Free Fall Lifeboat Launch Video

J S · 14 November 2010, 16:19

Not rib related but this is how lifeboats are launched off the back of ships.

Being Dropped from a height of 20M

12 meters in length, weighing in at 10 tonnes fully loaded, Similar to an RNLI Mersey class lifeboat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUN1MTpayvQ

[YOUTUBE]RUN1MTpayvQ[/YOUTUBE]

Anchorhandler · 14 November 2010, 16:48

Yes, had the 'pleasure' of doing this several times... Just gotta make sure you eat nothing during the few hours before testing. The ride is not as bad as you may think, your head is strapped back and usually it's only the coxwain that can see the drop before him...all good fun.
If you want to see something even more impressive then search for 'shatt Harding oil rig test'
the same system is installed on rigs but in that case the drop can be up to 40 meters!!

Simon

C-NUMB · 14 November 2010, 18:58

This is one of the thing don't miss, still remember the sounds of the rolls, then silence and finally a pretty harsh bang....At the time(if remembering correctly) only a pretty simple belt system, no straps for the head and also heard about some neck related injury's on other ships. Designs are for sure better now? But even at that time a significant improvement compared to the traditional open "lifeboat".

A 40m drop must feel insane...

Anchorhandler · 14 November 2010, 19:23

A 40m drop must feel insane... [/quote]

I'l bet....dont fancy that too much but then again, if the flames are starting to warm up your backside then count me in!

here's a test drop from a semi-sub....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exE9jjlTjvk

Simon

J S · 14 November 2010, 19:40

That particular drop wasn't too bad, just a sturdy thump as you hit the water. The seats in that particular boat are facing aft so you are almost lying on your back as you hit the water.

Have to agree though a 40M drop wouldn't be as nice.

James

Anchorhandler · 14 November 2010, 20:53

Hi James....
Ironically, we went to the aid of some of the crew of the 'British Cormorant' (although there is little 'British' about it!) last month who managed to throw themselves out of the fast rescue craft during launching...
Although the official (MAIB) report is still outstanding, it would seem that the coxswain went full power while the painter on the bow was still attached resulting in the FRC overturning.
They were very lucky as at the time, the Cormorant was anchorered in the deep water anchorage 4mls south of the IOW and after only 10minutes from the time of the Mayday going out, our local Coastguard helicopter had traveled the 25 miles and was on location picking them out of the water......thats impressive!

The 6 crew members had already drifted some 400meters away from the ship.
A big thanks for the service provided by the Lee-on-Solent Coastguard helicopter crews....its much appreciated

Simon

Polwart · 14 November 2010, 21:11

I've always wondered how it gets back into its launching cradle after testing?

J S · 14 November 2010, 21:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anchorhandler

Hi James....
Ironically, we went to the aid of some of the crew of the 'British Cormorant'

Yes we have an Indian part of the fleet, I will be interested to see the MAIB report on this item, and im sure our internal investigators are hard at work trying to find out what happened. Yes they are lucky the Lee on Solent guys were so efficient in picking them up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

I've always wondered how it gets back into its launching cradle after testing?

Unfortunately this is the best pic I have, but if you look at the one attached you will see that from the launching platform a davit can be swung out and lowered down, it is then simply attached to a strop on the boat winched back into position and the launching hook re primed.

James