The Nautical Institute issues lifeboat safety handbook

Launching, operating and recovering small boats from ships is often outside the expertise of crew and can require considerable skill and seamanship. To address this issue, the Nautical Institute published ‘Launch and Recovery of Boats from Ships’.

As explained, practice drills rarely provide a realistic simulation of emergencies. An increasing lack of experience and some well-publicised accidents during practice have undermined crews’ confidence in using the equipment. Reluctance to take part in practice launches serves to further erode safety.

The author of the publication, Dag Pike AFNI, addresses to ship owners and operators, regulators and designers, as well as practical seafarers, as he sets out good practice and explains in clear language the techniques and systems that can improve manoeuvres. The book reviews the equipment available and assesses both its benefits and its potential drawbacks. 

“For generations seafarers have been faced with the challenge of the maintenance and testing of lifesaving appliances to ensure their readiness for use in emergencies. At the same time, crews have to recognise that their deployment, even in controlled circumstances, is never risk-free. This book guides the mariner towards best and safest practice in the management and operation of launching and recovering boats at sea,” commented Captain John Lloyd FNI, CEO of The Nautical Institute.

“The Nautical Institute hopes this book will become a key source of reference for those seeking to improve the safety of their personnel on board and will result in better understanding of how to launch and recover boats safely.”