TUI Cruises has shared a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important safety procedures performed at sea, releasing a video that captures a helicopter evacuation training exercise involving the cruise ship Mein Schiff 7 off the coast of Norway.

The drill, which took place near Bergen, demonstrates how cruise ship crews and rescue teams work together during a medical evacuation. In the footage, a helicopter approaches the ship's bow and hovers above the vessel while rescue personnel are lowered onto the deck using a winch system.

Captain Jens Troier of Mein Schiff 7 appears in the video, providing commentary and explaining the purpose of the exercise. While the operation may look dramatic, TUI Cruises emphasized that the scenario was only a training exercise and that no one was in danger.

Unlike a real medical emergency, the crews were able to carry out the drill without the pressure of time. In an actual evacuation, helicopters are often called when a passenger or crew member requires urgent medical treatment ashore and cannot wait until the ship reaches port.

According to TUI Cruises, exercises like this are essential for maintaining safety standards at sea. The company highlighted the close coordination required between the ship's crew, coast guard personnel, pilots, paramedics and winch operators.

During the exercise, the helicopter approached the vessel at speed before lowering two rescue specialists onto the ship. The training allowed both the flight crew and the ship's team to practice communication, positioning and emergency response procedures under realistic conditions.

"Safety on the world's oceans is no coincidence — it's the result of precision and continuous training," TUI Cruises said in its description of the drill, noting that such exercises help ensure crews are prepared when a real emergency occurs.