Liferaft Davit Launching Procedure as per SOLAS Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide

A liferaft davit launching procedure is an important part of shipboard emergency preparedness. A davit-launched liferaft is designed to provide a controlled method of launching a survival craft from the ship's deck into the water when abandonment of the vessel becomes necessary.

For shipowners, ship managers, masters, chief officers, safety officers and crew, understanding the correct liferaft davit launching procedure as per SOLAS requirements is essential for maintaining operational readiness and ensuring that the launching arrangement can be used safely during an emergency.

SOLAS Chapter III covers life-saving appliances and arrangements, while the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code provides detailed technical requirements for life-saving appliances, including survival craft and launching arrangements. The LSA Code is mandatory under SOLAS.

This guide explains the general procedure for launching a davit-launched liferaft, the important SOLAS considerations, pre-launch checks, crew safety precautions and the importance of professional liferaft servicing.

Important: Actual launching and servicing procedures must always follow the vessel's approved procedures, the liferaft and davit manufacturer's instructions, the applicable Flag State requirements and the approved onboard training/drill arrangements. This article is an educational guide and does not replace the manufacturer's manual or vessel SMS.

What Is a Davit-Launched Liferaft?

A davit-launched liferaft is an inflatable survival craft designed to be launched into the water using an approved launching appliance or davit arrangement.

Unlike a conventional throw-overboard liferaft, the davit-launched arrangement provides a controlled method of transferring the inflated or appropriately prepared liferaft from its stowed position to the embarkation and launching position.

The arrangement may include components such as:

• Liferaft container
• Davit or launching appliance
• Winch
• Falls or lifting wires
• Hooks and lifting arrangement
• Painter
• Inflation system
• Release arrangement
• Embarkation arrangement
• Securing arrangements
• Hydrostatic release arrangement, where applicable

The exact arrangement differs according to the ship design, liferaft manufacturer, davit manufacturer and approved installation.

SOLAS Requirements for Liferafts and Launching Arrangements

SOLAS Chapter III establishes requirements for life-saving appliances and arrangements. The IMO's summary of Chapter III includes requirements covering survival craft, launching stations, survival craft launching and recovery arrangements, emergency training and drills, and operational readiness, maintenance and inspections.

SOLAS also requires life-saving appliances and arrangements to comply with the applicable requirements of the LSA Code.

For launching arrangements, the relevant requirements include considerations such as:

• Safe stowage of survival craft
• Proper launching stations
• Suitable embarkation arrangements
• Safe lowering into the water
• Adequate length and arrangement of falls where applicable
• Operational readiness of launching appliances
• Maintenance and inspection
• Safe operation during drills and emergencies

The IMO has also introduced mandatory requirements concerning maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of survival craft launching appliances and release gear. These requirements are intended to establish a consistent and documented safety standard for such equipment.

Liferaft Davit Launching Procedure – Step by Step

The following is a general overview of the davit-launched liferaft launching procedure.

1. Raise the Alarm and Muster the Crew

In an actual emergency, the first step is to follow the vessel's emergency response procedure.

The general sequence includes:

• Raise or respond to the general emergency alarm.
• Proceed to the designated muster station.
• Wear the required personal protective equipment and lifejacket.
• Report to the assigned muster station.
• Follow the instructions of the Master and responsible officers.
• Confirm the personnel assigned to the liferaft station.

The crew should never attempt to launch a liferaft independently without following the vessel's emergency procedures.

2. Check the Launching Area

Before operating the davit, the responsible crew should verify that the launching area is as clear and safe as practicable.

Check for:

• Obstructions around the davit
• Loose equipment
• Mooring lines or wires
• Cargo or deck equipment
• Personnel in hazardous positions
• Discharge from overboard outlets
• Ship-side obstructions
• Sea conditions
• Clearance below and alongside the launching station

The operator should have a clear understanding of the approved launching arrangement and emergency procedure.

3. Release the Liferaft from Its Securing Arrangement

The liferaft is normally secured in its stowed position to prevent movement during normal vessel operations.

The securing arrangement should be released according to the manufacturer's and vessel's approved procedure.

Crew should confirm that:

• The correct liferaft is being prepared.
• The painter is correctly arranged.
• The lifting arrangement is properly connected.
• The davit and falls are correctly positioned.
• No person is standing underneath suspended equipment.
• The launching path is clear.

4. Connect the Liferaft to the Davit

For a davit-launched liferaft, the approved lifting arrangement is connected to the liferaft lifting points.

The connection must be checked carefully before lifting.

Verify:

• Correct lifting hooks
• Correct attachment points
• Proper engagement of hooks
• Correct fall arrangement
• No twisted or damaged wire
• No loose connections
• No personnel inside an unsafe area

Never improvise a lifting connection.

5. Operate the Liferaft Inflation System

Depending on the approved system, the liferaft is inflated using its gas inflation arrangement before launching or in accordance with the manufacturer's approved launching sequence.

The crew should ensure that:

• The painter is correctly connected.
• Inflation equipment is correctly operated.
• The liferaft has inflated adequately.
• The canopy and buoyancy chambers have deployed correctly.
• The liferaft is stable.
• No visible abnormality prevents safe launching.

The exact inflation sequence can differ between liferaft models and manufacturers.

6. Position the Liferaft for Embarkation

Once the liferaft is correctly prepared, it is positioned for embarkation according to the ship's approved arrangement.

The responsible officer should ensure that the embarkation area is ready and that personnel can transfer safely.

Particular attention should be given to:

• Ship movement
• Wind and sea conditions
• Liferaft stability
• Fall arrangement
• Embarkation ladder or platform
• Personnel positioning
• Communication between the operator and embarkation team

7. Embark the Assigned Personnel

Personnel should board according to the vessel's muster list and emergency instructions.

Crew should:

• Follow the responsible officer's instructions.
• Avoid overcrowding.
• Maintain three-point contact where applicable.
• Avoid jumping into the liferaft.
• Keep clear of moving equipment.
• Maintain communication with the launching team.

The number of persons permitted in the liferaft must never exceed its approved capacity.

8. Lower the Liferaft to the Water

The davit operator then operates the launching appliance in accordance with the approved operating instructions.

The liferaft should be lowered in a controlled manner.

During lowering:

• Keep personnel clear of the falls and moving machinery.
• Monitor the liferaft continuously.
• Maintain communication with the embarkation team.
• Watch for vessel movement.
• Watch for obstructions.
• Stop the operation if an unsafe condition develops.

The operator should never bypass or defeat safety devices provided with the launching appliance.

9. Ensure Safe Waterborne Position

Once the liferaft reaches the water, the crew should ensure that it is correctly positioned and clear of the vessel as far as the approved arrangement permits.

The painter arrangement is particularly important because it provides the connection between the vessel and the inflated liferaft during deployment.

The liferaft should not be released prematurely unless the approved operating procedure requires it.

10. Release the Liferaft

The liferaft should be released from the launching appliance using the approved release arrangement and only at the appropriate stage of the launching procedure.

The exact release sequence depends on the design of the davit, lifting hooks and liferaft.

Crew must follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.

Incorrect operation of release arrangements can create a serious risk of injury or loss of the survival craft.

Important Safety Precautions During Liferaft Davit Launching

A liferaft launching operation involves suspended loads, moving machinery, wires, hooks and ship movement. Therefore, crew safety is critical.

Important precautions include:

Keep Clear of Suspended Loads

No crew member should stand beneath a suspended liferaft or directly below the davit load.

Avoid Standing in the Line of Fire

Crew should stay away from potential snap-back zones, moving falls, wires and mechanical components.

Follow the Muster List

Only personnel assigned to the launching station should perform designated duties.

Maintain Communication

The davit operator, responsible officer and embarkation team should maintain effective communication throughout the operation.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions

Davit and liferaft designs differ. Therefore, a generic procedure should never override the manufacturer's approved instructions.

Consider Weather and Sea Conditions

Wind, swell, list, trim and vessel movement can significantly affect a launching operation.

Never Bypass Safety Devices

Safety devices and operational controls provided by the manufacturer should not be modified or bypassed.

Liferaft Davit Launching and SOLAS Maintenance Requirements

A launching appliance is only useful if it is maintained in an operational condition.

SOLAS requirements address the operational readiness, maintenance and inspection of life-saving appliances. IMO requirements also cover maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of launching appliances and release gear.

The IMO's published guidance also addresses testing of liferaft launching appliances and release arrangements, including checking that automatic release arrangements do not release while the load is still applied.

Therefore, ship operators should maintain appropriate records for:

• Liferaft servicing
• Launching appliance inspection
• Davit examination
• Winch and brake testing where applicable
• Falls and wires
• Hooks and release arrangements
• HRU condition where fitted
• Manufacturer-required inspections
• Repairs and replacement parts
• Operational tests
• Certificates and service reports

Why Regular Liferaft Servicing Is Important

A liferaft may remain unused for months or years, but it must be capable of functioning when an emergency occurs.

Environmental conditions can affect:

• Liferaft fabric
• Seams
• Inflation valves
• Gas cylinders
• Painter arrangements
• Canopy
• Floor
• Survival equipment
• Emergency supplies
• Hydrostatic release components

Professional servicing helps identify deterioration before the equipment is required in an emergency.

For vessels requiring liferaft servicing in India, Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. provides inspection, maintenance, repacking, testing and certification-related liferaft services.

You can learn more about the company's services here:

Liferaft Servicing by Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd.

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. – Liferaft Servicing in India

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. provides marine safety equipment servicing and supply solutions for commercial vessels in India.

The company's liferaft service offering includes inspection, maintenance, repacking and certification-related services for applicable liferaft systems. Its service information lists approvals and recognition involving major classification societies and liferaft manufacturers.

Marinetech's liferaft service capabilities include:

• Liferaft inspection
• Liferaft annual servicing
• Liferaft repacking
• Liferaft testing
• Liferaft maintenance
• Liferaft emergency repairs
• Liferaft certification-related services
• Inspection of liferaft components
• HRU-related inspection and replacement as applicable
• Support for different liferaft makes and models

The company's published service information states that its liferaft servicing is supported by class approvals, manufacturer approvals, dedicated facilities and trained personnel.

For shipowners, managers and operators looking for liferaft servicing in India, the service can be explored here:

Explore Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. Liferaft Servicing ?

Liferaft Servicing for Indian Ports

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. supports marine safety requirements for vessels operating through India's major maritime locations.

Ship operators can arrange liferaft servicing according to vessel schedules, applicable requirements and service-station availability.

For vessels calling at ports such as:

• Mumbai
• Nhava Sheva / JNPT
• Mundra
• Kandla
• Surat
• Sikka
• Jamnagar
• Chennai
• Ennore / Kamarajar Port
• Visakhapatnam
• Paradip

timely servicing can help ship operators maintain the readiness of their lifesaving appliances.

For port-specific requirements, vessel operators should confirm the applicable Flag State, classification society, manufacturer and local service requirements before arranging work.

Liferaft Davit Inspection Checklist

Before a planned drill or operational test, the responsible personnel should verify the applicable vessel procedure and manufacturer requirements.

A general checklist can include:

This checklist is a general guide and should not replace the vessel's approved maintenance and drill procedures.

Common Problems Found During Liferaft and Davit Inspections

Some issues that may affect readiness include:

Expired Liferaft Service

A liferaft that has exceeded its required service interval may not be considered ready for emergency use.

Incorrect HRU Status

Where an HRU is fitted, its service/replacement requirements must be checked according to the applicable requirements and manufacturer's instructions.

Damaged or Corroded Davit Components

Corrosion, deformation or mechanical damage can affect the launching arrangement.

Poor Wire/Fall Condition

Falls and wires require regular inspection and replacement in accordance with applicable requirements and manufacturer specifications.

Improper Securing

Incorrect securing arrangements can interfere with emergency deployment.

Missing Documentation

Incomplete servicing, inspection or maintenance records can create difficulties during surveys and inspections.

Lack of Crew Familiarity

Even technically sound equipment may not be used effectively if crew members are unfamiliar with the approved operating procedure.

Liferaft Launching Drills and Crew Training

Training and drills are an essential part of emergency preparedness.

Crew members should understand:

• Their assigned muster station
• Their role during liferaft launching
• Liferaft location
• Davit operating controls
• Painter arrangement
• Embarkation method
• Communication procedures
• Emergency release arrangements
• Personal safety precautions

SOLAS Chapter III includes requirements related to emergency training and drills and operational readiness.

Drills should be conducted under controlled conditions and in accordance with the vessel's approved SMS, Flag State requirements and applicable safety guidance.

8 Frequently Asked Questions About Liferaft Davit Launching

1. What is a davit-launched liferaft?

A davit-launched liferaft is an inflatable survival craft designed to be transferred from its stowed position and lowered into the water using an approved davit or launching appliance.

2. What is the liferaft davit launching procedure?

The general procedure involves preparing the launching station, releasing the liferaft securing arrangement, connecting the approved lifting arrangement, inflating the liferaft according to the manufacturer's instructions, positioning it for embarkation, boarding assigned personnel, lowering the liferaft and releasing it using the approved arrangement.

3. Is a davit-launched liferaft covered by SOLAS?

Yes. SOLAS Chapter III establishes requirements for life-saving appliances and arrangements, while the LSA Code provides applicable technical requirements.

4. What should be checked before launching a liferaft?

The crew should check the liferaft's service status, securing arrangement, painter, lifting connection, davit, falls, hooks, release arrangement, launching area, embarkation area and applicable documentation.

5. How often should a liferaft be serviced?

The servicing interval depends on the applicable SOLAS requirements, Flag State requirements, liferaft manufacturer instructions and approved servicing arrangements. For inflatable liferafts, periodic servicing is required, and ship operators should follow the applicable approved service schedule rather than relying on a generic interval.

6. Why is professional liferaft servicing important?

Professional servicing helps identify defects in the raft, inflation system, fabric, seams, valves, equipment and associated components and helps maintain the equipment in an operational condition.

7. Can the same launching procedure be used for every liferaft?

No. Liferaft, davit and release-system designs vary. The manufacturer's approved instructions and the vessel's approved operating procedure should always be followed.

8. Where can I arrange liferaft servicing in India?

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. provides liferaft inspection and servicing solutions in India. Details of its liferaft service capabilities and service facilities are available on its Liferaft Servicing service page.

Related Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. Blogs

For additional information about liferafts and marine safety equipment, readers can explore:

1. SOLAS Chapter III: Liferaft Requirements for Merchant Ships – Overview of SOLAS Chapter III liferaft requirements for merchant vessels.
2. Liferaft Service in Mumbai: SOLAS Requirements, Inspection & Certification – Information about liferaft servicing and inspection for vessels operating around Mumbai.
3. Liferaft Service Interval as per IMO and SOLAS – Guide to liferaft servicing intervals and maintenance considerations.
4. Life Raft Launching Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide – General guidance on life raft launching procedures.
5. The Role of a Hydrostatic Release Mechanism for a Liferaft – Learn about the role of HRUs in liferaft deployment arrangements.
6. Liferaft Servicing in India: Complete Guide for Ship Owners – Practical information about liferaft servicing requirements in India.

Why Choose Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd.?

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. provides marine safety equipment service and supply solutions for commercial vessels.

Its marine safety service portfolio includes lifesaving and firefighting equipment servicing along with other marine safety and technical services.

For liferafts, Marinetech's published service information includes inspection, maintenance, repacking, certification-related services and support for multiple liferaft types. The company also publishes class and manufacturer approval information for its liferaft service activities.

For detailed information, visit:

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. – Liferaft Servicing

A properly executed liferaft davit launching procedure is an important component of shipboard emergency preparedness. The effectiveness of the operation depends not only on crew training but also on the condition of the liferaft, davit, winch, falls, hooks, release arrangements and associated equipment.

SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code provide the regulatory framework for life-saving appliances and arrangements, while the applicable manufacturer instructions, Flag State requirements and vessel SMS provide the operational details that must be followed onboard.

Regular inspection, maintenance, servicing and operational testing help ensure that the liferaft and its launching arrangement remain ready for use when required.

For professional liferaft servicing in India, contact Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd.

Service Page: https://marinetechss.com/services/liferaft-servicing
Email: info@marinetechss.com

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. — Marine Safety Equipment Service & Supply