Technology from Europe:
United Kingdom

New lifeboat release improves maritime safety

A new lifeboat release hook mechanism has been introduced by Aberdeen-based Survival Craft Inspectorate Ltd. This new mechanism resulted from a detailed study of existing release systems. The Survival Craft study identified three key areas for improvement. These included reducing the potential for accidental release, providing a visual indication of the release mechanism's security status and eliminating the use of any materials that could be vulnerable to corrosion. The new mechanism, dubbed Safelaunch, should be more robust and less vulnerable to critical tolerances, misuse or neglect, thus contributing to lifeboat safety. It is available for new or retrofit installations and a number of leading ship and offshore platform operators have already begun installing this equipment. 

Each Safelaunch release hook is provided with a color-coded indicator that provides a clear visual status of the release cam (see picture). This enables crew members and maintenance personnel to verify that the hooks are secure and in a safe condition before anyone enters the boat. The high-visibility indicator is linked to the main release mechanism and moves from green to red to provide an unambiguous signal when the boat is ready to be launched. Because this is clearly visible from outside the boat, crew members and maintenance personnel avoid the risks associated with boarding lifeboats whose release mechanisms may have become dangerous with time. 

The indicator and release cam mechanisms are protected by a transparent cover that provides additional security against physical damage and the effects of long-term exposure to weather in the most extreme marine environments. The mechanism is manufactured entirely from high-grade stainless steel and materials that remain unaffected by corrosion throughout a lifetime of exposure to severe maritime conditions. They consequently eliminate any need for painting and risks to the system's functionality that might subsequently arise. 

Another significant innovation from Survival Craft is the introduction of a through-hook locking pin that guarantees positive safety during maintenance and boarding drills. The release mechanism has a safe working load up to 6 tons, is approved by Det Norske Veritas and meets all relevant SOLAS, IMO, LSA and EU mark design codes.