Life Boat Safety

Most maritime accidents involving lifeboats occur during drills and inspections and usually result from the failure of on-board mechanisms like the on-load release system. Professional seafarers and crew members make up a large part of the fatalities and injuries from these mishaps.

Major Causes of Mishaps

The most common causes of lifeboat accidents involve operational malfunctions like the failure and accidental calibration of the on-load release mechanism and the defective or inadequate maintenance of the lifeboats, davits and launching equipment. Mishaps can also occur due to communication failures and the unfamiliarity of personnel with the equipment and associated controls. Unsafe practices during lifeboat exercises and faulty design of other important mechanical systems are also leading causes of accidents.

Lifeboat Maintenance

Regular maintainence and thorough examination of the lifeboat is very important to ensure proper functioning. This includes checking the condition of all fixed and loose equipment for the lifeboat and its overall structure, checking the engine, the propulsion mechanism, maneuvering system, power supply and the bailing mechanism for functionality. Examination of additional mechanisms like the sprinkler and the air supply systems is also important.

Davit Maintenance

Proper maintenance of davits is important to ensure safe and smooth release of the lifeboats. A davit is a safety system, which is used for lowering the lifeboat from the mother vessel and launching it over the water. Examine the davits carefully and find out if there are any signs of corrosion, misalignment or deformations. Lubricate all wires, sheaves and moving parts. Regularly check electronic devices such as limit switches, stored power systems and hydraulic mechanisms to ensure proper functioning.

Dynamic Winch Brake Test

Malfunctioning winches cause the most incidents of bodily injury to crew members while attempting the release of lifeboats. The dynamic winch brake test is a foolproof method for avoiding such accidents. It is conducted by lowering an empty boat to its maximum lowering speed and applying the brake abruptly before it enters the water.

Apart from the dynamic winch brake test, a comprehensive inspection of the brake mechanism and the winch foundation is part of the safety check. Check the remote control system and power supply regularly to ensure proper functioning. Examine the brake pads and replace them if required.

Release Mechanism

Proper maintenance and setup of the release gear is crucial for the safety of the personnel in the lifeboat. Do not make any adjustments while the hooks are under load. In case hanging-off pendants are used to facilitate maintenance, remove them before drills and training exercises. Check the release gear before and after its operational test and the dynamic winch brake test. Within the release mechanism, test devices like the activation system (for the release gear), control cables, tolerances limits, hook fasteners and the hydrostatic interlock system periodically to ensure satisfactory operation.

Accident Prevention Measures

It is important for crew to thoroughly understand the functioning of the hook release system fitted in the lifeboats on their vessel. This prevents most lifeboat-related accidents. Also, keep the number of personnel in the lifeboats to the essential minimum while conducting drills. Use fall prevention devices (FPDs) as they are very effective against the accidental activation of on-load release systems.

References

• International Maritime Organization: Measures To Prevent Accidents with Lifeboats
• North of England P &I Association: Lifeboat Safety
• Marine Accident Investigation Branch: Safety Study 1/2001

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• International Maritime Organization: Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals