After the Concordia sinking and 32 deaths, the other cruise vessel issues the last few years I still find it amazing some people don't understand just how important the Muster drill is.
Talking and cells calls and texting does indeed disturb other passengers trying to listen and yes...that does endanger them form getting the information. The passenger talking and calling and texting by not getting all the information, including updates,etc, are indeed endangering others.
You endangering others, ends your rights to not pay attention.
Most of us in the Maritime industry believe they IMO/ USCG a mistake by not requiring everyone to wear life vests to the drills and the talk is they are considering requiring them as its been shown many passengers do not even look to find them!
In a real emergency, fire, power gone, on emergency power, the vessel possibly rolling and picking, dark passage ways, stair wells, crowds of people, that is not the time to have to wonder what you were supposed to do, where your life preserver is and how to get it on yourself and your kids and where you were supposed to go!
Think about this folks, its not a joke, nor is it a impossibility!
So yes, that talking, late arrival, call or text could indeed endanger others and yourself and your family!
AKK