Regular liferaft launching drills ensure that crew members become familiar with the correct deployment procedures and can respond efficiently during actual emergencies.
The normal procedure for conducting a liferaft launching drill includes the following steps:
- Remove the portable safety rail and swing out the launching davit.
- Bring the liferaft, contained either in its valise or rigid container, to the ship’s side while ensuring the bowsing lines remain inboard.
- Secure the bowsing lines to the deck cleats, leaving sufficient slack, and prepare the painter line.
- Attach the davit fall securely to the liferaft.
- Hoist the liferaft using the davit until it reaches the designated launching position over the ship’s side.
- If the liferaft does not inflate automatically, continue pulling the painter until it reaches its full length and then give it a firm pull to activate the inflation system.
- After complete inflation, bring the liferaft alongside the ship using the bowsing lines and carefully inspect the interior for any defects or damage.
- With two trained crew members assisting at the entrance, board the passengers in an orderly manner. Occupants should sit with their feet facing the centre of the raft, alternating seating positions from the outside inward. Before boarding, footwear, brooches, sharp objects, and other items capable of damaging the raft should be removed.
- At least one crew member trained in liferaft operation should accompany each liferaft.
- Once loading is complete, ensure the area beneath the raft is completely clear. Release the bowsing lines and bring the painter line inside the raft. This step is particularly important for safe operation.
- Lower the liferaft into the water. As it reaches the water, the trained crew member inside the raft pulls the red lanyard to release the hook safety catch.
- The release hook automatically disconnects once the liferaft becomes waterborne. The raft should then be moved safely away from the ship as quickly as possible. The entrances should remain open initially to provide adequate ventilation. In cold weather, the insulated floor should be inflated as soon as possible.
- Deploy the sea anchor immediately after launching. Some liferafts are fitted with sea anchors that deploy automatically.
- Once the liferaft has departed, the crew onboard recover the davit fall using the tricing line before preparing the next liferaft for launching.
Regular drills help ensure that every crew member becomes familiar with these procedures and can perform them quickly during emergencies.