Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
6 7
Launching procedure of the davit-launched liferaft
1. Manhandle the liferaft in its canister/valise to a position of launching,
alongside the structure and under the davit head.
2. Remove any side protective rails and check that the overside and surface
level are clear of obstructions and other survivors.
3. Lower the release hook to the liferaft. Close the hook and check that it is
locked into “safe” position.
4. Extract the “container retaining lines” from the canister and secure them to
the vessel structure, either side of the launching position.
5. Extract the bowsing lines and secure them to the deck cleats provided.
6. Extract a length of the long rope painter and secure it to a fixed anchor
point on the vessel structure.
7. Pull out a short length of the webbing painter.
8. Hoist the liferaft towards the davit head and clear of the deck. Turn out the
davit arm overside, to an appropriate angle to suit the size of liferaft being
used.
9. Inflate the liferaft by pulling sharply on the full length of the webbing
painter.
10. Tension up on the bowsing lines and secure the boarding flap.
11. Board personnel in an orderly manner observing all checks.
12. Once the liferaft is fully loaded, release the boarding flap, the bowsing
lines and the short webbed painter and throw all parts into entrance of the
raft.
13. Lower the liferaft to about 2 metres above and clear of the water surface.
14. The person in charge of the liferaft should at this point activate the release
lock of the hook by pulling smartly on the knobbed cocking lanyard.
15. The liferaft is lowered to the surface and is automatically released from the
hook .Cut the painter line and manoeuvre the raft away and clear.