How To Release a Lifeboat?
Lifeboats play a crucial role in maritime safety, providing a means of evacuation and survival during emergencies at sea. If the sea is calm, lower the lifeboat as soon as possible. When the lifeboat is released, the trim of the ship shall be less than 10°, the heeling shall be less than 20°, and the speed of the ship shall not be higher than 5kn.
Overview
1. Check the drain plug and ensure it is properly secured.
2. Inspect and remove the harbor safety pins from the lifeboat.
3. Lower the rope ladder.
4. Open all securing clamps or brakes.
5. Lower the boat to the boarding deck.
6. Secure the boat with mooring lines.
7. Install and tighten the tensioning tackle and other rigging.
8. Release the preventer lines (open the slide rings).
9. Ensure everyone wears life jackets and follows safety instructions. Crew members board the lifeboat upon command.
10. Sit down and place hands inside the boat.
11. Loosen and release the tensioning lines until the hoisting slings are vertical.
12. Ensure the outer area is clear, lift the brake, and smoothly lower the lifeboat.
13. Release the hooks and attach the tiller.
14. Crew members board the lifeboat.
15. Untie the bow and stern mooring lines.
16. Use boat hooks to push the boat away from the ship.
17.Monitor the surroundings and use distress signals to attract rescue operations.
In case of bad weather, the ship can release the lifeboat by holding the boat. In order to reduce and avoid the swing of the lifeboat and the collision with the ship in heavy wind and waves, the swing rope, fender and boat pole can be used.
