The cancelled boat drill could have exposed both inadequate capacity and a crew unfamiliar with the equipment. The original davit arrangement could have supported far more boats, but the actual system presumed that boats would shuttle people to a responding vessel. Passengers therefore depended on crews learning the equipment before an emergency. Drills, equipment handling, and dependable rescue communications were all part of the real safety system, even where the law did not require them.
Notable Point · 4:29-7:09
Lifeboats depended on training and nearby ships
The lifeboat shortfall was compounded by a rescue plan that depended on crews and nearby ships being ready to act.