Standard P&I Club - Safety Bulletin

The Standard Club has handled a number of claims and casualties involving lifeboats, and we have found that a number, if not all, of the accidents were preventable.

June 2007

In recent years, there have been a number of accidents during routine lifeboat drills, despite updated training and new designs of hooks, boats and davits. Part of the problem is the number of designs of hooks and lifeboats in service, estimated at more than 70, and it is essential that the crew are familiar with and capable of  operating the equipment fitted on their ship.
The majority of lifeboat accidents are preventable, and we believe that a reminder of the basic principles of operation and maintenance will serve to highlight the key issues. The problem is not the competence of the crew or the design of the life saving equipment, but often a lack of knowledge about the equipment, a failure to  follow procedures, or a lack of proper maintenance.

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Standard safety June 2007 special edition lifeboat safety