The Operations of Fully Enclosed Lifeboat

1. Preparations for launching the totally enclosed lifeboat

 

The following operations are organized in the chronological sequence of a major emergency, the example being a vessel that is beginning to sink. ( Abandon ship)

 

1) Upon hearing the alarm, all persons should collect lifejackets and assemble at their muster station immediately, and await masters instructions. He will give the order to abandon ship if and when it becomes necessary.

2) Over sidelights installed at the launching areas should be switched on.

3) Crewman brings SART (search and rescue radar transponder) to the muster area.

4) Helmsman or other designated person brings portable VHF radiotelephone and fully charged spare batteries to the muster area, having checked its operation.

5) Designated persons collect additional fuel, water, clothing, and any other extra equipment, lifejackets to be worn now.

6) Upon the masters' orders, the helmsman and designated launching crew enter the boat and carry out the following tasks:

① Davit control wire is reeved through to the helmsman’s control position.

② The bottom plug is checked and closed.

③ Batteries switched to ‘on’ position and charging cable disconnected.

④ Fuel and coolant levels checked, fuel stopcocks confirmed to be ‘open’.

⑤ Hook central release mechanism – checked to confirm that the Interlock is engaged and the boat is safe to be lowered.

7) Also at this time other designated persons on the ship’s deck carry out the following tasks:

① Rig painter leading well ahead of the boat and made fast to a strong point on the ship.

② Rig an Embarkation Ladder – in case persons are able to go aboard again.

③ Pass additional equipment to crewmen in the boat to stow.

④ Be sure that no maintenance “hanging-off” pendants are connected to the boat and report “ready for boarding” to the ship’s master.

8) Upon the masters' order to board persons proceed from the Muster Station to the Embarkation Station and wait.

 

2. Boarding 

 

1) When ordered by the master person to board the fully enclosed lifeboat, casualties on stretchers are passed inboard and secured. All persons aboard put on seat belts.

2) Designated persons ensure that all lifeboat lashings (Gripes) and davit locks are removed and reconfirm that the launching area is clear.

 

3. Seating and seat belts

1) Each seat in the fully enclosed lifeboat is indicated by a black outline mark as below. 

2) The seat belts which have to be rigged for persons seated in way of the side door as follows. After the side door closed, hitching the end of the safety belt to item 1 by pushing down it and then hitched to item 2. 

3) Each seat is equipped with safety belts. Make sure that both shoulder straps are in place before the lap belt is tightened. The lap belt is secured with an “aircraft” type buckle and tightened by pulling the right-hand tab.

4) To release the buckle simply raise the tab with your left hand and the seat belt buckle will open, the seatbelt will separate so that you will able to leave your seat. After all people are on board, the helmsman checks the situation inside and outside and then gives the order to close all hatches.

 

4. Doors and hatches

The following illustrations apply to the “hatch locks".

1) All hatches are provided with locks/handles which can be operated from inside and outside.

2) Label plates indicating “ OPEN ” and “ CLOSED ” positions are provided at each handle.

3) For all hatches and doors 

• From outside: To open handle-locks, rotate them to the open position and pull the hatch/door up.

• From inside: To open handle-locks, rotate them to the open position and push the hatch/door out and up.  After opening lock it in the “OPEN” position.

 

5. Starting the engine 

Starting the engine by turning one main switch to the "ON" position and push to start button. Note compass heading. Use compass heading for reference to determine what the correct departure compass heading to clear the structure should be.

 

Warning: The running time must not be more than 5 minutes before the boat waterborne.

 

6. Launch of the fully enclosed lifeboat

 

Start the sprinkler system by pulling the pump control lever towards you, this will open the sprinkler valve and spray the boat with a thin layer of water when the engine is running. The pump is a continuously running type and there is no other direct control of it.

 

When clear of danger, turn the seawater inlet valve off.

 

7. Release of the hooks

When the enclosed lifeboat is waterborne, release the hooks.

 

8. Release the painter

Release the painter by pulling the painter release handle on the fore of the lifeboat.

 

The painter releaser attach point is used for towing to clear the danger area after the lifeboat has been successfully launched. This allows the totally enclosed lifeboat to stop the engine and being towed when the helmsman wants to.