PERIODICAL INSPECTION OF FREE FALL LIFE BOAT

Falls used in LIFE BOAT launching shall be inspected periodically with special regard for areas
passing through sheaves, and renewed when necessary due to deterioration of the falls or at
intervals of not more than 5 years, whichever is the earlier.
WEEKLY INSPECTION :
The following tests and inspections shall be carried out weekly and a report of the inspection
shall be entered in the log-book:
1. A free fall life boat shall be visually inspected to ensure that it is ready for use. The
inspection shall include, but is not limited to, the condition of hooks, their attachment to the
lifeboat, and the on-load release gear being properly and completely reset.
2 The Engine of lifeboat shall be run for a total period of not less than 3 min. Provided that
the ambient temperature is above the minimum temperature required for starting and
running the engine. During this period of time, it should be demonstrated that the gear box
and gear box train are engaging satisfactorily. In special cases the Administration may waive
this requirement for ships constructed before 1 July 1986 .
MONTHLY INSPECTION:
1. Inspection of the life-saving appliances, including lifeboat equipment, shall be carried out monthly
using the checklist required by regulation 36 SOLAS Chapter III, to ensure that they are complete and
in good order. A report of the inspection shall be entered in the log-book.

PERIODIC INSPECTION:
Free-fall lifeboat on-load release gear (and also if davit launched, then automatic release
hooks) shall be:
1. Maintained in accordance with instructions for on-board maintenance as required
by regulation 36
(1. A checklist for use when carrying out the inspections required by regulation .
2. maintenance and repair instructions; .
3.schedule of periodic maintenance; .
4.diagram of lubrication points with the recommended lubricants;
5. list of replaceable parts; .
6 list of sources of spare parts; and .
7 log for records of inspections and maintenance.)

2. Subject to a thorough examination and operational test during the annual surveys
required by regulations and by properly trained personnel familiar with the system.
3 Operationally tested under a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the lifeboat boat
when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment whenever the
release gear is overhauled. Such over-hauling and test shall be carried out at least once
every five years.
SECONDARY MEANS OF LAUNCHING FREE FALL LIFEBOAT

Arrested launching is the secondary process of releasing a free-fall lifeboat so

that, for testing purposes it is able to travel along the launching ramp but is
prevented from continuing to a full launch, by restraining devices.
Restraining devices include the following:
1 A Primary Restraint: The lifting equipment such as a davit, gantry or other
lifting device, including associated wires, strops or slings used during a
controlled lowering and return of the lifeboat along the launching ramp.
2 A Secondary Restraint: Strops, slings or other measures that form an additional
attachment between the lifeboat and the launching apparatus. A secondary
restraint is separate from the primary restraint, it uses separate attachment
points on the ship and on the free-fall lifeboat and is designed to avoid a single
point of failure incident. Secondary restraints should be designed to mitigate
shock loading sufficiently that may result from the arrest of movement along the
launching ramp.
3.Primary and secondary restraints should be attached and checked prior to
operating crew boarding. Both restraints should be set with a minimum of slack
consistent with the need to operate the release mechanism function.
4. If the release mechanism cannot be operated from outside the lifeboat
minimum operating crew board and secure themselves at operating positions.
5.The release system that is the winch motor is activated and the load
transferred to the primary restraint.
6. The primary restraint should be slackened until the load is taken by the
secondary restraint(s).
7 The release system should be inspected to ensure correct and unimpeded
operation.
8. In systems using ramps consisting of a number of rollers, during travel the
sheer strake of the lifeboat should be observed to make contact with and turn
the rollers. Rollers that are not turned during this travel should be manually
proven using a safe system of access.
 According to IMO, the essential steps to safely carry out a typical drill as
per SOLAS Regulation III/19 involve:

1. Check equipment and documentation to ensure that all components of the lifeboat
and launching appliance are in good operational condition.
2. Ensure that all personnel involved in the drill are familiar with the operating manuals,
posters and signs.
3. Ensure that the restraining device(s) provided by the manufacturer for simulated
launching are installed and secure and that the free-fall release mechanism is fully and
correctly engaged.
4. Establish and maintain good communication between the assigned operating crew
and the responsible person
5. Disengage lashings, gripes, etc. installed to secure the lifeboat for sea or for
maintenance, except those required for simulated free-fall.
6. Participating crew board the lifeboat and fasten their seatbelts under the supervision
of the responsible person.
7. All crew disembark the lifeboat.
8. Return the lifeboat to the condition it was in prior to
ensure that the lifeboat is returned to its normal stowed condition. Remove any restraining
and/or recovery devices used only for the simulated launch procedure