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1400 E. Clement Street
Baltimore,
Maryland,
United States
410-685-5068
Lifeboat accidents occur most often during training and drills and involve not just the hooks, but also the entire lifeboat release and retrieval system (LRRS), including the wires, the gripes and pennants. In many cases, the cause is unsound procedures.
Identified causes of lifeboat accidents include:
Lack of adequate training and knowledge
Unfamiliarity with equipment
Inadequate risk assessment and planning
Systems that are not yet modified in accordance with SOLAS Regulation III/1.5
Systems with design issues
Incorrectly or poorly maintained systems
Communication problems
Complacency and failure to follow safety procedures
It is essential that the safety lessons learned from accidents involving lifeboat systems are passed on both to those serving at sea and to management ashore. An awareness of the current regulatory requirements and the available guidance concerning the use of lifeboats is important, as it ensures that appropriate onboard procedures and training are applied and carried out.