Escape Pods

A Star Fleet designed escape pod.

An escape pod (also called life boat or rescue pod) is a small space craft that can be ejected from a starship or other space vehicle after a catastrophic accident and it is certain the vessel will be destroyed. Star Fleet vessels have enough escape pods to evacuate the entire ship's crew and any non-Star Fleet personnel. Escape pod drills are held on a regular basis on every Star Fleet vessel.

Escape pods are equipped with subspace transmitters and distress beacons. They are usually equipped with some rations for the people aboard. They are equipped only with short range thrusters.