Lifeboat Recovery Procedure (Including Free Fall Lifeboats)

Lifeboat recovery is one of the most critical phases of survival craft operations and demands a clear, well‑defined procedure. Historically, many serious lifeboat accidents have occurred during recovery operations, especially when hoisting and resetting hooks. A robust lifeboat recovery procedure helps protect crew, reduce equipment damage, and demonstrate compliance with SOLAS and applicable flag-state requirements.

Key Principles of Lifeboat Recovery Operations

A safe lifeboat recovery procedure—whether for a conventional davit-launched lifeboat or a free-fall lifeboat—rests on preparation, controlled hoisting, and correct securing.

Core principles include:

• Use the manufacturer's manual and IMO/flag‑state guidance as the primary reference for each craft and launching appliance.

• Minimize the number of persons on board during recovery, keeping only the crew needed for safe maneuvering.

• Maintain continuous communication between the bridge, davit operator, and coxswain, and remain clear of propeller wash and thruster discharge.

These fundamentals apply to both standard lifeboat recovery procedures and free-fall lifeboat recovery procedures and should be reflected in your shipboard checklists.

Standard Davit-Launched Lifeboat Recovery Procedure

The following recovery of lifeboat procedure outlines common best practices for enclosed lifeboats using davits. Always adapt the steps to the specific equipment installed on board.

Approach and Painter Connection

• Maneuver the lifeboat to the ship's lee side and approach the painter line left hanging vertically down the ship's side.

• Take the painter on board and use it to steady the boat under the fall blocks, keeping clear of hull projections.

• The davit operator lowers the suspension links or fall blocks to just above the lifting points to avoid impact with the lifeboat canopy.

Attaching Falls and Securing Hooks

• Attach the forward and aft fall links, ensuring both are fully seated before proceeding

• Reset the hooks according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the hook locking mechanism and any hydrostatic interlock and release gear locking mechanism are in the safe position.

• Insert required safety or locking pins at the release handle and hooks; hoisting must not begin until positive confirmation is received that all hooks are correctly locked.

Initial Hoist Clear of the Water

• Ensure all crew are seated with seat belts fastened and wearing lifejackets before hoisting.

• Hoist slowly until the keel is just clear of the water, then pause to verify that the hydrostatic interlock has moved to the closed, safe position (where fitted).

• If indicators do not show the correct safe status, lower the lifeboat back to the water and investigate before attempting another hoist.

Hoisting to Stowed Position

• Resume hoisting at a controlled speed, monitoring for unusual noises, jerks or contact with the ship's side.

• Bring the lifeboat into its davit or cradle and secure chocks, lashings and any mechanical securing devices exactly as per the davit manufacturer's instructions.

• Whenever practicable, final inboard slewing and stowage should be completed without personnel on board to reduce risk.

Post-Recovery Checks and Documentation

• Once personnel disembark, ensure winch brakes are set and any designated securing pins or stoppers are in place.

• Inspect hooks, fall wires, limit switches and structural contact points for damage, corrosion or misalignment.

Record the recovery drill or operation in the log, including defects and corrective actions, to support audits and continuous improvement.

Free Fall Lifeboat Recovery Procedure

Free-fall lifeboats are designed for rapid gravity launch, but their recovery arrangements are more specialized. The recovery method varies by manufacturer and vessel configuration and may use A‑frame davits, secondary davits, or crane-and-ramp solutions.

Preparations Before Recovery

• Limit the number of persons in the free-fall lifeboat during recovery to the minimum specified by the manufacturer, often only the operating crew.

• Inspect recovery slings, shackles and fall attachments for wear and correct identification markings before use.

• Confirm the free-fall release system has been correctly reset after the previous launch and that ramp securing points, stoppers, and lashings are ready for re‑stowage.

Engaging the Recovery System

Depending on the design, the free-fall lifeboat recovery procedure typically involves one of the following arrangements.

• A‑frame or ramp‑integrated systems: A stern‑mounted davit arm with hydraulic winch and ramp guides lifts the boat from the water and returns it to the launch ramp.

• Secondary davit or crane systems: A dedicated davit or crane hoists the free-fall lifeboat and places it onto the ramp or a cradle when free‑fall launch or direct ramp recovery is impractical.

In all cases, operators must follow the exact lifting points, sling configurations and winching instructions in the system's technical manual.

Lifting the Free Fall Lifeboat

• Attach recovery slings or yoke to the designated lifting foundations on the lifeboat and secure all shackles.

• Hoist steadily until the free-fall lifeboat is clear of waves and hull motion; the engine may be stopped in accordance with onboard procedures once the boat is stable and under control.

• Continue hoisting and pivot the davit arm or crane inboard so the boat aligns with the ramp or cradle, keeping personnel clear of potential swing paths.

Seating and Securing on the Ramp

• Lower the free-fall lifeboat gently onto the ramp guides or cradle, ensuring it sits correctly in the designed support points.

• Engage the main securing link into the aft deck hook or ramp connection as specified and refit lashings, stoppers and mechanical locks.

• Reset the free-fall release system fully, with indicators showing locked status, leaving the lifeboat secured but maintained in immediate launch readiness.

High-Risk Conditions: Heavy Weather Recovery

Recovering lifeboats in heavy weather increases dynamic loads on hooks, falls and davits, so operators should apply additional precautions.

Recommended measures include:

• Where required by company procedures or class guidance, use approved fall-preventer devices (FPDs) designed to limit drop distance if on‑load release gear fails during recovery.

• Rigging hanging‑off pendants or supports so weight can be safely transferred and hooks inspected or reset without full load on the falls.

• Verifying winch brakes, limit switches and control systems before recovery to prevent over‑hoisting or uncontrolled movements.

These risk controls complement, but do not replace, a clear and well‑trained lifeboat recovery procedure on board.

Compliance, Training and Maintenance

Effective lifeboat recovery depends not only on good hardware but also on consistent training and maintenance.

Key best practices include:

• Align shipboard lifeboat recovery procedures with SOLAS, relevant IMO circulars and, for U.S.-flag vessels, 46 CFR 199.155 requirements on launching and recovery arrangements.

• Train crews on both on‑load and off‑load release operations, emphasizing proper reset and the emergency‑only nature of on‑load release.

• Implement regular inspections of hooks, falls, winches, davits and free fall systems, following manufacturer instructions and recording findings and repairs under the safety management system.

Why Shipowners Choose New Marine for Lifeboat Recovery Solutions

New Marine is a specialist manufacturer of totally enclosed lifeboats and free-fall lifeboats, and matching davits and launching appliances, engineered to meet SOLAS, LSA Code, and relevant flag‑state requirements. From single‑arm davits to hydraulic telescopic and A‑frame davits, New Marine designs systems that simplify safe launching and recovery while supporting long‑term reliability.

By partnering with New Marine, you gain:

• Integrated lifeboat, free-fall lifeboat, and davit packages are designed as complete, compatible systems for launching and recovery.

• Technical support and documentation to help you standardize lifeboat recovery procedures, training and maintenance across your fleet.

If you are looking to optimize your lifeboat recovery procedure or upgrade to modern lifeboat recovery systems tailored to your fleet, contact New Marine today to speak with a specialist about a compliant, future‑ready solution.