A strict attention to health, safety and wellness is at the foundation of everything we do.
Class Afloat is committed to ensuring the safety of every student, mariner and faculty member – on land and at sea. The planning of every student activity, on the ship or off, starts and ends with safety considerations.
Safety at Sea
The ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II operates an International Safety Management System (SMS) to the standards of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS ) and to additional tall ship regulation standards set out by the German regulatory authorities. The SMS operates from a state of the art computerized management system that monitors ship safety, including equipment, rigging, engine room, deck watch and deck routines. It has fully computerized navigation, weather forecasting and communication systems.
The ALEX-2 was launched in 2011 and build to the highest maritime safety standards with modern equipment and ship systems, full alarm and ship sprinklers. Students are trained and routinely drilled on all aspects of ship safety as an integral part of their sail training experience.
Safety on land
In addition to organized programs, students are granted shore leave (free time) while on land to explore their new surroundings and engage in local activities such as snorkelling, shopping, surfing and sampling local cuisine. Students follow clear policies for shore leave, including staying in groups of 4 and returning to the ship by curfew.
Health
A certified Ship Doctor is on board throughout the school year to provide care in cases of sickness or injury. The ship hospital stocks a supply of medications and medical supplies that are available to the Ship Doctor all times.
In the case of a serious medical emergency, the ship will sail to the nearest port. If a more urgent need for hospital care is required, the ship is able to facilitate a medical evacuation airlift procedure.
Safety
Safety is paramount in all aspects of the Class Afloat program. A structured process of training is conducted to educate students about all safety matters and procedures aboard the ship.
Our management team, faculty, Ship Doctor and professional mariner crew ensure that safety is the first and foremost concern for everyone aboard the ship and while in port.
Nutrition
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are prepared fresh by our ALEX-2 cooks in the ship’s spacious, modern and fully equipped galley. Food is replenished during port visits to ensure fresh ingredients are on hand while at sea.
Vegetarian meals are easily accommodated and our cooks are able to cater to most other dietary needs. Students with special dietary needs should advise Class Afloat at the time of application to ensure that these needs can be met.
Frequently Asked Questions
A certified Ship Doctor is on duty at all times to provide care in cases of sickness or injury. The ship hospital stocks a supply of medications and medical supplies that are available to the Ship Doctor. In the case of a serious medical emergency, the ship will sail to the nearest port or, if a more urgent need for hospital care is required, perform a medical evacuation airlift procedure.
All students are enrolled in a comprehensive medical and accident insurance that covers the cost of medical attention on board, transfers as required, and the cost for emergency evacuation when necessary.
Seasickness can occur during the first week at sea. It happens when the body, inner ear, and eyes all send different signals to the brain, resulting in queasiness. Seasickness usually disappears without medical treatment within a few days, as your brain learns to compensate for the movement of the boat and you get your “sea legs”.
Safety is paramount in all aspects of the Class Afloat program, however, there is risk involved in sailing as there are in all types of adventure and sport activities. A structured process of training is conducted to educate students about all safety matters and procedures aboard the ship. Our management team, faculty, Ship Doctor and professional mariner crew ensure that safety is the first and foremost concern for everyone aboard the ship.
