MES Operation
Operating the Marine Evacuation System (MES). First unlock and fully open the inboard entrance doors by turning the handle, ensuring both doors are secured in the open position. Inside the MES compartment, locate the small vacuum hand pump—typically black, red, and yellow—positioned on the left-hand side and connected to a combined remote and hydrostatic release unit. Remove the retaining pin by breaking the plastic seal, and only upon receiving the Captain’s command, pump the device four to five times to initiate deployment of the stowage. As soon as the system is deployed, immediately begin operating the electric winch continuously to remove slack from the browsing lines; the winch controls should be hanging near the entrance for easy access. This sequence ensures a safe and efficient activation of the evacuation system in an emergency scenario.