FRB-L1.2

Launch and recovery in adverse weather

FRB-M1 · The boat and its davit · FRB-M1-A FRB construction, equipment, and launch and recovery in adverse conditions.

The most dangerous minutes of any FRB operation. **Readiness, the davit, the painter and timing the sea.**

Launch and recovery

Governing: STCW Code Table A-VI/2-2; REG Yacht Code Part A 13.4, Part B 7.8, Common Annex C1. Builds on: L1.1; PSCRB L1.2.

Two competences in Table A-VI/2-2 cover this: taking charge of the launching equipment and appliance, and taking charge of a fast rescue boat during launching and recovery. The knowledge includes assessing readiness of boat and appliance for immediate launch, the operation and limits of the winch, brakes, falls, painters and motion compensation, safety precautions, and launch and recovery in prevailing and adverse weather and sea conditions.

Readiness

REG Part A 13.4(1)(f) requires a rescue boat to be stowed for launching in not more than 5 minutes, and if inflatable, fully inflated at all times. Readiness checks before each launch:

Appliance Boat
Power and emergency power available Tubes firm, drain plugs in
Wire and hook condition, hook reset Engine checked, kill cord fitted
Brake and controls tested Equipment complete
Shell door or platform clear Crew dressed and briefed

Launch sequence

  1. Ship's handling. The bridge makes a lee and reduces speed to the minimum for steerage.
  2. Painter. Led forward and made fast, so the boat tows alongside after release.
  3. Crew aboard, seated, holding on; engine started in neutral.
  4. Lower to just above the water; with motion compensation, engage it as instructed.
  5. Release on the coxswain's order, timed so the boat drops with the falling water rather than being lifted onto the hook.
  6. Drive clear: steer out on the painter, then slip it on command.

Recovery

Recovery is harder. REG Part B 7.8(4) requires recovery time of not more than 5 minutes in moderate sea conditions on passenger yachts, with the boat's full complement where it is also a lifeboat.

  1. Brief the approach before launch.
  2. Approach from aft on the lee side, match speed, pick up the painter.
  3. Run in under the hook; bowman hooks on in the trough, hands clear.
  4. Signal 'lift'; the davit operator hoists as the swell rises, fast, to clear the next crest.
  5. Stop at the rail, secure, disembark.

WARNING - Hands and hooks Most FRB injuries happen at hook-on: fingers between hook and ring, heads against the lifting frame, crew thrown by a snatch load. One person handles the hook, everyone else holds on.

Drills

REG Annex C1(11) requires rescue boats to be launched with their assigned crew and manoeuvred in the water each month where reasonably practicable, and at least every three months. With headway, only in sheltered water under an experienced officer (C1(12)).

Weather limits

Set operating limits for the yacht's boat and davit in the SMS, based on manufacturer data and experience. A rescue boat that capsizes at the hull adds casualties.

TIP - The davit operator is crew The davit operator decides the success of the recovery. Train two, and have them practise the lift with the boat unmanned first.

Practice questions

5 questions

recall · core

Table A-VI/2-2 requires understanding of the operation and limitations of which equipment? (a) Winch, brakes, falls, painters, motion-compensation and other equipment as commonly fitted (b) Anchor windlass (c) Stabilisers (d) Bow thruster

recall · core

Under REG Part B 7.8(4), rescue boat recovery time shall be not more than: (a) 2 minutes (b) 5 minutes (c) 10 minutes (d) 15 minutes

recall · core

Launching and recovery drills with the ship making headway may be carried out: (a) Anywhere (b) In sheltered waters only, under an experienced officer (c) Only at night (d) Only with guests watching

recall · core

On which side should an FRB normally be launched in a seaway? (a) Over the stern (b) The weather side (c) Either, it doesn't matter (d) The lee side

scenario · core

Wind force 6, 2.5 m swell, man overboard from a guest's toy. The yacht has turned and made a lee. The davit has motion compensation. How do you time the release? (a) Release from 2 m above the water (b) With the painter tight and engine running, lower to just above the water, release at the crest so the boat drops with the falling water, and drive clear on the painter (c) Wait for calmer weather (d) Lower steadily and release as soon as the boat touches

Independent study. xplor is not an accredited training provider and awards no certificate or Certificate of Competency. The PFRB certificate of proficiency is issued only after the practical course, including launch and recovery, capsize righting and in-water exercises, at an MCA-approved training provider. AI-drafted content pending subject-matter-expert review.