![]() ![]() I work on tankers, and the height difference on these ships could potentially be 7 or more metres, meaning that launch in ballast condition can have a significantly greater impact on both lifeboat and crew. Shouldn’t that be one of the last things you would wish to do during an exercise? I am of the opinion that securing devices should be released only after all the designated crew have boarded, been checked off and have secured themselves in their seats (item number 9), or even after item number 4 (Ensure rudder is midships) in the next paragraph titled ‘Once crew are in the lifeboat’.Īnother factor that must be considered is the difference in drop height between the vessel’s ballast and loaded conditions. In MARS 200740, in the section ‘Before launching’, item number 5 recommends ‘Release securing devices’ before listing four more tasks. If the main release device fails to launch the lifeboat, the assigned crew member operates the emergency lifeboat release lever. Coxswain to give verbal warning that launch is about to take place immediately before operating the release control Ħ. Follow manufacturer’s instructions as to when to start engine and if the gear should be engaged or not at time of launch ĥ. Confirm this verbally to coxswain during final headcount check ģ. ![]() Ensure all crew members are seated with body and head restraints securely fastened. Check off the crew on the muster list while they board the craft in the assigned order.Ģ. Switch electrical system to battery power ĩ. Obtain permission from harbour authorities, PFSO, as appropriate Ĩ. Confirm lifeboat and launching/recovery crews fully understand correct procedures and contingency plans Ĥ. Fully brief all crew, including those who are assigned duties other than lifeboat crew, or are going to be observers, on the design features and the proper operation of all devices and controls ģ. Before the drill, carry out a risk assessment, identify hazards, take appropriate measures to eliminate or control them and record the same Ģ. However, in order to inform seafarers on good practice, the following broad guidelines are given:ġ. There is no standard procedure for launching free-fall lifeboats, as design and fittings vary considerably. Regulations also require that these craft are launched once every six months, as opposed to every three months for conventional davit-launched lifeboats. ![]() These are being fitted on many new ships and are recommended on bulk carriers by Solas Regulation III/31.1.2 and paragraph 6.1.3 of the Life Saving Appliances (LSA) Code. This report does not arise from an incident but is rather an advisory to ships’ crews who may have to operate free-fall lifeboats. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |