station is. This module gives you the framework — your induction gives you the detail.

Bridge deck

Highest working deck ↑

The uppermost operational deck, housing the bridge and navigation spaces. May also be called the "wheelhouse deck." Restricted access — check your vessel's rules during induction.

BridgeChart roomRadio roomMaster's cabin

Accommodation deck

Crew living spaces

Where crew and NGO staff live. Cabins, heads, sometimes the mess. Noise discipline applies at all times. May be called "accommodation deck," "A-deck," or a vessel-specific name.

Crew cabinsHeadsSculleryLaundry

Main deck

Primary working deck

Where the operational activity of the vessel is concentrated — mess, medical bay, briefing rooms, offices, and survivor care areas. Highest-traffic deck during and after rescues.

MessMedical bayBriefing roomOfficesSurvivor areas

Rescue / stern deck

Primary rescue station

The main outdoor working deck at the stern — where RHIBs operate and survivors board. A controlled space during operations. PPE mandatory. May be called "rescue deck," "stern deck," or "aft deck."

Stern deckRHIB davitsBoat landingMOB gear

Lower decks

Restricted ↓

Engine room, fuel systems, stores, and cargo holds. Engineering crew only unless directed. If you find yourself here without a clear reason, check you're in the right place.

Engine roomFuel systemsStoresCargo holds

The consistent logic

Deck names change between vessels. What stays consistent is the pattern — rescue operations at the stern, command at the top, crew in between, restricted spaces below. Learn your vessel's specific names during your induction.

Section 3 of 3

How to behave in each space

Knowing where spaces are is the starting point. Understanding what's expected of you in each space — and what's not appropriate — is what helps you integrate well and contribute effectively from your first day.

Stern deck

Go here when assigned. During a rescue it is a tightly managed space — an unassigned person creates complications for the crew running the operation.

Survivor shelters

Survivors are recovering from their journey — for many, this may be the first time they have felt safe. Keep noise minimal, avoid unnecessary interaction unless you're assigned. Not a space for observation.

Medical bay

Do not enter unless you are medical staff or directly asked. Every second can be important to save a life — unnecessary presence costs the team time.

Bridge

Be aware of what the OOW is doing. Some vessels require permission to enter. Never speak during a manoeuvre or radio call. Urgent messages go through your team leader.

Cabins

You will share. The other person may be sleeping after a night watch. Minimal light, minimal noise, gear stowed. Respect the limited personal space completely.

Mess

Meals at set times. After a difficult rescue the mess may be quiet — read the room and follow the crew's lead rather than filling the silence.

Knowledge check

Before you move on

Five questions on vessel orientation and expected behaviour.