Guidelines in recovering Davit launched lifeboats

Guidelines in recovering Davit launched lifeboats – SAFETY4SEA

Above image is being used for illustration purpose only

Cayman Islands Shipping Registry issued a notice to raise awareness concerning best practice for the recovery of davit launched lifeboats and rescue boats upon completion of drills. The marine notice was issued in light of many near misses vessels experience as the lifeboats are not re-set properly.

Safety | 03/05/19

The Thie Red Ensign Group, a group of British Shipping Registers, has drawn to its attention that some operators are using information contained in MSC.1/Circ. 1327 ‘Guidelines for the Fitting and Use of Fall Preventer Devices (FPD’s)’ to inform their lifeboat and rescue boat recovery procedures.

Therefore, the Group highlights the fact that as per the preamble these guidelines were written as an interim risk mitigation measure, only to be used in connection with on-load release hooks, pending the implementation of improved hook designs with enhanced safety features as required by Resolution MSC. 317(89).

As such, once the hooks have been modified or replaced, these guidelines no longer apply.

Yet, despite the above, there have been a number of near misses, according to which many lifeboats have not been re-set properly and although the hooks showed as being locked and secure, the lifeboat has fallen once the locking pins were removed.

Consequently, to limit the risk and dangers, the Registry recommends the procedures below to be implemented:

1. Lifeboat is reconnected to falls and hooks are re-set;
2. Lifeboat is hoisted approximately 1 metre clear of the water;
3. Hoisting operation is stopped and the hooks pins are inserted;
4. Lifeboat is then fully recovered.

For more information, click on the PDF herebelow