Rescue Boats And Life Boats

Question 1

What equipment is required on a rescue boat

Answer 1

• Painter attached to the bow on a release mechanism
• sea anchor with trip line and min 10m hawser
• spot lights, must be capable of being on for 3 hrs continuous and 6 degree vert and horizontal beam
• binnacle with compass and illuminated
• rescue quoits 2
• radar reflector
• capsize kit - first aid, whistle, tpa, repair kit, torch, knife, pump
• paddles or oars
• boat hook
• fire extinguisher
• tow line min 50m for towing life raft
• bucket and bailer
• sponges 2

Question 2

Procedures for launching a rescue boat

Answer 2

• ensure crew appropriate PPE - helmet, exposure protection, life jacket, gloves, boots,
• ensure offload release hook is secure and that the release handle safety pin is in place
• check batteries charged and on appropriate setting.
• engine checks; fuel, fuel valve, breather, kill switch, engine down, start up and shut down
• ensure painter secured
• release tiedowns
• lower boat to embarkation level or to just above water level
• crew board and position appropriately
• start engine
• remove safety pin
• pull release handle to activate
• lower boat to water, off load hook will release, reset offload hook
• maneuver boat away from ship and release painter