Life-Rafts and Boats - Thread

Yo, that’s a lifeboat. Also, you posted the thread in marine safety, but only post a photo. What about survival crafts do you want to be discussed?

Let it roll mate. Let’s help each other. Please add some content. I thought this section would be a good place. We don’t have a
sub-category for survival crafts. Anyway, I will see what I can come up with also.

[B]Has anybody ever had to go on one because of a real emergency?

[U]Types of Lifeboats Used On Ship’s[/U][/B]

  1. Open Lifeboat: However, open lifeboats are becoming obsolete now because of stringent safety norms, but one may find them on older ships.

2.Closed lifeboat: Closed lifeboats are the most popular lifeboats that are used on ships, for they are enclosed which saves the crew from sea water, strong wind and rough weather. Moreover, the water tight integrity is higher in this type of lifeboat and it can also get upright on its own if toppled over by waves.

3.Free fall life boat: A Free fall lifeboat is similar to an enclosed lifeboat but the process of launching is entirely different. They are aerodynamic in nature and thus the boat can penetrate the water without damaging the body when launched from the ship. Take a look at the video below. :slight_smile:

//youtu.be/3_keBUBKmCU

//youtu.be/035Q-6RwTd0

A Guide to Life Rafts, Their Equipment, Storage and Deployment

Don’t forget to collect any extra safety equipment for your emergency pack such as food, water, clothes etc… Seasick tablets.

Throw the life raft overboard to the opposite direction to the wind.

Get away from a sinking or burning boat as quickly as possible.

Note: The both buoyancy tubes are independent. If one tube is punctured, the other tube will remain inflated, and keep the life raft afloat.

Keep calm, save energy.

http://www.bwsailing.com/cc/a-guide-to-life-rafts-their-equipment-storage-and-deployment/

[B][U]The Interior and Contents of a SOLAS A Life Raft[/U][/B]

//youtu.be/x8MdqFUIZfo

[B][U]A look inside the USCG - Motor Life Boat 47-Foot MLB[/U][/B]

http://www.uscg.mil/international/47ft.asp

SOLAS A Pack (SEP Safety Equipment Pack) or
"Ocean Service" Emergency Pack contents (amounts changes with raft capacity):

USCG/SOLAS Hand Flares
USCG/SOLAS Parachute Flares
USCG/SOLAS Smoke Signals
4.2 oz Water packs
1000 cal Food Bars
Signal Mirror
Flashlight & 1 extra bulb
Extra Batteries
Floating knife
Lock back knife
Paddles
Survival instructions
Can Opener
Drinking Cup
Topping-up air pump
Repair Kit
Fishing Kit
Signal Whistle
Sponges
6" & 3" repair clamps
Bail bucket
Sea anchor w/ heavy SS swivel
Spare sea anchor
Seasick Tablets
Seasickness Bags
Throwing quoit w/100’ line
First Aid Kit
Thermal Protective Aids

[QUOTE=DeepSeaDiver;186219][B]Has anybody ever had to go on one because of a real emergency?

[U]Types of Lifeboats Used On Ship’s[/U][/B]

  1. Open Lifeboat: However, open lifeboats are becoming obsolete now because of stringent safety norms, but one may find them on older ships.

2.Closed lifeboat: Closed lifeboats are the most popular lifeboats that are used on ships, for they are enclosed which saves the crew from sea water, strong wind and rough weather. Moreover, the water tight integrity is higher in this type of lifeboat and it can also get upright on its own if toppled over by waves.

3.Free fall life boat: A Free fall lifeboat is similar to an enclosed lifeboat but the process of launching is entirely different. They are aerodynamic in nature and thus the boat can penetrate the water without damaging the body when launched from the ship. Take a look at the video below. :slight_smile:

//youtu.be/3_keBUBKmCU

[/QUOTE]

Yes it does a spectacular flip, but it righted itself and was fully intact at the end of it.
Why did it flip? Probably because there were no people (or sand bags in place of people) on board.

If there had been people inside and strapped in as per instructions they would have been unharmed. That is the beauty of free fall lifeboats, they actually get you away from a listing, sinking, or burning ship, rig or platform.

Here is a prototype lifeboat for Offshore platforms being tested from 61.53 m. (for the metrically challenged that is 201.9 ft.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgkvLSRQPOc

FYI: This type is DNV approved for 70 persons and installation at a height of 47 m. ( 154.2 ft.) above MSL.

There are a training center in Nova Scotia that let you try this out by yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGuLXLTWiCA

If you have experienced this you would NEVER want to get in a conventional open lifeboat, or even a covered one launched by davits. Just picture yourself trying to get away from the windward side of a capsizing ship, or worse, from a rig/platform with burning oil on the water.

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You can now get realistic Free Fall Lifeboat training without the physical and mental risks that follow with actual performing drops and maneuvering in rough conditions: http://sysla.no/2017/03/19/oljeenergi/bli-med-pa-fritt-fall-i-livbat_196978/
Sorry, only Norwegian commentary.

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This video is good to review every so often. I hope nobody ever has to use one.