Business Continuity relies on teamwork and training

Fire is normally one of the greatest threats to any business – nowhere more so than in the Royal Navy. You can’t just shuffle out into the carpark and drive home to call the insurers when you are stuck in the middle of the southern ocean – particularly when you are under enemy attack from ships, missiles, submarines and aircraft.

All RN personel are trained fire-fighters and practice responding to fires and floods EVERY DAY to ensure they are fluent in the drills needed to effectively fight fires.

Whole-ship Emergencies

An engine room fire or helicopter crashing on deck above one of the ships magazines (the kind that holds supersonic missiles rather than glossy publications) quickly becomes a whole-ship emergency requiring several 5 man firefighting teams supported by tens of other boundary coolers, smoke containment sentries and hose handlers, breathing apparatus replenishment teams, first aiders and command and control staff.  Training is extremely realistic and always followed by a “hot debrief” (no pun intended) and a more formal written and verbal debrief to ensure that salient points are identified and lessons learned.

Total Electrical Failures

Another key drill carried out on all ships is known as a TLF which stands for “total electrical failure” whereby all electricity is instaneously lost – this isn’t simulated – they pull the metaphoric plug out!

In the midst of entering harbour or a real or simulated warfighting environment with supersonic missiles raining in, submarines lining up to torpedo you and fast jets bombing and strafing the ship you soon learn the importance of system knowledge and intuitive teamwork to activate fallback operating modes for vital systems and supplies.

How Business Continuity Consultants can help

Business continuity consultants can help you design and carry out realistic training exercises that will protect your business, your people, your capital equipment and premises in the event of fires, floods and mechanical failures.

Where can you find expert advice?

Call Veterus Consulting today on 08456 434 775 to benefit from our extensive, expert experience in planning and conducting these complex and demanding tests of teamwork and leadership.  Learn from the best.

@Veterus