How to choose the right davit for the lifeboat?

Davits serve as the essential mechanism for launching and recovering lifeboats, and selecting the right type involves careful consideration of various factors such as vessel size, lifeboat weight, regulatory requirements, and operational conditions. This decision not only impacts the efficiency of emergency procedures but also directly affects the safety of crew and passengers onboard.

Therefore, understanding the different types of davits available, their capabilities, and their compatibility with specific lifeboats is essential for maritime engineers, ship operators, and safety inspectors alike. This article aims to explore the key considerations involved in choosing the right davit system, providing insights into how to navigate this critical aspect of marine safety equipment selection.

Common lifeboat types

Before choosing a suitable lifeboat crane (davit), it is necessary to first understand several common types of lifeboats, namely, rescue boats, totally enclosed lifeboats, and free fall lifeboats.

Rescue Boat:

Rescue Boats are usually small, open boats used to escape from a ship or perform rescue operations in an emergency. They are usually used to assist other larger lifeboats or life rafts and can be deployed and manipulated quickly. Rescue Boats are generally light and flexible, suitable for use in environments that require fast operation and maneuverability.

Totally Enclosed Lifeboat:

Totally Enclosed Lifeboats are a type of lifeboat that can provide a higher level of survival protection. They are usually designed to be completely sealed and can provide occupants with shelter in severe sea conditions. Totally enclosed lifeboats are usually larger, can accommodate up to dozens of occupants, and are equipped with a variety of survival equipment and emergency communication equipment.

Free Fall Lifeboat:

A free fall lifeboat is a specially designed lifeboat that features a quick release mechanism (usually free fall from a height) to quickly enter the water. This design can greatly reduce the time it takes for occupants to enter the water and is particularly suitable for emergency situations that require rapid evacuation from the ship. Free fall lifeboats are commonly used on large commercial ships and high-risk vessels such as tankers.

Understanding these different types of lifeboats helps decide what type of crane (davit) to choose, as different types of lifeboats may require cranes of different designs and load capacities for safe and effective deployment and recovery.

Common Davit types and the boats they are suitable for:

Single Arm Davit:

Suitable lifeboat type: Rescue Boat

Features: Single arm cranes are simple in structure and are usually used for the deployment and recovery of light lifeboats. Suitable for situations that require fast operation and small boats.

A Frame Davit:

Suitable lifeboat type: Rescue Boat

Features: The design of the A-frame crane provides a stable support and operating platform, suitable for medium-weight lifeboats. Commonly used in applications that require a higher lifting height.

Platform Davit:

Suitable lifeboat type: Rescue Boat, Totally Enclosed Lifeboat

Features: Platform cranes are usually equipped with a pallet-type structure, which can support the deployment of large and heavy lifeboats. Suitable for situations that require a larger lifting height and load capacity.

Gravity Davit:

Suitable Lifeboat Type: Totally Enclosed Lifeboat

Features: Gravity cranes are deployed by gravity, without the need for an external power source. This design is particularly suitable for large, totally enclosed lifeboats, providing a simple and reliable method of deployment.

Launching Appliance:

Suitable Lifeboat Type: Free Fall Lifeboat

Features: The launching appliance of a free fall lifeboat is specially designed to quickly launch the lifeboat from the side of the ship and into the water. This equipment ensures rapid response and deployment of the lifeboat in an emergency.

By understanding these crane types and their features, ship operators and designers can select the most suitable crane for the ship type and operational needs, ensuring that the lifeboat can be safely and effectively deployed and recovered in an emergency.

About us

New Marine is a professional ship lifeboat and crane (davit) manufacturer, dedicated to providing high-quality safety equipment solutions for the global shipbuilding industry. Our products include various types of lifeboats and supporting crane systems, covering a variety of types such as lifeboats, fully enclosed lifeboats and free-fall lifeboats.

As an industry leader, New Marine combines innovative design with strict quality control standards to provide customers with reliable and safe products. Our mission is to ensure that ships can quickly and effectively carry out rescue and evacuation operations in emergency situations, and to escort the safety of people at sea.