Views: 18 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-11 Origin: Site
Efficient rescue boat launching procedures are critical for maritime safety and emergency response operations. Whether deploying a standard rescue boat or a high-speed fast rescue boat, proper procedures ensure crew safety while maximizing response effectiveness. This comprehensive guide provides actionable steps for launching both types of rescue boats in accordance with SOLAS requirements and industry best practices.
What you'll learn in this guide:
Rescue boat and fast rescue boat launching requirements and differences
Essential pre-launch preparations for both rescue boats and fast rescue boats
Launching procedures for standard rescue boats
Launching procedures for fast rescue boats
Emergency launch protocols for both rescue boat types
Post-launch operations and safety procedures for both types
Understanding Rescue Boat vs Fast Rescue Boat Launching Requirements
Key Launching Differences Between Rescue Boat Types
The primary differences in launching requirements between rescue boats and fast rescue boats relate to their operational capabilities and deployment specifications:
Rescue boats: Must be capable of maneuvering at a speed of at least 6 knots and maintaining that speed for at least 4 hours
Fast rescue boats: Must be capable of maneuvering at a speed of at least 20 knots in calm water with a crew of 3 persons and at least 8 knots when fully loaded, maintaining these speeds for at least 4 hours
Rescue boats: Length between 3.8 meters and 8.5 meters
Fast rescue boats: Hull length of not less than 6 meters and not more than 8.5 meters
Both types: Must be capable of being launched with the vessel making headway up to 5 knots in calm water
Fast rescue boats: Require enhanced launching appliances capable of operation under adverse weather and sea conditions
SOLAS Compliance Standards for Rescue Boats
SOLAS Chapter III specifically addresses rescue boat launching requirements, with the following mandatory provisions:
Launching capability within the shortest possible time, with the vessel making headway up to 5 knots in calm water
Recovery time should be no more than 5 minutes in moderate sea conditions when loaded with the full complement
Each rescue boat launching appliance must be fitted with a powered winch motor
Hoisting capability when loaded with a full complement at a rate of not less than 0.3 meters per second
Note: Fast rescue boats must comply with applicable rescue boat requirements plus additional specifications under IMO Resolution A.656(16).
Essential Pre-Launch Preparations for Both Rescue Boat Types
Safety Equipment Verification and Crew Briefing
Ensure all personnel understand their assigned roles for davit operation, boat command, and communication duties. Verify that all crew members wear appropriate personal protective equipment and life jackets before boarding.
Check that the rescue boat contains required safety equipment including personal flotation devices, VHF radio, distress signaling devices, first aid kit, navigation equipment, and thermal protective aids.
Test communication between the bridge, davit operators, and the rescue boat crew. Verify radio equipment functionality and confirm backup communication methods are available.
Battery and Fuel System Preparations
Remove the battery charging cable connection to prevent damage during launch operations. Ensure boat's internal batteries are fully charged and capable of supporting all electrical systems.
Check fuel tank levels, verify fuel lines are properly connected and leak-free, open fuel tank vents, and confirm fuel shut-off valves are in the correct position. Test fuel pump operation using the primer bulb until resistance is felt.
Check that lubricating oil levels meet manufacturer specifications and that coolant systems are properly filled. In cold weather, confirm antifreeze protection is adequate.
Launch Area Preparation
Remove boat lashings, covers, and securing devices. Ensure all equipment is properly stowed within the boat and cannot shift during launch operations.
Inspect davit swing radius and water entry area for obstructions. Remove any equipment, lines, or structures that could interfere with launch operations.
Crew members should embark only after all preparation steps are complete. Ensure proper weight distribution and that all personnel are secured in designated positions.
Standard Rescue Boat Launching Procedures
Davit System Activation and Positioning
Connect power to the electrical control box and start the hydraulic pump motor. Verify normal oil pressure and system operation. Remove the remote control device from the control button box.
Lower the release hook and connect to the rescue boat's lifting points. Ensure all connections are properly secured and inspect hook mechanisms for proper operation.
Press the hoisting button to raise the rescue boat to a sufficient height for the outboard swing without obstruction. Maintain this position while preparing for davit arm rotation.
Davit Arm Operation and Swing-Out
Press the appropriate slewing button (left or right, according to deck arrangement) to rotate the davit arm to the outboard position. The hydraulic system will supply power for this operation.
Modern davit systems employ holding brake and centrifugal brake mechanisms. The holding brake stops and holds the boat stationary, while the centrifugal brake controls the descent rate automatically.
Position designated personnel in the boat to operate the remote control cable. Ensure the painter line is properly rigged and ready to control boat movement during descent.
Controlled Lowering and Water Entry
Maintain proper painter tension throughout the lowering operation to prevent the boat from swinging or impacting the vessel's hull. Keep painter tight but allow for controlled descent.
Release the holding brake completely to allow the centrifugal brake to control the descent automatically. The boat will descend at a controlled rate, typically not exceeding 1.3 m/s per SOLAS requirements.
The designated person in the boat operates the remote control to ensure a smooth descent. If problems occur, the winch will automatically brake when the remote control is released.
Water Entry and Hook Release
As the rescue boat approaches the water surface, reduce descent speed and prepare for water entry. Ensure all crew members are properly positioned and secured.
Continue lowering until the rescue boat is completely water-borne and supporting its own weight. Verify the boat is floating freely and not supported by the davit system.
Once fully water-borne, operate the off-load release mechanism by removing the safety pin and pulling the hook release wire. This disconnects the rescue boat from the davit falls.
Fast Rescue Boat Launching Procedures
High-Performance System Activation
Confirm the fast rescue boat is equipped with high-performance engines capable of immediate operation and achieving the required 20+ knot capability. Check that all high-speed maneuvering equipment is functional.
Fast rescue boat davits feature enhanced hydraulic systems with stored power capabilities using nitrogen accumulator pressure. These systems can operate in "dead ship" conditions.
Fast rescue boat operations require enhanced communication due to rapid deployment requirements. Establish radio communications with the bridge before beginning the launch sequence.
Hydraulic System and Accumulator Operations
Verify nitrogen accumulator shows adequate pressure, typically around 200 bar (20 MPa). This stored energy provides emergency power for launch operations when main power is unavailable.
Confirm accumulator valve positions: ensure valve #1 is closed and valve #2 is open. The accumulator should provide sufficient power for approximately 20 seconds of davit operation.
Check all hydraulic lines, connections, and pressure gauges for proper operation. The hydraulic system should maintain consistent pressure and respond smoothly to control inputs.
Enhanced Launch Execution
For normal operations, use standard hydraulic power. For emergency conditions, rely on accumulator power and gravity lowering systems.
Fast rescue boat launching prioritizes speed while maintaining safety. The Entire launch sequence should be completable within the required timeframe under adverse conditions.
For emergency conditions, remove the cotter pin from the brake handle and open the valve on the accumulator. Emergency lowering will be achieved by pulling emergency lower line.
Engine Starting and High-Speed Departure
Before launch, ensure the engine is in start-ready condition with fuel systems primed and battery switches in "ON" position. The dead man's switch should be connected to the operator.
Once the fast rescue boat is waterborne and the hooks are released, start the engine immediately. Fast rescue boats are designed for immediate departure without extended warm-up periods.
Put the control lever in the forward position and depart the launch area promptly. Fast rescue boats must achieve operational speeds quickly for emergency response missions.
Emergency Launch Protocols for Both Rescue Boat Types
Emergency System Activation
In emergency conditions, manual brake release and accumulator power provide backup launch capability. These systems ensure deployment even when the main power systems fail.
When hydraulic power is unavailable, manual pump systems can provide limited davit operation. These systems require physical effort but ensure launch capability under all conditions.
Emergency brake release systems allow rapid deployment in critical situations. Remove safety mechanisms and activate emergency lowering controls as required.
Weather-Related Considerations
In adverse weather, additional precautions include enhanced communication, modified descent rates, and increased crew vigilance. Wave compensation systems help manage operations in rough seas.
Rough weather may require altered approach angles, modified painter management, and enhanced coordination between davit operators and boat crew.
When launching in bad weather, mount recovery straps to joint plates in advance and prepare hanging-off pendants. These systems facilitate safe recovery operations.
Post-Launch Operations and Safety Procedure for Both Types
Final Disconnection and Independence
After hook release, disconnect the painter line by pulling the painter release wire. This final step ensures complete separation from the mother vessel.
Conduct a visual inspection to confirm that all connections between the rescue boat and the vessel are severed. The boat should be completely independent and maneuverable.
Verify the engine runs smoothly and responds properly to throttle inputs. Test both forward and reverse operations to ensure full propulsion capability.
Navigation and Mission Operations
Test both primary wheel steering and emergency tiller operation. Fast rescue boats must have emergency steering systems providing direct rudder control.
Confirm compass heading and prepare navigation equipment for the rescue mission. Emergency navigation equipment should be immediately accessible and operational.
Establish and maintain communication with the mother vessel and any rescue coordination centers. Communication is critical for mission coordination and safety monitoring.
Recovery Preparation and Completion
Upon mission completion, approach the recovery area carefully and connect to the davit system using established procedures. Recovery operations require the same level of coordination as launch operations.
Once recovered, ensure the rescue boat is properly secured in its davit with all lashing and charging connections restored. Conduct post-operation inspections and prepare for future deployment.
After recovery, top up fuel tanks, check engine oil and coolant levels, ensure batteries are charging, and verify all safety equipment is properly stowed. Document any issues or maintenance requirements discovered during operation.
Conclusion
Efficient rescue boat launching requires systematic preparation, precise execution, and continuous attention to safety protocols. Regular training and equipment maintenance ensure these critical systems perform reliably when lives depend on their operation. Following these step-by-step procedures helps ensure successful rescue boat deployment while maintaining the highest standards of maritime safety and SOLAS compliance.
At New Marine, every rescue boat and fast rescue boat is engineered with both SOLAS compliance and real-life reliability in mind. For comprehensive support, equipment specifications, or custom safety solutions, reach out to our expert team.
No.211 Shangyang Road,
Dongqian lake Industry Park,
Yinzhou District, NingBo, China
Phone: 0086-574-55227898