How well do you know your
lifeboat?
The American P&I Club has issued guidance highlighting the importance of in-depth training, robust familiarity with the specific lifeboat onboard each vessel, and rigorous maintenance routines to ensure the safety and reliability of lifeboats.
There are several types of lifeboats used aboard ships, each designed to meet specific safety requirements. Open lifeboats, lacking a roof, are the most basic and least safe, typically propelled by hand-operated oars. Closed lifeboats, either partially or fully enclosed, provide a safer environment against harsh weather and rough seas, with the ability to self-right if overturned. Free fall lifeboats, similar to closed types but designed for rapid launching from a height, offer immediate deployment in emergencies and are highly reliable in all sea conditions. To aid mariners in understanding and enhancing lifeboat safety, the American Club recommends sticking to the following protocols and procedures:
Comprehensive training is a must Comprehensive training is critical to ensure all crew members are proficient in procedures for boarding, launching, and operating their lifeboats, regardless of the lifeboat design and release mechanisms.
Regular and realistic drills is essential Regular and realistic drills of various scenarios help to reinforce the crew’s operational knowledge and promote safety, confidence, and efficiency during actual emergencies.
Cross-Training
Cross-training facilitates the readiness of multiple crew members to competently conduct lifeboat operations, even during the absence or incapacity of key personnel.
Adherence to guidelines Published guidelines and procedures should be meticulously followed as they will increase operational safety and boost crew confidence in lifeboat functionality.
Use of checklists
Detailed checklists should be implemented for every aspect of lifeboat deployment from launching to restowing. Checklists will help ensure thorough preparation and will help prevent operational errors.
Safety during drills
Safety should be emphasized during lifeboat training and drills. Correct safety and operational procedures should be repeatedly emphasized and practiced. As per IMO’s MSC.1/ Circ.1277, Interim Recommendation
134 | ISSUE 109 | SEP 2024 | THE REPORT
on Conditions for Authorization of Service Providers for Lifeboats, Launching Appliances and on Load Release Gear, drills involving lowering and raising the lifeboat should only have as few crew members as are necessary to operate the boat.
Documentation of learning Insights and lessons from both drills and real-life deployments should be captured to provide valuable feedback for continuous improvement.
Regular maintenance and inspections
Maintenance schedules are prescribed by lifeboat manufacturers and should be closely followed. They will ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are in optimal working condition.
Thorough inspections Detailed inspections should be conducted regularly and should go beyond superficial checks. They should include the lifeboat’s internal systems as well to help ensure they remain fully functional over time.
Vendor support
While external vendors play a critical role in maintaining lifeboat systems, crew involvement is essential for overseeing and validating the quality and completeness of maintenance work performed.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
