What Equipment Must Davit Launched Lifeboats Be Equipped With According to SOLAS?

When it comes to maritime safety, lifeboats play a critical role in ensuring the survival of crew and passengers during emergencies. 

Among these, davit launched lifeboats are widely used due to their reliability and efficiency. 

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) lays out stringent rules regarding the type of equipment that davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with to comply with global maritime safety standards. 

This blog unpacks everything you need to know.

What Are Davit Launched Lifeboats?

Davit launched lifeboats are lifeboats that are lowered from a ship using a davit system — a crane-like structure fitted with pulleys and winches. 

These boats are designed for quick deployment and are typically found on merchant vessels, cargo ships, and cruise liners.

They can be either totally enclosed, partially enclosed, or open lifeboats. According to SOLAS, davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with certain essential items to ensure full preparedness in case of evacuation or rescue scenarios.

Why SOLAS Compliance Is Mandatory

The SOLAS Convention sets the minimum safety standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships. All SOLAS-compliant vessels must follow its provisions, especially when it comes to life-saving appliances. 

The equipment that davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with is detailed under Chapter III of SOLAS.

Failure to comply with SOLAS regulations not only invites penalties but also endangers lives at sea. 

That’s why understanding what equipment davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with is not just a compliance measure — it's a matter of life and death.

SOLAS Requirements: What Davit Launched Lifeboats Must Be Equipped With

Here is a detailed list of mandatory equipment davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with as per SOLAS guidelines:

1. Oars and Rowlocks

Each lifeboat must have a set of oars and rowlocks suitable for manual propulsion. The number depends on the size of the lifeboat.

2. Buoyant Smoke Signal and Flares

Each lifeboat must carry:

• 2 buoyant smoke signals
  
  

• 6 hand flares
  
  

• 4 rocket parachute flares
  
  

These items are critical for signaling during rescue operations and are one of the most essential items davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with.

3. Compass

A magnetic compass is mandatory for navigation. It must be legible, operational, and housed in a watertight container.

4. Signaling Mirror

A heliograph or signaling mirror must be available to help attract attention from distant aircraft or ships using sunlight reflection.

5. First Aid Kit

Each kit must be waterproof and contain items such as bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and seasickness pills. Medical readiness is non-negotiable when listing what davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with.

6. Sea Anchor

A sea anchor is essential for stability in rough waters. It prevents the lifeboat from drifting and keeps it oriented properly.

7. Drinking Water and Food Rations

Each person must have access to 3 liters of water and 10,000 kJ of food rations per day, both with a shelf life of at least 5 years.

8. Thermal Protective Aids (TPAs)

TPAs help protect survivors from hypothermia in cold climates. Lifeboats must have TPAs for at least 10% of the persons the boat is certified to carry.

9. Bailer and Sponge

For open lifeboats, bailers and sponges are necessary to remove water. Even enclosed boats must be equipped with at least one bailer.

10. Fire-Extinguishing Equipment

SOLAS mandates that davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with at least one portable fire extinguisher approved for use in engine and electrical fires.

11. Repair Kit and Pump

A repair kit must be available to patch leaks, especially for inflatable parts. A pump or bellows is also required to reinflate compartments if needed.

12. Survival Manual

A printed or waterproofed survival manual must be available onboard. It contains vital information on how to operate all lifeboat equipment.

13. Radar Reflector

To increase visibility on radar, especially in low-visibility conditions, SOLAS mandates a radar reflector on every lifeboat.

14. Rescue Quoit with Line

Used for assisting people in the water, the rescue quoit must have at least 30 meters of line and be easily deployable.

15. Searchlight and Torch

Each lifeboat must have:

• 1 waterproof electric torch
  
  

• 1 searchlight with a minimum range of 180 meters
  These are key visibility tools that davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with.
  
  

Additional Engine and Mechanical Requirements

Lifeboats with engines (which most davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with) need additional features:

• Fuel tank with at least 24 hours of capacity
  
  

• Engine-starting mechanism (manual or automatic)
  
  

• Means to start in cold temperatures (-15°C)
  
  

• Means of steering
  
  

• Means of reversing the engine
  
  

Maintenance and Inspection Guidelines

Knowing what davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with is only half the story — maintenance is the other half. SOLAS recommends:

• Weekly visual checks
  
  

• Monthly function testing
  
  

• Annual third-party inspections
  
  

• Five-year overload test or hook inspection
  
  

Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual and local authority guidelines for detailed inspection requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is responsible for ensuring davit launched lifeboats are properly equipped?

The ship’s Master and Safety Officer are jointly responsible for ensuring that all davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with the required items and that they are in working condition.

Can equipment in davit launched lifeboats expire?

Yes. Flares, medical kits, food, water, and even batteries have expiry dates and must be replaced regularly as per SOLAS mandates.

What happens if a ship is found non-compliant?

Ships found lacking required safety equipment may be detained at port, fined, or have their SOLAS certification revoked.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what davit launched lifeboats must be equipped with is not just regulatory — it’s about saving lives at sea. Equipping lifeboats properly ensures that in an emergency, your crew and passengers are given the best possible chance at survival. Follow SOLAS, check regularly, and always be prepared.