Procedure for the Launching of Lifeboats

Drills are to be carried out at the Master’s discretion, in line with Solas requirements, and addition safety precautions may be implemented. If routine
testing cannot be conducted, the issue must be reported to the Superintendent. Required work permits, risk assessments, and Tool-Box Talks are to be completed. A minimum of one Deck Officer, one Engine Officer, two ABs, and one other Officer are to be present, with radio, throughout the drill period.

• All Officers engaged in the operation must be familiar with the equipment supplied on board, and know how to operate it.
• The Officer in charge of lowering the life boat must be in full control of operations at all times.
• Run out fore and aft painters, securing to deck bits, ensuring correct tension. Once correct tension is found consideration should be given to marking the painter.
• Ensure brake lever is securely in position, with safety pin in place.
• Check wire falls are tight (insert winding handle and take up any slack if needed).
• One crewmember to enter the lifeboat and rig Fall Preventer strops. On completion leave the lifeboat.
• Ensure remote release wires are clear of obstructions (crewmember to monitor winding down of release wire to avoid any damages). Consider having wire cutters available.
• Release battery charger cable located on top of the boat.
• Attach lowering rope to gripes for lowering.
• Remove Harbour Pin (Clamps).
• Slowly move lifeboat until gripes release.
• Lower gripes manually and clear the ropes before proceeding.
• Use remote break release (on ships side) to lower the lifeboat to approximately 1- metre above the water, and recover boarding position.
• Launch crew to enter the lifeboat and strap themselves to their seats.
• Lifeboat to be lowered to 1-metre above water either by remote release or from the deck.
• Fall Preventer strops to be removed and placed in the lifeboat.
• Lifeboat may now be lowered into the water and hooks released hydrostatically or manually as appropriate.

Waterborne Testing.

• After releasing the painters, which should be loosely secured to the hooks, the lifeboat is be manoeuvred away from the vessel and gearbox brought into neutral.
• Hooks are to be reset and remote lever secured in position. Forward and aft hooks must be cross checked by the another member of the boat crew.
• Hatches are to be closed and sprinkler is to be run at full engine RPM.
•  Gearbox to be thoroughly tested ahead and astern (including Full Ahead & Full Astern movements).
•  Lifeboat is to be moved in to recover the painters
•  Once connected, lifeboat is to be positioned under the falls for connection.
•  When in position, ensure falls are not twisted and connect the falls to hooks.

Lifeboat Recovery

•  Lifeboat crew are to strap into their seats.
•  Boat is to be raised approximately 1 metre above the water and stopped.
•  The Hydrostatic Indicator at this point must indicate Green.
•  Fall Preventer strops are to be reconnected
•  Once it is confirmed that the boat is safe to be raised, hatches are to be closed.
•  Lifeboat is to be raised to the stowed / boarding position.
•  During recovery all safety stop switches are to be tested.
•  Ensure the wire falls and remote wire reeve themselves correctly.
•  Ensure davits and falls align in the correct position and at the correct time.
•  Manually wind the boat into final position.
•  Harbour pins to be put in place.
•  Gripes to be secured.
•  Fall Preventor strops to be un-rigged
•  Crew to disembark
•  Davit falls to be slackened slightly so the weight of the boat is resting davits. Safety pin on brake is to remain out of position.
•  Retrieve the painters, cover and secure.
•  Connect battery plug
•  Cancel Work Permits.