Operation Methods and Precautions for Free-Fall Boat Launch

The free-fall lifeboat boasts excellent structural strength, load-bearing protection capabilities, and an auto-righting function. Relying on its own gravity, it can freely fall into the water from a certified height along the davit slide, usually located at the stern of the ship. It is characterized by its ease of operation and quick release.

Installation Requirements for Free-Fall Lifeboat

A launching slide inclined at 45 degrees relative to the horizontal line is set up at the stern of the ship. Each side of the slide is equipped with a set of pulleys. The lifeboat is positioned with its bow downward and stern upward. Using a release hook and fixed steel cables, the lifeboat is secured to the slide. 

The ship is equipped with a dedicated hoist that can lift the free-fall boat from the water back onto the slide for repositioning. According to convention requirements, such ships must also be equipped with a dedicated rescue boat (usually an inflatable rubber boat with a hanging engine at the stern).

Operation Method and Precautions for Launching the Free-Fall Lifeboat

• After the people descending with the boat board the free-fall boat, they must remove their life jackets and helmets and take their specified seats, fastening their seat belts correctly. (The helmsman is the last to take his seat and fasten his seat belt, and he checks the equipment of each crew member.)

  
  

• Check and confirm that the watertight door at the stern and the watertight hatch at the top front of the boat are closed and watertight, and the bottom plug is securely fastened.

  
  

• Check and confirm that there is no connection between any object and the free-fall boat.

  
  

• Ensure that the boat engine is in the off state.

  
  

• Check and confirm that the helm is in the midship position.

  
  

• Confirm that the hydraulic bypass pipe of the hook release valve is in the closed position (located above the helmsman's seat, normally in the open position).

  
  

• Ensure that there are no loose items inside the boat.

  
  

• Before the free-fall boat is launched into the water, confirm that the ship's propeller has stopped rotating.

  
  

• Once all preparations inside the boat are complete, report to the commander (the captain). After receiving the report, the commander must confirm that the water surface is clear of obstacles before giving the order to release the boat.

  
  

• Attach the release lever, then remove the safety pin from the release mechanism, and check and confirm that the hydraulic bypass pipe of the hook release valve is closed (located above the helmsman's seat, normally in the open position).

  
  

• When receiving the order to release the boat, the personnel aboard should prepare themselves mentally, shift their center of gravity backward, grip the handles on the backrests of the seats in front tightly with both hands, and brace their feet. Then move the control lever up and down until the lifeboat is disengaged from the hook (usually after 3-4 pulls, the boat will automatically disengage). The free-fall boat will then quickly free-fall into the water.

  
  

• After the lifeboat enters the water, immediately operate the boat engine to control the lifeboat. At the same time, the personnel can unfasten their seat belts, put on their life jackets, and wear their safety helmets.