Lifeboat Prepared for Operation

Lifeboat prepared for operation

1. On receipt of the lifeboat, all items of loose equipment should be checked against
the boat packing/loose equipment sheet.
2. Loose equipment supplied with the boat should be stowed in the forward locker and
in the brackets and fixing positions provided.
3. Any additional items of equipment required to fulfil the Authority Regulation
should be obtained and stowed.
4. Ensure that the fuel taps at engine and fuel tank are open.
5. Check fuel tank, engine and gearbox lubricant and coolant levels. Top up as
necessary.
6. Put lifeboat into the water and check the operation of the hook release gear. Refer
to hook release gear data. Check also for general boat water tightness.
7. Start engine following instruction labels attached to the helmsman’s console.
8. Check that the oil pressure, water temperature and electric charging warning lights
are not alight.
9. Give boat a short trial to ensure that the engine, gearbox and steering function
correctly, and that there are no leaks through hull fittings.
10.Whilst the engine is running, a check should be made to ensure that the oil
pressure, water temperature and alternator charging lights remain off. Also check fuel,
cooling and lubricating oil systems for leakage.
11.On completing of running trials:
(a) Having stopped the engine, return the stop control to the “run” position.
(b) Top up fuel tank, check coolant and lubricating oil levels.
(c) Check that battery is fully charged.
(d) Drain water using the bilge pump.
12. Ensure that the shackles on the slings are correctly secured into the lifting
foundations. Attach the slings to the davit fall wires. Lift boat and stow in davit in
accordance with the davit Instruction/Maintenance manual. These instructions should
be rigidly adhered to.
13. Install craft onto ramp and engage the main securing link into the aft deck release
hook. This is done by operating the hook using the hydraulic hook release device.
When the hook is closed, turn the switch of manual-operated pump clockwise until it
can not move.
14. Ensure the gunwale boat chock engage correctly on the davit.
15. Carry out boat installation and davit tests as required by the appropriate authority
surveyor.
16. Upon completion of testing, the lifeboat should be cleared of all non-essential
equipment  and  finally  stowed  in  the  davit  as  detailed  in  the  davit
Instruction/Maintenance manual.
17. Open ventilator, close all doors and hatches, leaving boat ready for emergency use.