96026 Lifeboat Embarkation Problem
| Lifeboat Embarcation Problem |
Report No. 96026 |
I have a problem regarding totally enclosed lifeboats which has bothered me for some time. The problem is that, when swung out, they seem to be a long way from the ship's side and, as new ones are introduced, this gap seems to be getting wider.
Every time I come across a ship with this type of lifeboat I ask the Master how it is boarded. I usually get the standard answer that everyone gets in whilst the boat is in the davits and it is lowered away from within. My second question is : What happens if the designated crew are not all on board? Answer : "We wait at deck level for a period of time, depending on the circumstances". My third question is : Supposing one of the crew appears at this stage, how does he get on board the lifeboat through the small door when the boat is so far away from the ship's side? The answer is usually : "He throws over the embarkation ladder and goes down it to the water level to be picked up". My final question is : Does he learn to do that at boat drills? This question is not normally answered.
It would seem to me that tricing pennants would obviate this problem but I have been unable to find out if they are a requirement on totally enclosed lifeboats. Some Masters have rigged these of their own volition when the problem was bought to their attention The last vessel I was on had a hand rail and a narrow piece of deck which would allow a person to reach the slip hook. I measured the horizontal distance from the ship's side to the door of the lifeboat, it was 106cm. This was on the starboard boat and the ship had a 1 degree port list. Can you imagine what the distance would be with a 5 degree list to starboard? I have seen some vessels where there is no foothold and the deck in way of the launching position is both too narrow and curved. Some new vessels are fitted with a telescopic horizontal beam davit which allows the lifeboat to be positioned at varying distances from the ship's side, this is a good idea.
Feedback to 96026
With reference to MARS 96026 "Lifeboat Problems 1" , I note the criticism expressed in the February 1997 issue and the vindication of my suggestions with Captain Thomas's letter in the March issue. The latest controversy surrounding totally enclosed lifeboats being practically useless in a sea rescue should deter anyone from jumping over the side. What about "tail end Charley" arriving at the debarkation position with an injury such as a broken arm? If I were in that position I would hope someone would wait for me.
SOLAS Chapter 111, Regulation 11, Paragraph 8 says "When necessary, means shall be provided for bringing the davit launched survival craft against the ship's side and holding them alongside so that persons can be safely embarked". The escape clause is "when necessary". If all are safely on board a totally enclosed lifeboat in the davits and accounted for, then perhaps it is not necessary to be held alongside. If all the crew are not accounted for then it is definitely necessary and vessels without tricing pennants or bowsing tackles fitted are not in compliance.