Acceleration measurements during the development of free-fall lifeboats

The problems posed by open lifeboats have led to international regulations which specify mandatory installation of enclosed lifeboats for all freight-carrying ships.

The problems posed by open lifeboats have led to international regulations which specify mandatory installation of enclosed lifeboats for all freight-carrying ships.

This article describes model tests and acceleration measurements made on enclosed freefall lifeboats for optimization of the boat's hull whilst minimizing the loads acting on its occupants.Measurements made on full-scale versions of the boats during acceptance trials for transfer from the shipyard to the shipping line are then described.