200718 Short lifeboat falls

During an abandon ship drill on one of our vessels in ballast condition, it was noticed that the port lifeboat could not be lowered into water since the fall wires were short by about two metres. Investigations revealed that the new wire rope that replaced the withdrawn falls was short of the required length. The boat had not been lowered into the water in light condition since the replacement and hence this serious lapse went unnoticed.

Solas requires that boats shall be capable of being launched in the ship's lightest seagoing condition combined with adverse list up to 20 degrees and trim of 10 degrees (Chapter III, Reg. 16.6). Additionally, in keeping with safe practice, the falls should be long enough to leave at least three turns on the barrel or drum at maximum normal extension. The drum end of the fall should be secured to the drum by proper clamps or U-bolts, which should be regularly confirmed for good condition and proper tightness.

Editor's note: In order to avoid such errors, a new fall must be flaked out on deck and its length, diameter and construction physically verified to be in accordance with the original specs in the maker's plan.
While ordering new falls in ready-cut lengths, it may be prudent to order a couple of metres in excess of the specified lengths.
Upon renewal of lifeboat falls, if time permits, the lifeboat must be lowered to the water level and the remaining length of fall wires on the winch drums must be estimated to the nearest metre, to confirm that the lifeboat can be launched in safety in the lightest load condition.