Types of Lifeboats

There are several types of lifeboats that are used on large and small ships. The material of this safety equipment can be wood, steel or aluminum, plastics and even rubber. Wooden or metal lifeboats require significant maintenance. Metal boats tend to corrode quickly if neglected, wooden ones can dry out and then become leaky. Glass-fiber reinforced plastic lifeboats on the other hand have a high corrosion resistance and a low maintenance requirement. For that reason, almost all lifeboats built nowadays are of GRP.

Let’s speak about other classification of lifeboats. There are open, partially enclosed and totally enclosed types. Totally enclosed lifeboats are self-regulating if all openings are closed watertight and the persons on board are belted into their seats. That is the normal condition even at launch. If a totally enclosed boat capsizes with the across or ventilation openings open it still possible to leave it above water. In open lifeboats everyone holds onto the lifelines. Before climbing into free-fall boats, lifejackets are taken off and stowed in the boat.

Partially enclosed lifeboats are also used, particularly on passenger vessels. They are not suitable for free-fall launching.

Free-fall boats are totally enclosed lifeboats stowed on specially designed launching appliance at the stern.

Rescue boats may be of rigid or inflatable construction or of combination of both. Rescue boats have either an inboard or an outboard motor. That enables them to achieve a speed of at least 6 knots running and 2 knots towing.

Life Rafts

Each ship no matter its size is equipped with approved life rafts. Regulations and some additional requirements determine the number, type and carrying capacity of such a safety equipment.

There are different life rafts, they are thrown overboard type, davit launched type and large life rafts without any protective canopy and usable either way up.

Life rafts are automatically inflammable. For launching they may be thrown overboard or designed and positioned near launching appliances for launching fully manned.

All life rafts are so installed that they can be launched quickly, securely and safely – if possible by one man – even with 20° list, over the high side. For that reason life rafts are nowadays almost always stowed on swinging-out storage frames, inclined ramps or equivalent appliances.

Depending on the size of the raft the weight of a life raft including its packing and full distress equipment lies between 100 kg and 185 kg.

Every inflatable life raft afloat withstands all weather conditions at sea for 30 days. It can be thrown into water in its container and it has adequate stability in a seaway when inflated, the floor is waterproof and can be inflated for installation against cold. Life raft has a light on the top, inside and outside, an arrangement for collecting rainwater and a fitting for the radar responder or the aerial of the portable radio apparatus.

* the translation of the words in italics can be found in the exercise 1.

Look through the texts once more and complete the following sentences:

1. Nowadays most of lifeboats are of …

2. Partially enclosed lifeboats are not suitable…

3. Rescue boats can in calm water reach speeds of …

4. For launching life rafts they may be …

5. The main characteristics of the life rafts …

Exercise 9. Translate the sentences into English

1. Спасательная шлюпка должна отвечать всем требованиям, предъявляемым Морским регистром.

2. Открытые шлюпки приводятся в движение с помощью двигателя и вдоль бортов шлюпки протянуты спасательные леера с деревянными или пластмассовыми ручками, за которые может ухватиться человек, находящийся в воде.

3. При опрокидывании закрытая шлюпка самостоятельно возвращается в нормальное положение.

4. Спасательный надувной плот состоит из основной камеры плавучести овальной формы, разделенной посредине на две равные по объему автономные секции.

5. Плоты рассчитаны на 6 или 10 человек, они с наружной и внутренней сторон окрашены в оранжевый цвет.

6. На внутренней стороне тента помещены: инструкция по первоочередному обслуживанию плота, схема расположения клапанов (предохранительных, поддува и сдува) и знаки азбуки Морзе.

7. В случае аварии плот сбрасывается на воду, где с помощью механизма газонаполнения в течение нескольких минут приводится в рабочее состояние.

8. Спасательные шлюпки изготавливаются из металла или стеклопластика.

9. Современные суда оснащены только закрытыми шлюпками.

10. Спасательные плоты - очень эффективное спасательное средство, а на малых судах - основное.

11. Количество спасательных кругов зависит от длины судна.

12. Применение надувных жилетов на танкерах и пассажирских судах не допускается.

Exercise 10. Get ready to speak about life-saving appliances.