A SYSTEM FOR LAUNCHING A LIFEBOAT

摘要

A system for launching a lifeboat (11) from davits (12) on an offshore drilling platform (10) comprises a submerged buoy ancy device (10) tethered to the bow of the lifeboat (11) by a cable (13) which passes between the buoyancy device and the life boat. The cable is retained by a release mechanism (14) attached to the platform just above the water line and extends upwardly from a guide fairlead (18) attached to the sea bed, between the latter and the lifeboat (11). In some cases the release mechanism (14) may be omitted or alternatively two release mechanisms may be provided above the water line.