Procedure for lowering Life boat.

 

1)     Minimum of 5 persons are required to lower the L/B. (gravity davit type)

2)     One person goes inside the L/B and passes the end of toggle painter and plugs the drain.

3)     Check all lifeline and falls are clear of L/B.

4)     Pass out toggle painters and made first forward of the ship.

5)     Remove forward and aft gripes and both person stand by for passing bowing tackle and tricing pendant.

6)     Remove harbour safety pin.

7)     Lower down embarkation ladder.

8)     Make sure the ship’s side is free of everything, no water or garbage is there.

9)     Now, one person lift’s the dead mans handle slowly which releases the brake.

10)The boat along with cradle sides downward till it comes to the embarkation deck.

11)By pulling tricing pendant , bring it alongside the embarkation deck.

12)Persons embark inside the boat.

13)Now, tricing pendant is removed and the whole load comes on falls.

14) Let go bowing tackle.

15)Now, boat is further lowered with deadman’s handle.

16) Before releasing start engine.

17)As soon as the boat comes around 1meter for on-load release and offload at water surface, clear the falls/wires. (hook release)

18) Boarding I.C and winch man by embarkation ladder.

19) Give propeller movement, then let go painter. 

Various info: 

1. Lifeboat lowering equipment consist of dog clutch, gearbox, motor etc.

2. Motor gear is engaged with spur gear, dead man brake in first set of reduction and centrifugal brake in the spurs.

3. Centrifugal brake:

     - Works when dog clutch is taken out & the drum is free.

     - Speed control but unable to stop full loaded boat.

4. Dead man brake/handle:

     - Stop when person wants.

5. Limit switch: ensure they cut power to the winch prior to davit arms touching their stops. 

Lifeboat Regulation: (SOLAS):

• Monthly – lowering with all person.

• 3 monthly – lowering to water, hook release & run the lifeboat.

(if 25% crew changed, then this drill should within 12 hrs)

• Annually – servicing via shore party.

• Lifeboat should capable to drawn and lifting within 5 min.

• Engine – every week at least 3 min.

• Engine speed – 6 knot, (liferaft – 3 knot)

                               -24 HRS running oil.

• Lifeboat have following important items, including –

1. SART – Search & Rescue Rudder Transponder (send 9 GHz eco)
2. Signaling mirror
3. Rudder deflector
4. EPERB