yacht life boats

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What are Different Types of Lifeboats and How to Select the Right Type

Life boats, which are essential components of maritime safety equipment, are critical assets in ensuring the safety of people at sea during emergencies. Various types of lifeboats  have been developed over the years to meet various maritime needs, providing diverse solutions for evacuating and safeguarding crew and passengers. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of lifeboats, their designs, their specific applications in maritime safety and key factors to select the most suitable lifeboat.

Common Types of Lifeboats

1.  open lifeboats.

Open lifeboats  are simple, traditional designs that have been in use for many years. These boats are typically constructed of wood or, more commonly nowadays, long-lasting materials such as fiberglass or reinforced plastic. They feature a basic, open design without a roof, making them suitable for quick and easy boarding. Open lifeboats are commonly found on smaller vessels and are manually propelled using oars or a small outboard motor.

2.  Enclosed Lifeboats

Enclosed lifeboats are built with a protective canopy or roof to protect the occupants from the elements. This design offers additional protection against inclement weather, such as rain, wind, and rough seas. Enclosed lifeboats are frequently outfitted with vital survival equipment, communication systems, and emergency supplies. These lifeboats are appropriate for a variety of vessels, such as cargo ships, passenger ships, and offshore platforms.

3.  Freefall Lifeboats

In an emergency, freefall lifeboats  are specifically designed for rapid deployment from a ship’s deck. Freefall lifeboats, unlike traditional lifeboats, are launched by releasing them from a cradle or ramp at an elevated position on the ship. The lifeboat’s freefall descent allows it to enter the water quickly and efficiently, ensuring a timely evacuation in critical situations.

4.  Fast Rescue Craft

Fast rescue craft (FRCs)   are smaller, agile vessels used for rapid response and rescue operations. These boats are frequently found on larger vessels like passenger ferries, cruise ships, and offshore installations. Fast rescue craft are designed for quick maneuverability and can quickly reach locations to assist in emergencies or rescue missions.

5.  Davit-Launched Lifeboats

Davit-launched lifeboats are commonly used on ships and offshore platforms of various sizes. Davits, which are mechanical devices that lower the lifeboat from a ship’s deck to the water, are used to launch them. These lifeboats can be open or enclosed, making them a versatile solution for a variety of vessel types. Davit-launched lifeboats are well-known for their dependability and ease of use.

6.  Inflatable Lifeboats

Inflatable lifeboats  have inflatable tubes wrapped around the hull to provide buoyancy and stability. Because these lifeboats are lightweight, they are simple to store and deploy. Smaller vessels, such as yachts and offshore installations, frequently use inflatable lifeboats. They can be open or enclosed, providing design flexibility.

7.  Combination Lifeboats

Combination lifeboats combine features from various types to provide a complete solution. A combination lifeboat, for example, may have an enclosed design with inflatable elements for added buoyancy. These lifeboats aim to combine the benefits of various designs in order to improve safety and versatility.

Key Considerations to Select the Most Appropriate Type of Lifeboats

Choosing the best type of lifeboat is a critical decision for ensuring the safety of people at sea.

• Vessel Type and Size

Consider the size and type of the vessel. Larger vessels may require lifeboats with greater capacity and additional features. Passenger ships, cargo vessels, and offshore platforms may have different requirements based on their specific operations.

• Occupancy Capacity

Evaluate the maximum number of people the lifeboat needs to accommodate. Lifeboats come in various sizes, and it’s crucial to choose one that can safely carry all individuals on board in emergency situations.

• Operational Environment

Assess the typical operating conditions and environmental factors where the vessel operates. Different lifeboats are designed to withstand specific sea conditions. For instance, vessels navigating in rough seas may require more robust lifeboats with enhanced stability features.

• Launch and Recovery Method

Consider the method of launching and recovering the lifeboat. Davit-launched lifeboats are common on many vessels, while freefall lifeboats are designed for rapid deployment. The choice depends on the vessel’s layout and the speed at which evacuation is required.

• Survivability Features

Evaluate the survivability features of the lifeboat, such as its stability, self-righting capabilities, and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. The lifeboat should be capable of keeping occupants safe and secure in a variety of emergency situations.

• Accessibility and Ease of Boarding

Consider how easy it is to board the lifeboat, especially in difficult conditions. Some lifeboats are built with quick and easy boarding in mind, which is critical during emergency evacuations. Consider accessibility features such as ladders or platforms.

• Special Requirements

Based on the vessel’s operations, determine any special requirements or features that are required. Offshore drilling vessels, for example, may benefit from freefall lifeboats for rapid evacuation, whereas vessels transporting hazardous materials may require lifeboats with additional safety measures.

• Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that the selected lifeboat complies with international and national regulations and standards. Different regions may have specific requirements for lifeboat design, equipment, and maintenance. Compliance with regulations ensures that the lifeboat meets recognized safety standards.

• Training and Familiarization

Consider the training requirements for operating the selected lifeboat. Crew members should be adequately trained in the proper use of the lifeboat, including launching, navigation, and emergency procedures. Familiarity with the lifeboat’s features is crucial for efficient and safe operation during emergencies.

• Maintenance and Inspection

Assess the ease of maintenance and inspection for the chosen lifeboat. Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring that the lifeboat remains in optimal condition. Easy access for inspections and routine maintenance tasks contributes to the lifeboat’s reliability.

• Cost Considerations

While safety is the most important consideration, consider the overall cost of acquiring and maintaining the lifeboat. Determine the lifecycle costs of the lifeboat, including purchase, installation, training, and ongoing maintenance. Balance budgetary concerns with the need for a dependable and efficient lifeboat.

The diversity of lifeboat designs reflects the evolving needs and challenges of maritime safety . Each type of lifeboat serves a specific purpose, such as quick evacuation, sheltering occupants from the elements, or allowing for rapid rescue operations. Choosing the right type of lifeboat requires a thorough examination of the vessel’s characteristics, operational environment, and safety requirements. By carefully considering these factors, vessel operators can ensure that the selected lifeboat is well-suited to handle emergency situations, serving as a critical component in maritime safety and evacuation procedures.

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Types of Lifeboats: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction.

Lifeboats are an essential component of all vessels at sea. They are the backup when all else fails and the crew must abandon the ship for survival. In this article, we explore the different types of lifeboats and their advantages. Let us begin.

What is a lifeboat?

A lifeboat is a self-sufficient specialised watercraft that provides a means of escape from ships, offshore platforms and other vessels in emergency situations. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions and has many inherent features that support a safe evacuation process.

The design, construction, and maintenance of lifeboats follow international regulations set by organisations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through conventions such as SOLAS . Through these regulations, we can ensure that the lifeboats are built up to a certain quality and perform functions as designed during emergencies.

During emergencies, they may be boarded while stowed at the embarkation deck or through the embarkation ladder as is convenient.

Types of Lifeboats

There are many diverse types of lifeboats depending on the construction, capacity, launching method, and propulsion specifications. Generally, the lifeboats can be divided into eight major types. These are:

• Open lifeboats
• Partially enclosed lifeboats
• Fully enclosed lifeboats
• Free fall lifeboats

Rescue boats

• Inflatable lifeboats

Hyperbaric lifeboats

• Fireproof lifeboat

Let us briefly discuss each of these types.

Open Lifeboats

Open lifeboats are open to the weather. These were the first type of lifeboats when they were introduced in the 18th century. These lifeboats may be oar-powered or engine powered.

These lifeboats are the least safe due to there being no protection from the weather and water ingress. They are also not self-righting, i.e., once toppled, they do not become upright by themself. Hence, these lifeboats are no longer used in the majority of applications.

Partially enclosed lifeboat

The partially enclosed lifeboat consists of openings on the side of the lifeboat. These openings expedite the boarding of lifeboats in an emergency situation.

The lifeboats are typically motorised with the help of a compression ignition engine. The openings can be covered with canopies once everyone has boarded but these canopies are not completely watertight.

Totally Enclosed Lifeboat or Closed Lifeboat

Totally enclosed lifeboats provide complete protection from weather and water ingress. Once boarded and secured, closed lifeboats prevent water entry and provide a much safer way to evacuate a sinking vessel.

Most enclosed lifeboats are also inherently self uprighting. This eliminates the risk of capsizing as the vessel becomes upright should it topple over during launch or due to waves.

Free fall lifeboat

The free fall lifeboat is a special type of lifeboat that is dropped from a height directly into the water. The aerodynamic shape ensures the safety of the occupants as the vessel contacts the water and floats back up.

Generally, the location for a free fall lifeboat is the stern of the vessel. A single lifeboat is stowed on a downward-sloping slipway that enables the free fall of the lifeboat under gravity once the hooks are released.

Rescue boats are a special type of lifeboat meant to rescue people that have become stranded at sea. This could mean people that have fallen off your ship (Man overboard) or survivors from the sinking of another vessel.

Rescue boats may be further classified as those with inboard engines and those with outboard engines.

Merchant vessels can have one rescue boat in addition to the two lifeboats. One of the lifeboats present onboard could also be designated as a rescue boat if it complies with the rescue boat regulations set by SOLAS. In most cases, the starboard side lifeboat is designated as the rescue boat as vessels berth more frequently on the port side.

Inflatable lifeboat

Small vessels such as yachts may not have the space required to accommodate a rigid lifeboat. Such vessels may then be equipped with inflatable lifeboats. On the other hand, large merchant vessels are provided with inflatable liferafts instead of lifeboats.

Almost all inflatable lifeboats can auto-inflate using a cartridge that provides air at high pressure to inflate the liferaft to the recommended pressure.

A mechanical pump may also be provided to top up the air and increase the internal air pressure in cold environments where the air density becomes low due to low temperatures.

Also, liferafts on merchant vessels can inflate without human intervention in emergencies when the vessel sinks and the water level above the life raft’s HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) is more than 4m.

Hyperbaric lifeboats are a special type of lifeboats used on diving vessels. These lifeboats are used to evacuate divers from a main diving vessel in the case of a major emergency.

They have a hyperbaric chamber which allows divers to evacuate without undergoing decompression.

These lifeboats are equipped with much more equipment than traditional lifeboats. They have ancillary equipment such as generators, engines, life support systems, and other crew facilities that ensure a minimum independent survival of 72 hours.

Fireproof lifeboats

Fire-protected or fireproof lifeboats have additional features over a standard lifeboat to endure passage through fire for a limited time period (8 minutes).

These lifeboats are used in vessels such as oil and chemical tankers where there is a heightened risk of fire. The vessels are equipped with a water sprinkler system that pulls in water from the lowest point on the boat and sprays it on the outside to protect them from intense fires.

They are also provided with an independent air supply system for occupants for a limited duration. With these features, the lifeboat can effectively navigate through fires until it gets a safe distance away from the incident site.

Capacity for Lifeboats on Cargo Ships

Every cargo ship must carry at least two lifeboats if they are davit operated with one on each side of the ship. Each lifeboat should be able to accommodate the entire complement. This is to ensure that everyone can fit into one boat in the event that only one boat can be launched.

In addition to this, the vessel’s liferaft capacity should be 100% of the number of persons onboard if the liferafts can be shifted to either side on the ship’s deck. If they cannot be shifted, the liferafts must also have 100% capacity on either side (Total capacity of 200%).

Lifeboat safety equipment

A lifeboat generally consists of the following equipment:

Survival equipment

• Survival manual
• Rations and freshwater
• Graduated drinking vessel
• First aid kit
• Anti-seasickness medicine and seasickness bag
• Portable search light
• Thermal protective aids (10% of lifeboat capacity or 2 whichever is greater)
• Dipper/Ladle
• Hatchets and jack-knife
• Fishing tackles
• Three tin openers
• Dipper with lanyard
• Two boat-hooks
• Two painters
• Engine tools
• Fire extinguishers
• One bailer and two buckets (Buoyant)
• Two rescue quoits with a 30m buoyant line
• A manual pump if the lifeboat is not self-bailing
• Life-saving signals poster

Navigation equipment

• Buoyant oars (Not applicable for free-fall lifeboats)
• Drogue or sea-anchor

Distress signalling equipment

• Radar reflector
• Signaling mirror
• Pyrotechnics (Four rocket parachute flares, two hand flares, two buoyant smoke signals)
• Waterproof torches (With spare bulbs and batteries)

In conclusion, lifeboats are one of the most essential pieces of equipment on ships. They are not just vessels but provide safety and reassurance in the face of adversity. Understanding the different types and their features is important for maritime safety. We hope that this article serves as a sufficient introduction to the different types of lifeboats at sea.

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Do Yachts Have Lifeboats? [The Complete Answer]

Whether you’re on a tiny little fishing boat or a supersized tri-deck yacht, safety should be the highest priority. That’s why all boats come with safety features that make sure accidents are mitigated, and in case one actually happens, no one gets hurt.

The yacht is often recognized as a premier recreational watercraft that’s for those with a slightly more sophisticated taste (and a bigger budget.) And because they’re pretty expensive, you might expect those things to come with serious safety features. So, do yachts have lifeboats? Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Purpose of a Lifeboat?

Now, this one should be pretty obvious, but for the sake of information, we’re sharing anyway. A lifeboat is exactly what its name suggests. Developed to provide passengers a safe escape from an otherwise damaged, sinking, or capsized vessel, a lifeboat is a protective measure that reduces the risk of maritime deaths .

But it’s more than just a ‘nice little safety feature’. Lifeboats are required by law for yachts and cruise ships to name a few. These regulations were put in place by the United Nations International Maritime Organization as well as the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea ( SOLAS .)

According to the regulations, there should be enough lifeboats on board to accommodate the maximum number of passengers allowed on board at any single time. The law also stipulates that passengers must be informed of how to use these lifeboats in case the need arises while they’re underway.

Different Types of Lifeboats on Yachts

To answer the main question, yes, yachts have lifeboats . But smaller vessels that can’t accommodate lifeboats for storage capacity limitations must have at least enough life rafts on board.

Another thing about lifeboats is that there are lots of different designs available, and yachts might carry different models depending on a variety of factors, including passenger capacity, distance of travel, and size, to name a few.

Life boats can either be closed or open , which already tells you what to expect. A closed lifeboat is entirely sealed to provide evacuees extra protection. The open lifeboat looks more like a small boat and doesn’t have a roof. They’re operated manually or by a small ignition engine.

Today, the open lifeboat is generally not recommended because of their exposure to the elements and the potential for waves to overcome the vessel when there are strong winds. They’re still found on smaller vessels though.

The freefall lifeboat is a closed lifeboat that essentially looks like a submarine since it’s completely enclosed to protect its passengers from water, heat, rain, and the elements. The ultra buoyant design is deployed via a short freefall from the side of the yacht. They’re typically seen on larger vessels and are preferred for their ease of deployment.

The hyperbaric lifeboat is the most sophisticated lifeboat you’ll find, and they’re usually deployed from within the vessel itself. The lifeboat comes with a control system, an onboard generator, and even equipment for the crew. These are found on superyachts and cruise ships that carry several hundreds of passengers.

In some cases, it may be necessary for a yacht to have a fireproof lifeboat especially in situations where they might be at risk of catching fire. These lifeboats are designed with lots of insulation, helping to keep the vessel protected from fire damage.

They can be either closed or open, depending on the manufacturer, but typically use fire retardant materials to shield passengers from flames and explosions on the water.

Lifeboats vs Life Rafts

While some people use the terms ‘lifeboat’ and ‘life raft’ interchangeably, they’re actually two completely different vessels. In general, yachts are required to have lifeboats. But since these boats tend to come in pretty large sizes, smaller vessels might not have the space to accommodate them. In that case, they may need to take on a few life rafts.

The main difference between a lifeboat and a life raft is sophistication. Most life boats are designed so that passengers can operate them with a motor, but life rafts are essentially floating rafts that just serve the purpose of keeping passengers afloat while they wait for rescue.

Other than that, the life raft is designed for limited storage. These rafts collapse into compact little packages that fit into a fiberglass tube. They can be stored almost anywhere on board since they’re exceptionally small. On the other hand, lifeboats are full-sized boats that can’t be otherwise folded or collapsed to fit into a smaller space.

In essence, a lifeboat is designed so that it can allow its passengers to escape an otherwise damaged yacht and make their way to safety. The life raft on the other hand has limited features that let passengers steer and move through the water, so they’re really just something to hold on to while you wait.

Finally, there’s the question of deployment. On average, life rafts are easier to deploy because of their simple mechanism and lightweight design. But then again, they may be punctured and torn when improperly handled, leading to a useless raft.

On the other hand, life boats aren’t prone to the same puncture damage that life rafts are, but because they require specific deployment procedures, there’s always the risk of failure especially due to human error.

A Safety Measure Worth Having

No doubt, nobody really wants to be faced with a situation that calls for a lifeboat. But it’s one of those things you’ll be happy to have around especially when the need arises. There are lots of different kinds of lifeboats that provide various benefits and distinct functions, but the end goal is always the same.

So, do yachts have lifeboats? The answer is yes, they all should have. If you’ve got a private yacht and don’t have enough room for a sophisticated lifeboat, make sure you’ve got a bunch of life rafts on board. Affordable, easy to deploy, and compact, life rafts are a simple yet essential for keeping a smaller yacht or vessel safe for the sea.

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