Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
5 20
2. H.R.U. type ”SALCOM SERVO-RELEASE
Manufactured by SalcomMarine Products Ltd, the SALCOM SERVO-
RELEASE™ S-R Mk1 Hydrostatic Release Unit (H.R.U.) is designed for Liferafts
from 4 to 150 persons and to sustain a maximum load of 10kN(2250lbs).
The “SALCOM SERVO-RELEAS” H.R.U. is a mechanical device that will
operate automatically when immersed to a certain depth in water, to release a
liferaft, or any other device requiring liberation under these conditions.
The HRU is installed as part of the liferaft stowage lashing system, (on the
inboard side of the liferaft), being fitted between a deck plate, or liferaft cradle,
and the lashing.
The fitting of Senhouse Slip Hook is NOT necessary as the SALCOM HRU
is equipped with a MANUAL RELEASE facility.
Note: failure to adhere to the correct installation procedure may restrict the
H.R.U. from releasing.
The liferaft painter is secured to a WEAK LINK (breaking strength 2.2 +/- 0.4
kN)and this in turn is fitted at the deck attachment of the HRU.
Liferafts that have not been launched in the usual manner are taken down with
the sinking vessel. At a depth of between 1.5 to 4 meters (or 5 to 12 feet), the
water pressure is sufficient to depress an internal diaphragm in the HRU and
operate the release mechanism.
Once released, the liferaft container will then float free of the sinking vessel
and rise towards the surface, with the painter line paying out as the vessel
continues to sink.
When all the free length of the painter line is paid out, the inflation
mechanism of the liferaft is activated, the liferaft inflates, bursting open the
container, and continues to rise to the surface.
At this point of inflation, the WEAK LINK parts and allows the liferaft to
continue to float to the surface ready for boarding by survivors.