Types of Lifeboat Launching Procedure

We will see all lifeboat launching procedure step by step. Gravity davit lifeboat is lowered by davit arms and free fall lifeboat can be lowered either by free fall or davit arms.

Gravity Davit Lifeboat Launching Procedure

• • Make fast the painter on the ship’s bollards.
  • Remove the battery charger connection.
    
  • Put the boat plug in.
  • Rig the embarkation ladder.
  • Ensure davit cranking handle is not engaged.
  • Disengage the forward & aft harbour pins.
  • Passenger and crew to embark safely. Ensure everyone is sitting down with seat belts fastened.
  • All hatches and openings to be closed.
  • When ordered, remove the safety pin from the brake lever and release the lifeboat winch brake or use self lowering wire with everyone inside the lifeboat, ensure gripes are clear.
  • When the lifeboat is near water or afloat, start lifeboat engines and unhook the blocks using release lever.
  • Embark the launching party as applicable and let go the painter and steer away.
  • Get the lifeboat away from the ship and keep a good lookout.

Free Fall Lifeboat Launching Procedure

Launching by Free Fall

• • Check the water surface for any obstructions.
  • Ensure lashing arrangements are disengaged and make sure to remove release hook safety pin.
  • Remove the battery charger connection.
  • Passenger and crew to embark safely.
  • All hatches and openings to be closed and put the boat plug in.
  • Ensure everyone is sitting down with seat belts and head straps fastened.
  • Start the lifeboat engine.
  • When ordered, pump the lever several times to release the lifeboat, make sure you alert everyone before doing so because as soon as lifeboat releases it gives a sudden jerk, which could injure someone sitting inside the lifeboat.
  • Once the lifeboat is waterborne, get the lifeboat away from the ship and keep a good lookout.

Read Also: What is ECDIS and How it works?

Launching by Davit Arm

• • Check the water surface for any obstructions.
  • Rig the embarkation ladder.
  • Ensure lashing arrangements are disengaged and make sure to remove release hook safety pin.
  • Remove the battery charger connection.
  • Lower the traverse by operating the control lever and remove hook lashing line.
  • Connect the boat wires to the suspensions.
  • Lift davit arm using control lever until the boat wire is tight and the lifeboat is just about to lift from it’s rest position.
  • Passenger and crew to embark safely except the persons operating the lever.
    
  • All hatches and openings to be closed and put the boat plug in.
  • Ensure everyone is sitting down with seat belts and head straps fastened.
  • Pump the release lever several times to disengage the main lashings.
  • Operator on the control lever will lower the lifeboat.
  • When boat is water borne then the operator on ship will board the lifeboat.
    
  • Now release the wire used to lower the lifeboat.
  • Get the lifeboat away from the ship and keep a good lookout.

Read This: What Maintenance is Required for a Free Fall Lifeboat.

If you still have any doubt or you want to add something please let us know in the comment section.