LIFEBOAT

• The capacity should be enough to accommodate at least 125% of the number of passengers & crew
• The lifeboat should not be less than 3m in length
• Every ship shall carry at least two lifeboats on either side
• The ship shall carry at least one rescue boat for rescue purposes. If the ship has more than one lifeboat, one can be designated as a rescue boat
• The lifeboat of a cargo ship of 20000 DWT & above must be capable of launching when the ship speed is 5 knots
• The davit should be capable of launching when a ship is heeled at an angle of 15°
• Lifeboat should not descend at more than a speed of 36mtr/min
• When loaded to full capacity, it should hoist at a speed not less than 3mtr/sec
• Lifeboats are to be painted with bright orange color & CALL SIGN
• All the equipment must be carried in a lifeboat to ensure survival at sea

• It should protect the occupants against heat & cold
• Access should be provided with hatches that can be closed to make the lifeboat watertight
• Access should be provided to allow launching & recovery operation without leaving any occupant for enclosures
• Access hatches should be capable of being closed & opened from both inside &outside
• It should be provided with windows or transparent panels to allow sufficient daylight
• Its exterior is of a highly visible color
• Its interior color should not cause discomfort to an occupant
• The safety belt shall be fitted at each seat & shall hold a person of 100 kg securely in place while in a capsized position
• The stability of the lifeboat shall be such that it should automatically get upright when fully loaded

• Drain valve
• Rudder & tiller
• Watertight compartment for storage of equipment, water & provisions
• Quick release mechanism for launching
• Device to secure a painter
• Adequate view of forward & aft from steering position

Small Answer:

Battery: Check for proper operation by starting the engine

Hook arrangement:

(i) Check for any damage corrosion, dirt, excessive salt deposits, or foreign bodies

(ii) Check that the release handle is in a locked position

(iii) Monthly checks are done by releasing in water

Radar reflector: Check for any damage

Water & provision: Check for expiry

Engine: Carry out maintenance as per user manual

Sprinkler system: Check and operate during maneuvering

Large answer:

• All lifeboats shall be turned out monthly from their stowed position. This shall be done without any persons on board the lifeboat, subject to conducive weather/sea conditions. Records shall be maintained.
• Check the pressure of air bottles (pressure not less than 150 bar).
• Davit and winch shall be lubricated (A diagram of lubrication points with recommended lubricants shall be available).
• Cleaning sight glass of fwd & side windows and fwd and aft hatches.
• Check the condition of the rubber packing of access hatches.
• The connection of the remote control wire and manila rope (extending to the interior of the lifeboat) is in good condition.
• Over pressure valve (20 mbar) in the lower part of the vent duct is free to operate.
• No air bubbles in the boat compass.
• The navigation light, compass light, cabin light, and searchlights are working satisfactorily.
• All the seat belts can be adjusted and the buckle is locking properly.
• Check the inventory as per the inventory list.
• Check that Life Boat Pyrotechnics are in place, valid, and in good condition.
• Check that Life Boat Ration packing is not damaged and has not expired.
• Drain plug in place.
• Retro-reflective tape is in place.
• Check the steering from the helm position as well as by the emergency tiller.
• Extinguishers are secured and free to operate. The date of servicing and pressure test (to be charged annually) is to be checked.
• Dog handles of access hatches are free to operate.
• Check that the bilges are clean and dry.
• Try out the bilge pump.
• Check that a list of replaceable parts and spare parts, with the list of sources of such spare parts, are available.
• Check that the hoisting push button switch box is in satisfactory condition.
• Check that the boat hoisting handle is in place and in satisfactory condition.
• Check that the boat lowering lever located on the boat deck is operating freely. Grease, if necessary.
• Check the condition of the boarding ladder and its securing arrangement on the deck.
• Check that the toolbox for the engine is in place.
• Check the condition of the foundation bolts of the Davit motor.
• Grease the moving parts of the Hydrostatic Release unit as required.
• Check that the following warning signs are prominently displayed near the lifeboat winch and also at the electrical control panel.
• Monthly inspection/maintenance of the on-load release and water spray system (if fitted) shall be carried out as per the maker’s instructions/maintenance manual.

• The general emergency alarm shall be tested.
• All lifeboats shall be moved from their stowed position to the extent necessary to demonstrate satisfactory operation of the launching appliances. This shall be done without
  any persons on board the lifeboat subject to conducive weather/sea conditions. Details of mandatory weekly inspections of lifeboats shall be entered in the logbook.
• Check the fuel quantity.
• Check the lubricating oil level in the engine, as well as, in the gear box.
• Grease the stuffing boxes on the propeller shaft tube fore and aft.
• Alternate arrangements for the start shall be checked as applicable.
• Fwd. and aft grips are tight, and the safety pins are in place.
• Check that the power supply to the battery charger is ‘ON’ and the battery switch is ‘OFF’.
• Emergency lights (if provided) are working.
• Skates in position and securing straps of them in good condition.
• Check that the toggle painter is rigged and secured.
• Check that oars, boathooks, and loose gear are in good condition.
• Inspection/maintenance of the on-load release and water spray system (if fitted) shall be carried out as per the manufacturer’s instructions/maintenance manual.
• Ventilate the boat thoroughly before entry.
• Before entering the lifeboat, verify that hook indicators are in the locked (green) position.
• Ensure training lock pins are removed & kept inside lifeboats at all times except training.
• Clean the hook parts with fresh water to remove dirt and dust that may influence proper operation.

In addition to the weekly inspection routines, the following additional work shall be carried out:

• All lifeboats shall be turned out monthly from their stowed position. This shall be done without any persons on board the lifeboat, subject to conducive weather/sea conditions. Records shall be maintained.
• Check the pressure of the air bottles (pressure not less than 150 bar)
• Davit and winch shall be lubricated (Diagram of lubrication points with recommended lubricants shall be available).
• Cleaning sight glass of fwd. side windows and fwd. and aft hatches (for enclosed boats).
• Check the condition of the rubber packing of access hatches.
• The connection of the remote control wire and manila rope (extending to the interior of the lifeboat) is in good condition.
• No air bubbles in the boat compass.
• The navigation light, compass light, cabin light, and search light are working satisfactorily.
• All the seat belts can be adjusted, and the buckle is locking properly.
• Check the inventory as per the inventory list.
• Check that lifeboat pyrotechnics are in place, valid, and in good condition.
• Check that Life Boat Ration packing is not damaged and has not expired.
• The drain plug is in place.
• Retro-reflective tape is in place.
• Check the steering from the helm position as well as by the emergency tiller.
• Extinguishers are secured and free to operate. The date of servicing and pressure test (to be charged annually) is to be checked.
• Dog handles of access hatches are free to operate.
• Check that bilges are clean and dry.
• Try out the bilge pump.
• Check that a list of replaceable parts and spare parts, with the list of sources of such spare parts are available.
• Check that the “hoisting push button switch box” is in satisfactory condition.
• Check that the boat-hoisting handle is in place and in satisfactory condition.
• Check that the boat-lowering lever located on the boat deck is operating freely. Grease, if necessary.
• Check the condition of the boarding ladder and its securing arrangement on the deck.
• Check that the toolbox for the engine is in place.
• Check the condition of the foundation bolts of the davit motor.
• Grease the moving parts of the Hydrostatic Release unit as required.
• Check that the following warning signs are prominently displayed near the lifeboat winch and at the electrical control panel.

• Lifeboat and launching appliances are subject to a thorough examination annually (Scope of SEQ survey).
• After the thorough exam, the dynamic winch brake test (without compliments) shall be carried out by the maker’s authorized personnel or DGS-approved service center.
• Charge the extinguishers.
• Inspection/maintenance of the on-load release and water spray system (if fitted) shall be carried out as per the maker’s instructions/maintenance manual by the authorized personnel.

• Lifeboat/Rescue Boat/Fast Rescue Boat and launching appliances are subject to a thorough examination.
• After the thorough exam, a dynamic winch brake test (with 110% weight of a fully laden lifeboat) shall be carried out by the authorized personnel.
• The life of a lifeboat fall is considered five years. The falls shall be inspected periodically with special regard to areas passing through sheaves and renewed, if necessary, due to deterioration of the falls or at intervals not exceeding five years, whichever is earlier.
• Lifeboat air bottle pressure testing shall be carried out once in five years by an approved agency and records shall be maintained

1) Plug the drain plug & remove the battery charger.

2) Make fast the painter line to a strong point.

3) Remove the forward & aft grips and secure the tricing pendant.

4) Remove the harbor safety pin.

5) Make sure the ship side is clear.

6) One person lifts the deadman’s handle slowly.

7) The boat will be lowered to the embarkation deck.

8) Crew embark inside the boat, secure the hatch & fasten their seat belt.

9) The pricing pendant is removed & the whole load comes on fall.

10) The boat will be further lowered with a deadman’s handle at a steady rate.

11) Release falls.

12) Manoeuvre the lifeboat away from the ship.

On-load mechanism

• It releases the lifeboat with the boat above the water level with all crew members inside the boat.
• A height of about 1 meter is kept for on-load release.
• A lever is provided inside the boat to operate this mechanism.
• This mechanism is used when the sea is rough.

Off-load mechanism

• It releases the lifeboat when the boat is fully lowered into the sea and the load is transferred to the water.
• When the boat touches the surface of the water, due to its mechanism the hook detaches from the fall.
• This mechanism is used in case of fire when it is dangerous to go out.

As per LSA code chapter VI (LAUNCHING AND EMBARKATION APPLIANCES)

It is a test of the winch brakes of the lifeboat

Static test:

• Done 5 yearly
• Done with a proof load of not less than 1.5 times of maximum working load.
• Tested for deformation

Dynamic test:

• Done 5 yearly
• Done with a proof load of not less than 1.1 times the maximum working load.
• Released at maximum lowering speed.
• Tested for deformation.

Each lifeboat is provided with a certificate of approval which shows no of persons approved to carry.

• Attach painter to the bow
• Position the lifeboat near the falls & connect the hook
• Hoist & stop just above the water level
• Check the hooks again (weight taken properly and hooks interlocked)
• If everything is fine, start hoisting again
• Bring it up to the stowed position
• Put the harbor pin.
• Rig the gripes and secure the painter
• Plug the battery charger.

• Attach painter both forward and after
• Lower falls with recovery strop
• Position the lifeboat near the falls & connect the strop
• Hoist and stop just above the water level
• Check the hook again
• If everything is fine, hoist until hanging off pendants can be connected
• Connect the hanging of the pendant
• Slack the fall and remove the recovery strop
• Connect falls with hooks directly
• Hoist until hanging off pendants can be removed
• Hoist fully and secure at its position.

• Every lifeboat shall be powered by a compression-ignition engine.
• The engine shall be powered with two independent energy sources for starting.
• The engine shall start at a temperature of -15°C within 2 minute of commencing the start procedure.
• Engine shall be capable of operating when lifeboat is flooded upto the centerline of the crankshaft.
• Engine shall be capable of operating both ahead and astern 
• Engine shall be capable to move the boat at a speed of atleast 6 knots @ 24 hours & 2 knots when towing a largest liferaft carried on ship.

• Shall be such that when proceeding with all openings closed, the air inside remains safe and breathable for not less than 10 min.
• During this period the pressure inside neither falls nor exceeds by more than 20 HPA.

• Shall be equipped with an extinguisher for class A & B fires.
• Preferably dry powder extinguisher should be used.
• At least 2kg & should not exceed 6 Kg.

TOP

• Name of vessel
• IMO number
• Lifeboat No.

SIDE

• Name of vessel (both side)
• Port of Registry (both side)
• Maximum capacity
• Dimension of the lifeboat

• The width of seat pan should be at least 480mm
• The clearance in front of the backrest (buttock to knee) should be at least 650mm
• The angle between seat pan and seat back should be at least 90°
• The backrest shall extend at least 1075mm above the seat pan
• The seat pan shall be smooth & shaped with cushioning of at least 10mm
• The passage between the seats shall be a width of at least 480mm
• Shall make positive headway just after getting into the water
• Shall not come in contact with the ship’s hull when launched at a list of up to 20° and trim of up to 10°
• Shall be fitted with two independent release mechanisms
• Shall be designed to test the release system without launching
• For certification height & ramp length: LSA Code 4.7.7: Certificate of approval states that the certificate of approval for free-fall lifeboat shall state certification height, ramp length and ramp angle
• Minimum required depth for Free-fall lifeboat is 3 meter.

• Remove the battery plug
• Remove the lashing
• Board the free fall lifeboat
• Close all hatches & openings
• Fasten your seat belt
• Pull the lever, give 20 strokes, the locking device will disengage & boat is now free