yacht life boats

Do Yachts Have Lifeboats? [The Complete Answer]

Whether you’re on a tiny little fishing boat or a supersized tri-deck yacht, safety should be the highest priority. That’s why all boats come with safety features that make sure accidents are mitigated, and in case one actually happens, no one gets hurt.

The yacht is often recognized as a premier recreational watercraft that’s for those with a slightly more sophisticated taste (and a bigger budget.) And because they’re pretty expensive, you might expect those things to come with serious safety features. So, do yachts have lifeboats? Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Purpose of a Lifeboat?

Now, this one should be pretty obvious, but for the sake of information, we’re sharing anyway. A lifeboat is exactly what its name suggests. Developed to provide passengers a safe escape from an otherwise damaged, sinking, or capsized vessel, a lifeboat is a protective measure that reduces the risk of maritime deaths .

But it’s more than just a ‘nice little safety feature’. Lifeboats are required by law for yachts and cruise ships to name a few. These regulations were put in place by the United Nations International Maritime Organization as well as the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea ( SOLAS .)

According to the regulations, there should be enough lifeboats on board to accommodate the maximum number of passengers allowed on board at any single time. The law also stipulates that passengers must be informed of how to use these lifeboats in case the need arises while they’re underway.

Different Types of Lifeboats on Yachts

To answer the main question, yes, yachts have lifeboats . But smaller vessels that can’t accommodate lifeboats for storage capacity limitations must have at least enough life rafts on board.

Another thing about lifeboats is that there are lots of different designs available, and yachts might carry different models depending on a variety of factors, including passenger capacity, distance of travel, and size, to name a few.

Life boats can either be closed or open , which already tells you what to expect. A closed lifeboat is entirely sealed to provide evacuees extra protection. The open lifeboat looks more like a small boat and doesn’t have a roof. They’re operated manually or by a small ignition engine.

Today, the open lifeboat is generally not recommended because of their exposure to the elements and the potential for waves to overcome the vessel when there are strong winds. They’re still found on smaller vessels though.

The freefall lifeboat is a closed lifeboat that essentially looks like a submarine since it’s completely enclosed to protect its passengers from water, heat, rain, and the elements. The ultra buoyant design is deployed via a short freefall from the side of the yacht. They’re typically seen on larger vessels and are preferred for their ease of deployment.

The hyperbaric lifeboat is the most sophisticated lifeboat you’ll find, and they’re usually deployed from within the vessel itself. The lifeboat comes with a control system, an onboard generator, and even equipment for the crew. These are found on superyachts and cruise ships that carry several hundreds of passengers.

In some cases, it may be necessary for a yacht to have a fireproof lifeboat especially in situations where they might be at risk of catching fire. These lifeboats are designed with lots of insulation, helping to keep the vessel protected from fire damage.

They can be either closed or open, depending on the manufacturer, but typically use fire retardant materials to shield passengers from flames and explosions on the water.

Lifeboats vs Life Rafts

While some people use the terms ‘lifeboat’ and ‘life raft’ interchangeably, they’re actually two completely different vessels. In general, yachts are required to have lifeboats. But since these boats tend to come in pretty large sizes, smaller vessels might not have the space to accommodate them. In that case, they may need to take on a few life rafts.

The main difference between a lifeboat and a life raft is sophistication. Most life boats are designed so that passengers can operate them with a motor, but life rafts are essentially floating rafts that just serve the purpose of keeping passengers afloat while they wait for rescue.

Other than that, the life raft is designed for limited storage. These rafts collapse into compact little packages that fit into a fiberglass tube. They can be stored almost anywhere on board since they’re exceptionally small. On the other hand, lifeboats are full-sized boats that can’t be otherwise folded or collapsed to fit into a smaller space.

In essence, a lifeboat is designed so that it can allow its passengers to escape an otherwise damaged yacht and make their way to safety. The life raft on the other hand has limited features that let passengers steer and move through the water, so they’re really just something to hold on to while you wait.

Finally, there’s the question of deployment. On average, life rafts are easier to deploy because of their simple mechanism and lightweight design. But then again, they may be punctured and torn when improperly handled, leading to a useless raft.

On the other hand, life boats aren’t prone to the same puncture damage that life rafts are, but because they require specific deployment procedures, there’s always the risk of failure especially due to human error.

A Safety Measure Worth Having

No doubt, nobody really wants to be faced with a situation that calls for a lifeboat. But it’s one of those things you’ll be happy to have around especially when the need arises. There are lots of different kinds of lifeboats that provide various benefits and distinct functions, but the end goal is always the same.

So, do yachts have lifeboats? The answer is yes, they all should have. If you’ve got a private yacht and don’t have enough room for a sophisticated lifeboat, make sure you’ve got a bunch of life rafts on board. Affordable, easy to deploy, and compact, life rafts are a simple yet essential for keeping a smaller yacht or vessel safe for the sea.

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What are Different Types of Lifeboats and How to Select the Right Type

Life boats, which are essential components of maritime safety equipment, are critical assets in ensuring the safety of people at sea during emergencies. Various types of lifeboats  have been developed over the years to meet various maritime needs, providing diverse solutions for evacuating and safeguarding crew and passengers. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of lifeboats, their designs, their specific applications in maritime safety and key factors to select the most suitable lifeboat.

Common Types of Lifeboats

1.  open lifeboats.

Open lifeboats  are simple, traditional designs that have been in use for many years. These boats are typically constructed of wood or, more commonly nowadays, long-lasting materials such as fiberglass or reinforced plastic. They feature a basic, open design without a roof, making them suitable for quick and easy boarding. Open lifeboats are commonly found on smaller vessels and are manually propelled using oars or a small outboard motor.

2.  Enclosed Lifeboats

Enclosed lifeboats are built with a protective canopy or roof to protect the occupants from the elements. This design offers additional protection against inclement weather, such as rain, wind, and rough seas. Enclosed lifeboats are frequently outfitted with vital survival equipment, communication systems, and emergency supplies. These lifeboats are appropriate for a variety of vessels, such as cargo ships, passenger ships, and offshore platforms.

3.  Freefall Lifeboats

In an emergency, freefall lifeboats  are specifically designed for rapid deployment from a ship’s deck. Freefall lifeboats, unlike traditional lifeboats, are launched by releasing them from a cradle or ramp at an elevated position on the ship. The lifeboat’s freefall descent allows it to enter the water quickly and efficiently, ensuring a timely evacuation in critical situations.

4.  Fast Rescue Craft

Fast rescue craft (FRCs)   are smaller, agile vessels used for rapid response and rescue operations. These boats are frequently found on larger vessels like passenger ferries, cruise ships, and offshore installations. Fast rescue craft are designed for quick maneuverability and can quickly reach locations to assist in emergencies or rescue missions.

5.  Davit-Launched Lifeboats

Davit-launched lifeboats are commonly used on ships and offshore platforms of various sizes. Davits, which are mechanical devices that lower the lifeboat from a ship’s deck to the water, are used to launch them. These lifeboats can be open or enclosed, making them a versatile solution for a variety of vessel types. Davit-launched lifeboats are well-known for their dependability and ease of use.

6.  Inflatable Lifeboats

Inflatable lifeboats  have inflatable tubes wrapped around the hull to provide buoyancy and stability. Because these lifeboats are lightweight, they are simple to store and deploy. Smaller vessels, such as yachts and offshore installations, frequently use inflatable lifeboats. They can be open or enclosed, providing design flexibility.

7.  Combination Lifeboats

Combination lifeboats combine features from various types to provide a complete solution. A combination lifeboat, for example, may have an enclosed design with inflatable elements for added buoyancy. These lifeboats aim to combine the benefits of various designs in order to improve safety and versatility.

Key Considerations to Select the Most Appropriate Type of Lifeboats

Choosing the best type of lifeboat is a critical decision for ensuring the safety of people at sea.

• Vessel Type and Size

Consider the size and type of the vessel. Larger vessels may require lifeboats with greater capacity and additional features. Passenger ships, cargo vessels, and offshore platforms may have different requirements based on their specific operations.

• Occupancy Capacity

Evaluate the maximum number of people the lifeboat needs to accommodate. Lifeboats come in various sizes, and it’s crucial to choose one that can safely carry all individuals on board in emergency situations.

• Operational Environment

Assess the typical operating conditions and environmental factors where the vessel operates. Different lifeboats are designed to withstand specific sea conditions. For instance, vessels navigating in rough seas may require more robust lifeboats with enhanced stability features.

• Launch and Recovery Method

Consider the method of launching and recovering the lifeboat. Davit-launched lifeboats are common on many vessels, while freefall lifeboats are designed for rapid deployment. The choice depends on the vessel’s layout and the speed at which evacuation is required.

• Survivability Features

Evaluate the survivability features of the lifeboat, such as its stability, self-righting capabilities, and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. The lifeboat should be capable of keeping occupants safe and secure in a variety of emergency situations.

• Accessibility and Ease of Boarding

Consider how easy it is to board the lifeboat, especially in difficult conditions. Some lifeboats are built with quick and easy boarding in mind, which is critical during emergency evacuations. Consider accessibility features such as ladders or platforms.

• Special Requirements

Based on the vessel’s operations, determine any special requirements or features that are required. Offshore drilling vessels, for example, may benefit from freefall lifeboats for rapid evacuation, whereas vessels transporting hazardous materials may require lifeboats with additional safety measures.

• Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that the selected lifeboat complies with international and national regulations and standards. Different regions may have specific requirements for lifeboat design, equipment, and maintenance. Compliance with regulations ensures that the lifeboat meets recognized safety standards.

• Training and Familiarization

Consider the training requirements for operating the selected lifeboat. Crew members should be adequately trained in the proper use of the lifeboat, including launching, navigation, and emergency procedures. Familiarity with the lifeboat’s features is crucial for efficient and safe operation during emergencies.

• Maintenance and Inspection

Assess the ease of maintenance and inspection for the chosen lifeboat. Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring that the lifeboat remains in optimal condition. Easy access for inspections and routine maintenance tasks contributes to the lifeboat’s reliability.

• Cost Considerations

While safety is the most important consideration, consider the overall cost of acquiring and maintaining the lifeboat. Determine the lifecycle costs of the lifeboat, including purchase, installation, training, and ongoing maintenance. Balance budgetary concerns with the need for a dependable and efficient lifeboat.

The diversity of lifeboat designs reflects the evolving needs and challenges of maritime safety . Each type of lifeboat serves a specific purpose, such as quick evacuation, sheltering occupants from the elements, or allowing for rapid rescue operations. Choosing the right type of lifeboat requires a thorough examination of the vessel’s characteristics, operational environment, and safety requirements. By carefully considering these factors, vessel operators can ensure that the selected lifeboat is well-suited to handle emergency situations, serving as a critical component in maritime safety and evacuation procedures.

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Cruise ship lifeboats and rafts: How your ship is prepared for an emergency

Do cruise ships have enough lifeboats for everyone?

It's a question that comes to many cruisers' minds, especially if they're hesitant about sailing across oceans and seas, far from land.

You can rest assured that cruise lines have many safety systems in place in the rare instance that a major emergency occurs at sea. Among these systems are, of course, the brightly colored lifeboats that you'll see lining the sides of your ship. Not only are they there to carry passengers to safety if the ship needs to be abandoned, but they're also used as tender boats in a port where the ship can't dock at a pier.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

You may have other questions about lifeboats, either from curiosity or safety concerns. How reliable are the small vessels? What supplies are on board? Do they have restrooms?

Here are the top things to know about cruise ship lifeboats, so you'll feel safe and confident when heading out on your next voyage.

What does a lifeboat look like?

Lifeboats are orange or yellow watercraft that you'll find lining the sides of the ship. You'll find two main types of lifeboats on many cruise ships: enclosed lifeboats and lifeboat tenders. The majority of cruise ship lifeboats are enclosed lifeboats, which are tough and built with superior watertight integrity, with the ability to easily right themselves if tossed around by rough waves.

Lifeboat tenders are partially enclosed and are designed for two main functions: to serve as a lifeboat if needed and to ferry guests from the ship to the shore during a port call where the vessel can't dock. Lifeboat tenders are more expensive to maintain than traditional lifeboats, so cruise ships will usually have just enough lifeboat tenders to operate port tender service while the rest are the standard enclosed lifeboats.

The interior of a lifeboat includes rows of seating, which may or may not have a seatback. A steering area with windows and a hatch is located toward the top of the vessel. According to lifeboat manufacturer Fassmer, enclosed lifeboats have no windows besides those in the steering area, while lifeboat tenders have windows for viewing the surroundings from the seats. These windows do not open.

Fun fact: When Disney Cruise Line launched in the '90s, regulations required all cruise ship lifeboats to be orange. However, Disney wanted the exteriors of its ships to match the colors of Mickey Mouse, so it requested an exemption to paint its lifeboats yellow to match Mickey's shoes.

The U.S. Coast Guard granted the unique request, and the lifeboats were painted in Mickey's yellow, Pantone 99, which is a patented color that only Disney can use. Since then, other lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Costa Cruises , have painted their lifeboats yellow.

What's the typical capacity of cruise ship lifeboats?

The maximum capacity of a cruise ship lifeboat is 150 people, according to the International Maritime Organization's International Life-Saving Appliance Code. Most cruise ships have lifeboats that can hold this maximum number of passengers because it is easier, more cost-effective and takes up less space to have fewer large lifeboats instead of a greater number of smaller ones.

Despite the LSA's 150-person capacity limit for lifeboats, an exception allows for larger lifeboats on some of the world's largest cruise ships.

Related: Are cruises safe? Here's what you need to know about cruise ship security and safety

Royal Caribbean's massive Oasis of the Seas, which holds 8,880 passengers and crew members in total, was the first ship to use 370-person CRV55 catamaran lifeboats (or "rescue vessels"), designed and built by marine life-saving equipment company Umoe Schat-Harding. The enclosed vessels are unique in that they can be lowered directly from their storage position on the ship into the water (no moving outward needed), and passengers can board on two levels simultaneously, reducing the loading time. Their catamaran-style hull increases stability, while twin diesel engines and twin propellers allow these "mega" lifeboats to move at speeds of up to 6 knots.

On a cruise ship, there must be enough lifeboats to accommodate 37.5% of passengers and crew members on either side (75% total), according to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. What happens to the other 25%? This leads us to our next question.

Do cruise ships carry inflatable life rafts?

The remaining 25% of passengers that can't be accommodated in the traditional lifeboats can use cruise ship inflatable life rafts. These are generally designated for crew members, while guests will board the lifeboats first — though rafts can also be used for guests if necessary.

Collapsible cruise ship life rafts are stored in fiberglass canisters and usually utilize a high-pressure gas to automatically inflate once deployed. While lifeboats have motors, life rafts do not. They do, however, have oars. Ships may also carry rigid, noninflatable life rafts, but they aren't as common for large cruise vessels.

On newer cruise ships, life rafts may be used with a Marine Evacuation System, which utilizes a fully enclosed inflatable spiral slide to transfer passengers from the embarkation deck to an automatically inflated raft in the water.

If some lifeboats become damaged or can't be lowered during an emergency, cruise ships have extra life rafts to pick up the slack. SOLAS requires that there are enough additional life rafts for 25% of the ship's capacity. Cruise ships have also been designed to allow lifeboats and life rafts to deploy even if the ship is listing up to 20 degrees.

Where are lifeboats located on cruise ships?

Lifeboats are located outside on both sides of the cruise ship, typically stored on or just above one of the middle decks with an outdoor promenade so passengers can easily board them. This spot is ideal because it's a central location for both the upper- and lower-deck cabins, as well as many public indoor and outdoor venues and amenities.

It also works because it keeps the lifeboats high enough out of the water that they won't be in the way when the ship docks and most likely won't be affected by rough waves. On the flip side, it keeps them low enough that they don't have to be lowered the entire height of the ship (plus, no one wants a lifeboat view from the lido pool or their upper-deck suite).

In an emergency, passengers should not head directly to the lifeboats. Instead, every cabin is assigned an assembly station, where they will meet with crew members and be escorted to a lifeboat if an evacuation is deemed necessary. Passengers must attend a muster drill to identify their assembly station and learn about their ship's emergency procedures. These drills must take place before a cruise ship can set sail.

Related: What is a cruise ship muster drill?

What can be found on a lifeboat?

While this list is not exhaustive, here's most of what you'll find on a cruise ship lifeboat, according to the LSA:

• Enough fuel to travel at 6 knots for at least a full day (24 hours)
• 48 hours' worth of anti-seasickness medication per person
• 2 seasickness bags per person
• 3 liters of fresh water per person
• 2,390 calories' worth of food rations per person
• Life jackets
• Enough thermal protective aid suits for 10% of the lifeboat's capacity
• Three can openers
• First aid supplies
• Buoyant oars
• Illuminated compass
• Hand and parachute flares
• Smoke signals
• Survival manual
• One whistle
• One jackknife
• One searchlight that can work continuously for at least three hours
• Portable fire extinguishing equipment
• Fishing gear
• Tools to repair the engine

Do lifeboats have bathrooms?

Traditional 150-person lifeboats don't have toilet facilities, but the 370-person catamaran lifeboats used on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships do.

What are other requirements for lifeboats on cruise ships?

Cruise ship lifeboats must be made of noncombustible and flame-retardant materials, according to SOLAS. Modern lifeboats are usually made of fiberglass.

All seating on the lifeboat must support a person weighing a minimum of 220 pounds. In addition, the lifeboats and the wires that move them up and down must be strong enough to allow the lifeboat to be lowered at full capacity.

How are lifeboats tested?

During the manufacturing process, lifeboats are tested using water weights, which can mimic the weight of passengers in various spots around the vessel. These water weights are pumped to fill and drain with water remotely. They're placed in various spots in the lifeboat throughout the testing period to gather data on how the watercraft would handle passenger weight in various locations and scenarios.

Once a lifeboat is delivered to the shipyard for installation on a ship, the inspections and tests do not stop. Throughout the life of the cruise ship, time, weather and use all mean that — like with any type of equipment — things on the lifeboats will degrade and endure wear and tear over time. This is why SOLAS includes requirements for regular lifeboat drills and inspections.

Related: 15 cruise ship rules you shouldn't break

Cruise crew members conduct weekly and monthly lifeboat inspections and undergo periodic training so lifeboat operations stay fresh in their minds.

A more thorough inspection — by either a certified lifeboat technician from an independent company or an inspector from the lifeboat manufacturer itself — occurs annually. According to the International Maritime Organization, this process includes an inspection of these key components:

• The hull is inspected for cracks, damage or other defects.
• The propulsion system, including the engine, is inspected to ensure it's in good working condition. The cooling, exhaust and fuel systems are also examined.
• The electrical system, including the battery, charging, lighting and communications systems, are checked for defects or malfunctions.
• The maneuvering system is inspected, including the steering mechanism, the rudder and other steering gear.
• Lifeboat equipment, such as life jackets and survival equipment, is examined to ensure it's in good condition.
• The davit and winch system, including the winch and wire ropes, are checked for defects or damage.
• The lifeboat undergoes a load test to ensure that it can withstand its maximum weight of crew and passengers.

Any equipment or systems found to have defects or deficiencies during the inspection are either repaired or replaced.

Bottom line

The chances of passengers ever experiencing an emergency on a cruise that requires abandoning ship via lifeboats is extremely slim. Still, it's good to know your ship is outfitted with safety equipment to give you peace of mind when taking your next cruise.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Blog posts by SHM

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Everything You Need to Know About Lifeboats

Important as lifeboats are, most crew and passengers on ships would rather they remained unused. However, they are a necessary last resort for those on board and over the years many have been grateful that they were provided.

Lifeboats have always been an integral part of marine safety procedures. Important for the vessel to have a mandated number of lifeboats on board that can be easily accessed and used in case of an emergency.

Lifeboats are basically small boats that are kept aboard a ship to carry out emergency abandonment, in case of mishaps such as man overboard, ship accidents, etc. occur. They primarily function as a device for swift and effective evacuation of people in distress from the ship and then aid them to a safe location.  

Lifeboats are quickly deployed from ships with the help of davit systems which is fixed on the sides of the ship. They include a motor, unlike inflatable rafts and boats, which are smaller and slower. Inflatable lifeboats consist of an auto-inflation system that is quicker and more convenient for the people in distress.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about lifeboats – types, release mechanisms, SOLAS requirements, safety equipment, and lifeboat maintenance. Read on to make the choicest and most preferable pick for your vessel. 

Types of Lifeboats

According to SOLAS Regulations, each vessel should contain enough lifeboats to accommodate 37.5% of crew and passengers on either side. While inflatable or rigid liferafts must accommodate 25% on each side of the vessel.

Lifeboats are of three types, depending on their use, area of application and effectiveness:

Open Lifeboats

As the name suggests, these lifeboats are open and have no roof. They are mostly manually propelled by oars. Sometimes one may also use a compression ignition engine to navigate the lifeboat.

Closed Lifeboats

Closed lifeboats are enclosed with a roof that shelters the people in it from rain, seawater currents, and strong winds. These boats, if toppled, stay upright on their own. These are further classified into Fully Enclosed Lifeboats and Partially Enclosed Lifeboats.

Free Fall Lifeboats

Free Fall lifeboats are stored and launched from a downward sloping slipway for maximum clearance. They are heavier and stronger so as to sustain their impact with water when they drop directly when released from the vessel. 

Other than these three common types, there are two additional advanced types of lifeboats namely, Fireproof Lifeboats and Hyperbaric Lifeboats.

Fireproof Lifeboats 

Hyperbaric lifeboats  .

These boats consist of a sealable diving chamber with hatches large enough for people to enter and exit without undergoing decompression. The pressure vessel renders compressed breathing gas supply to raise the internal air pressure.

Now that we’ve seen the various types of lifeboats, let’s see how their releasing mechanism works. 

Lifeboat Release Mechanism 

No matter the type of lifeboat, the most important consideration is to make sure it releases quickly and perfectly, so as to aid the people in distress as fast as possible. Hence, there are three different types of boat release mechanisms. 

On Load Mechanism

This type of mechanism focuses on releasing lifeboats from the wire, with crew members inside the boat. It is operated when the boat is about to touch the water, to ensure a smooth landing of the lifeboat without causing damage to the boat or harming the crew inside.

Off-Load Mechanism

This type of mechanism releases lifeboats after the boat is fully on the sea. It includes a hydrostatic piston unit at its bottom which is connected to the operating lever. Once waterborne, the water pressure moves the lever up which will release the fall wire.

Free Fall Lifeboat Release Mechanism

The Free Fall Lifeboat has a release mechanism where the lifeboat is launched from its stowed position by the operation of a lever inside the boat that releases it. It causes the boat to slide through the tilted ramp and on to the surface of the water.

There are several other advancements being made in lifeboats and release mechanisms.

Having touched upon the topics of lifeboats and their release mechanisms, let’s now look at what standards to adhere to when using the aforementioned.

SOLAS Regulations list some specific standards which every vessel shall observe with relation to lifeboats and their use. Let’s take a look at these regulations below – 

SOLAS Requirements for Lifeboats

According to the LSA codes and SOLAS, there is a set of requirements that ensure the safety on a lifeboat. These requirements are:

• The people onboard determine the capacity of the lifeboat required on a vessel. The number of lifeboats and liferafts should be enough to accommodate at least 125% of the number of passengers and crew. The lifeboat should not be less than 7.3 m in length. Every ship shall carry at least two lifeboats on either side of the ships; i.e. the port and the starboard.
• The lifeboat of a cargo ship with 20,000 GT must be capable of launching when the ship’s speed is at 5 knots.
• All the equipment described under the SOLAS code must be carried in a lifeboat to ensure survival at sea. The equipment mainly includes freshwater, compass, distress signalling equipment, food and ration and first aid.
• The ship must carry a minimum of one rescue boat for rescue purposes in addition to the number of lifeboats. If more than one lifeboat is present onboard the ship, one of them can be designated as a rescue boat.
• The gravity davits must be held and slid down the lifeboat even when the ship is heeled at an angle of 15 degrees on either side. Ropes called gripes are used to hold the lifeboat with the cradle in the stowed position.
• Falls are the wires which lift and lower the lifeboat. A lifeboat should not descend at more than a speed of 36m/min and this speed is controlled by centrifugal brakes.
• With the boat loaded to its full capacity, the hoisting time for the boat to launch its launching appliance should not be less than 0.3 m/sec
• The Lifeboats are to be painted with an internationally-approved bright orange colour and the ship’s call sign is to be printed on it.
• The lifeboat station, where safety awareness posters and launching procedures are posted must be easily accessible for all the crew members in at all times and under all circumstances.
• To ensure that the ship’s crew members are capable of launching the boat in minimum time in case of an emergency, regular drills must be conducted.
• Apart from these requirements, lifeboats are required to have the necessary safety and survival equipment onboard as well.

Lifeboat Safety Equipment

A lifeboat alone is enough to aid people to a safe place, but there is certain basic life-safety equipment each boat should carry.  Here is a list of this equipment: 

A lifeboat should contain a portable compass in order to check the direction in which it is to be steered. Carrying one renders mandatory as it is a crucial component required to stay on course during rescue operations.

Signaling Mirror

A signalling mirror is a device that reflects light to grab the attention of a vessel passing by or a rescue plane. Any reflective object can be used, but signal mirrors are designed to make targeting your flash a lot easier. They have a hole in the middle with a retro-reflective surface that allows you to train a bright indicator on your target, so you’ll know for sure that you’re shining in the right place.

Embarkation Ladder

An embarkation ladder has two ropes fixed with wooden or metal steps and is used either to ascend or descend from one ship to another during an evacuation procedure. Also known as Pilot ladders, they need to be well-secured and stored at the strongest point midway along with the ship. They must cover the entire length from the ship’s deck down to the water level and one must ensure that the ladder is kept clear of all ship discharges. 

When stranded on a lifeboat, portable water is a very precious commodity which needs to be used sparingly to last longer. However, there are great chances of the water being spilt while pouring due to the swaying motion of the sea. A dipper helps minimize the spillage of lifeboat water.

First Aid Kit

A medical kit consisting of basic medicines, bandages, and first aid required to treat minor injuries must be present on every lifeboat.

Food Rations

The emergency ration is food stored in lifeboats and rescue boats in case the people on it have to stay for multiple days. The stored food ration includes wheat flour, glucose, soya fat, vitamins, and freshwater.

In addition to stocking the lifeboat completely, it is highly crucial the lifeboat is checked periodically and maintained properly in order to ensure its continued efficiency.

Here’s how to keep them functioning and efficiency of your lifeboats in check…

Maintenance Required in Lifeboats

The presence of lifeboats on board can make all the difference when it comes to quick evacuations at sea in case of emergencies. Hence, they need to be functioning perfectly at all times. 

Here are some tips for seafarers and engineers on how to assure proper lifeboat maintenance at all times.

• To avoid rupture and damage, lifeboat maintenance must be done every 3 months by the ship staff to check and repair damages.
• The lifeboat hull must be checked regularly for any cracks and drills.
• The air support system in lifeboats should be checked. The pressure of air bottles must be verified so as to avoid the passage of toxic gases in it.
• The sprinkler system installed in lifeboats should be checked regularly to see if the valve functions properly and is not frozen or damaged.
• The engine of a lifeboat must be tested at least for 3 minutes every week.
• The lifeboat battery which provides lighting to the lifeboat and helps start the engine should be renewed every 2-3 years.  

Having covered everything you need to know about lifeboats, it is clear that they are the most basic and mandated safety equipment. From ensuring physical safety to guaranteeing the mental well-being of seafarers, they are etched into the marine safety culture. 

At SHM Shipcare, as maritime stakeholders, we believe in putting safety first. With years of offerings and  years of experience in safety solutions, we provide a wide range of lifeboats as well as the installation and refurbishment activities we offer. 

Take a look at our extensive range and choose the best safety equipment for you! 

If you found this blog informative and interesting, go ahead and share it with a mariner, water adventurist or even a friend.

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Types of Lifeboats: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction.

Lifeboats are an essential component of all vessels at sea. They are the backup when all else fails and the crew must abandon the ship for survival. In this article, we explore the different types of lifeboats and their advantages. Let us begin.

What is a lifeboat?

A lifeboat is a self-sufficient specialised watercraft that provides a means of escape from ships, offshore platforms and other vessels in emergency situations. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions and has many inherent features that support a safe evacuation process.

The design, construction, and maintenance of lifeboats follow international regulations set by organisations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through conventions such as SOLAS . Through these regulations, we can ensure that the lifeboats are built up to a certain quality and perform functions as designed during emergencies.

During emergencies, they may be boarded while stowed at the embarkation deck or through the embarkation ladder as is convenient.

Types of Lifeboats

There are many diverse types of lifeboats depending on the construction, capacity, launching method, and propulsion specifications. Generally, the lifeboats can be divided into eight major types. These are:

• Open lifeboats
• Partially enclosed lifeboats
• Fully enclosed lifeboats
• Free fall lifeboats

Rescue boats

• Inflatable lifeboats

Hyperbaric lifeboats

• Fireproof lifeboat

Let us briefly discuss each of these types.

Open Lifeboats

Open lifeboats are open to the weather. These were the first type of lifeboats when they were introduced in the 18th century. These lifeboats may be oar-powered or engine powered.

These lifeboats are the least safe due to there being no protection from the weather and water ingress. They are also not self-righting, i.e., once toppled, they do not become upright by themself. Hence, these lifeboats are no longer used in the majority of applications.

Partially enclosed lifeboat

The partially enclosed lifeboat consists of openings on the side of the lifeboat. These openings expedite the boarding of lifeboats in an emergency situation.

The lifeboats are typically motorised with the help of a compression ignition engine. The openings can be covered with canopies once everyone has boarded but these canopies are not completely watertight.

Totally Enclosed Lifeboat or Closed Lifeboat

Totally enclosed lifeboats provide complete protection from weather and water ingress. Once boarded and secured, closed lifeboats prevent water entry and provide a much safer way to evacuate a sinking vessel.

Most enclosed lifeboats are also inherently self uprighting. This eliminates the risk of capsizing as the vessel becomes upright should it topple over during launch or due to waves.

Free fall lifeboat

The free fall lifeboat is a special type of lifeboat that is dropped from a height directly into the water. The aerodynamic shape ensures the safety of the occupants as the vessel contacts the water and floats back up.

Generally, the location for a free fall lifeboat is the stern of the vessel. A single lifeboat is stowed on a downward-sloping slipway that enables the free fall of the lifeboat under gravity once the hooks are released.

Rescue boats are a special type of lifeboat meant to rescue people that have become stranded at sea. This could mean people that have fallen off your ship (Man overboard) or survivors from the sinking of another vessel.

Rescue boats may be further classified as those with inboard engines and those with outboard engines.

Merchant vessels can have one rescue boat in addition to the two lifeboats. One of the lifeboats present onboard could also be designated as a rescue boat if it complies with the rescue boat regulations set by SOLAS. In most cases, the starboard side lifeboat is designated as the rescue boat as vessels berth more frequently on the port side.

Inflatable lifeboat

Small vessels such as yachts may not have the space required to accommodate a rigid lifeboat. Such vessels may then be equipped with inflatable lifeboats. On the other hand, large merchant vessels are provided with inflatable liferafts instead of lifeboats.

Almost all inflatable lifeboats can auto-inflate using a cartridge that provides air at high pressure to inflate the liferaft to the recommended pressure.

A mechanical pump may also be provided to top up the air and increase the internal air pressure in cold environments where the air density becomes low due to low temperatures.

Also, liferafts on merchant vessels can inflate without human intervention in emergencies when the vessel sinks and the water level above the life raft’s HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) is more than 4m.

Hyperbaric lifeboats are a special type of lifeboats used on diving vessels. These lifeboats are used to evacuate divers from a main diving vessel in the case of a major emergency.

They have a hyperbaric chamber which allows divers to evacuate without undergoing decompression.

These lifeboats are equipped with much more equipment than traditional lifeboats. They have ancillary equipment such as generators, engines, life support systems, and other crew facilities that ensure a minimum independent survival of 72 hours.

Fireproof lifeboats

Fire-protected or fireproof lifeboats have additional features over a standard lifeboat to endure passage through fire for a limited time period (8 minutes).

These lifeboats are used in vessels such as oil and chemical tankers where there is a heightened risk of fire. The vessels are equipped with a water sprinkler system that pulls in water from the lowest point on the boat and sprays it on the outside to protect them from intense fires.

They are also provided with an independent air supply system for occupants for a limited duration. With these features, the lifeboat can effectively navigate through fires until it gets a safe distance away from the incident site.

Capacity for Lifeboats on Cargo Ships

Every cargo ship must carry at least two lifeboats if they are davit operated with one on each side of the ship. Each lifeboat should be able to accommodate the entire complement. This is to ensure that everyone can fit into one boat in the event that only one boat can be launched.

In addition to this, the vessel’s liferaft capacity should be 100% of the number of persons onboard if the liferafts can be shifted to either side on the ship’s deck. If they cannot be shifted, the liferafts must also have 100% capacity on either side (Total capacity of 200%).

Lifeboat safety equipment

A lifeboat generally consists of the following equipment:

Survival equipment

• Survival manual
• Rations and freshwater
• Graduated drinking vessel
• First aid kit
• Anti-seasickness medicine and seasickness bag
• Portable search light
• Thermal protective aids (10% of lifeboat capacity or 2 whichever is greater)
• Dipper/Ladle
• Hatchets and jack-knife
• Fishing tackles
• Three tin openers
• Dipper with lanyard
• Two boat-hooks
• Two painters
• Engine tools
• Fire extinguishers
• One bailer and two buckets (Buoyant)
• Two rescue quoits with a 30m buoyant line
• A manual pump if the lifeboat is not self-bailing
• Life-saving signals poster

Navigation equipment

• Buoyant oars (Not applicable for free-fall lifeboats)
• Drogue or sea-anchor

Distress signalling equipment

• Radar reflector
• Signaling mirror
• Pyrotechnics (Four rocket parachute flares, two hand flares, two buoyant smoke signals)
• Waterproof torches (With spare bulbs and batteries)

In conclusion, lifeboats are one of the most essential pieces of equipment on ships. They are not just vessels but provide safety and reassurance in the face of adversity. Understanding the different types and their features is important for maritime safety. We hope that this article serves as a sufficient introduction to the different types of lifeboats at sea.

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What Is A Lifeboat? (A Breakdown Of Its Uses And Benefits)

Lifeboats are essential tools in saving lives during a sea emergency.

What started as small, wooden boats that were designed to transport people to safety, has evolved into sophisticated vessels loaded with life-saving technology.

From the history and different types of lifeboats to the components and uses, this article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the lifeboat and its many benefits.

We will explore the technology advancements that have made lifeboats more effective, the safety regulations that have been put in place to protect passengers, and the overall value of lifeboats in keeping people safe.

Read on to learn more about lifeboats and why they are such an important part of maritime safety.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

A lifeboat is a small, rigid or inflatable boat carried on a ship, designed to be used in an emergency to save people from a sinking ship.

Lifeboats are typically equipped with oars, an anchor and a motor, and are designed for rapid deployment in a disaster situation.

Lifeboats are also used for recreational boating and competitive rowing events.

History of Lifeboats

The use of lifeboats has a long and storied history, dating back to the 19th century when they were first introduced.

The first lifeboats were made of wood, but modern lifeboats are typically constructed from a more durable material such as fiberglass or aluminum.

This has enabled them to become more lightweight and maneuverable, making them more effective in even the most hazardous rescue operations.

Lifeboats typically contain a variety of lifesaving equipment, including oars, a sail, a radio, flares, and a first aid kit.

This makes them well-equipped for the task of rescuing people from a disaster at sea.

In fact, lifeboats have been used to save thousands of lives over the years, making them a vital component of any rescue operation.

In addition to their use in rescue operations, lifeboats have also been used in various other situations.

For instance, they have been used to transport supplies to remote locations, as well as to transport personnel to and from vessels.

Furthermore, they are often used in research missions, such as oceanographic surveys, and in recreational activities, such as fishing and sailing.

Today, lifeboats are an essential part of any rescue effort, and they continue to be a vital tool in saving lives at sea.

They are an increasingly important part of our safety and security, and their use will undoubtedly remain an integral part of our maritime culture for many years to come.

Different Types of Lifeboats

When it comes to lifeboats, there are a variety of types available, each designed for different missions and environments.

For instance, open lifeboats are typically used for rescue operations in calm waters and sheltered areas, while inflatable lifeboats are designed to be more maneuverable and are ideal for open sea rescue operations.

In addition, there are rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) that are made of a combination of fiberglass and inflatable tubes, allowing them to be both lightweight and durable.

These are often used in search and rescue missions, as their flexibility allows them to traverse difficult terrain, such as rocky shorelines.

For rescue operations in icy waters, closed lifeboats are the preferred choice.

These boats are enclosed with a canopy, and are equipped with heating, a radio, and other lifesaving equipment.

With their sturdy design, closed lifeboats are capable of operating in some of the toughest conditions.

Finally, there are self-righting lifeboats which are designed to be able to right themselves if they capsize in rough waters.

This is an important safety feature, as it can be difficult to right a lifeboat in the middle of an emergency.

No matter the mission, lifeboats are a vital piece of equipment for any rescue operation.

With the right type of lifeboat, lives can be saved in even the most hostile environments.

Components of a Lifeboat

A lifeboat is an essential tool for saving people from a disaster at sea.

It typically consists of a hull made from fiberglass or aluminum.

It is equipped with oars, a sail, and lifesaving equipment such as a radio, flares, and a first aid kit.

Lifeboats come in two basic types: inflatable and rigid-hulled.

Inflatable lifeboats are lightweight and easy to store, but may not be as durable or seaworthy as rigid-hulled boats.

Rigid-hulled lifeboats are strong and more likely to survive rough seas, but may require more storage space and maintenance.

Lifeboats also come with a variety of safety features.

For example, they are often equipped with a self-righting mechanism, which allows the boat to right itself if it capsizes.

They also have a watertight compartment that can be used to store supplies or people in case of an emergency.

Lifeboats also come with a variety of lifesaving equipment such as radios, flares, and first aid kits.

The importance of lifeboats cannot be overstated.

They are an essential part of any rescue operation, and have saved thousands of lives since they were first introduced in the 19th century.

In addition to providing a safe way to evacuate a disaster area, lifeboats can also be used to transport people and supplies to and from a disaster site.

Uses of Lifeboats

Lifeboats have been used for centuries to save lives in sea emergencies.

From the earliest designs in the 19th century, lifeboats have gone through many iterations to become the lifesaving vessels they are today.

Lifeboats are used for a variety of purposes, including rescuing people from a disaster at sea, search and rescue operations, and as a means of transportation to and from offshore locations.

In addition to the lifesaving equipment mentioned above, lifeboats also carry medical supplies, communication devices, and navigation equipment.

Lifeboats are designed to be durable and buoyant enough to handle the rigors of the sea and to stay afloat in the event of a disaster.

Most lifeboats are constructed of fiberglass or aluminum, with inflatable life rafts attached to the boat’s hull.

Lifeboats are also equipped with oars, a sail, and lifesaving equipment such as a radio, flares, and a first aid kit.

Lifeboats are used in a variety of sea rescue operations, including rescuing people from a sinking ship, rescuing people from a capsized boat, and rescuing people from a collapsed bridge or building.

Lifeboats are also used in search and rescue operations, to locate and recover lost persons or vessels.

In addition to their lifesaving uses, lifeboats are also used for transportation and leisure.

Lifeboats are commonly used to ferry passengers between ports and offshore locations, and for recreational activities such as sailing and fishing.

Lifeboats are essential for sea rescue operations and have been used to save thousands of lives since they were first introduced in the 19th century.

With their durable design and lifesaving equipment, lifeboats are an invaluable resource in sea rescue operations.

Benefits of Lifeboats

Lifeboats are an incredibly important safety resource for anyone who finds themselves in distress at sea.

They are often the only means of rescue, and have been used to save thousands of lives since they were first introduced in the 19th century.

Lifeboats provide a number of unique benefits and advantages that make them an invaluable tool for sea rescue operations.

One of the primary benefits of lifeboats is the fact that they are specifically designed and equipped to meet the needs of a particular rescue situation.

This means that they are able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for those who are rescued, and are equipped with the necessary lifesaving equipment such as radios, flares, and first aid kits.

Lifeboats also provide a great deal of stability and buoyancy, allowing them to remain afloat even in rough seas.

This added stability, coupled with the fact that lifeboats are typically made from strong, lightweight materials such as fiberglass or aluminum, makes them an ideal tool for any rescue mission.

Finally, lifeboats are designed to be highly maneuverable, making them easier to navigate in difficult rescue situations.

This maneuverability, combined with their speed and agility, allows them to reach those in distress much faster than traditional rescue boats.

Overall, lifeboats offer a number of unique benefits and advantages that make them an essential part of any sea rescue operation.

They provide a safe and comfortable environment for those who are rescued, and are equipped with the necessary lifesaving equipment.

They also offer added stability and buoyancy, and are highly maneuverable, allowing them to reach those in distress much faster than traditional rescue boats.

For these reasons, lifeboats are an invaluable tool for sea rescue operations and have been used to save thousands of lives since their introduction in the 19th century.

Technology Advancements in Lifeboats

The idea of a lifeboat has been around for centuries, but technology advancements over the years have made them even more effective and reliable.

New materials and design innovations have allowed lifeboats to be constructed with lighter, more durable materials while also increasing their range and ability to withstand harsh conditions.

For example, modern lifeboats are constructed with hulls made of fiberglass or aluminum, which is much lighter than the traditional wood-built lifeboats of the past.

These modern lifeboats also feature improved propulsion systems that include both oars and sails, allowing them to be maneuvered more efficiently and quickly in order to reach people in need of rescuing.

In addition, several other technological advancements have helped to make lifeboats even more reliable and effective.

Modern lifeboats are equipped with lifesaving equipment such as a radio, flares, a first aid kit, and other emergency items.

This equipment is essential for a successful rescue mission and helps ensure that the lifeboat can stay in contact with other vessels, pinpoint their location, and be seen in the dark.

Finally, advancements in navigation systems have made lifeboats even more efficient and safe.

Modern lifeboats are equipped with GPS and navigational charts that allow them to plot their course and reach their destination more accurately and quickly.

This means that they can reach those in need of rescuing more quickly and can more easily avoid dangerous areas, making them even more reliable and effective.

Lifeboat Safety Regulations

Safety regulations for lifeboats are very important in order to ensure that the boat is able to save lives in the event of an emergency.

Lifeboats must be constructed to meet the standards of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in order to be approved for use in rescue operations.

These standards include making sure the lifeboat is properly equipped with lifesaving aids, such as a radio, flares, and a first aid kit, as well as oars and a sail.

The lifeboat must also be able to withstand the rigors of open sea and be able to carry a minimum of 16 people.

Additionally, lifeboats must be well maintained and regularly inspected to ensure the safety of those who use them in the event of an emergency.

In addition to the regulations set forth by SOLAS, many countries have their own additional requirements for lifeboats.

In the United States, for example, the Coast Guard requires that lifeboats meet certain standards in order to be approved for use in rescue operations.

These standards include making sure the boat is properly equipped with lifesaving aids, such as a radio, flares, and a first aid kit, as well as oars and a sail.

By adhering to the safety regulations set forth by SOLAS and other governing bodies, lifeboats are able to remain an essential part of any rescue operation.

With proper maintenance, lifeboats can provide a safe and reliable way to save lives in the event of a disaster at sea.

Final Thoughts

Lifeboats are a critical part of saving lives at sea, and have been used to rescue thousands of people since their first introduction in the 19th century.

With a wide variety of designs and components to choose from, lifeboats can be adapted to meet any situation.

And with the latest advancements in technology, lifeboats are now even safer and more reliable than ever.

With this knowledge in hand, its important to remember that lifeboats are a valuable resource that should be respected and well-maintained.

Taking the time to understand the importance of lifeboats and the regulations that surround them can help ensure that those who need them can continue to be saved.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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How two architects refitted a cheap old lifeboat into this Arctic liveaboard cruiser

• Helen Fretter
• August 18, 2020

Clearly Stødig is not a sailing yacht, nor anything close to one. Indeed she is far from a conventional motoryacht. But sometimes there are vessels which may not have a mast and sails, but which appeal to an adventurous spirit just as much as any teak-decked, canvassed yacht. Stødig is such a boat.

Stødig is the brainchild of friends Guylee Simmonds and David Schnabel, both 28. Looking at the beautiful spaces they have created in this unassuming 35ft tub, it comes as no surprise that the pair met when studying architecture.

While seafaring is a new pastime for Schnabel, Simmonds comes from a sailing heritage and spent a childhood sailing the family yachts out of East Sussex and across the English Channel .

“I’m actually the third generation of my family to have some sort of boat in Newhaven. My grandfather had an old wooden boat that never left the harbour and was always sort of an ongoing project. Stødig is the first motor boat in the family, and yes, that was a small point of family contention!” he explains.

Given formative years spent on yachts, what drew Simmonds to the 23-year-old No 1 Lifeboat that had spent its working life strapped to the side of the MV Clansman ferry in the western isles of Scotland?

“I guess it was the architect in me seeing an opportunity in a slightly unusual space,” he explains. “There’s only a certain number of ways you can lay out a sailing yacht on the whole.

“And there’s a certain number of ways you can lay out a narrow boat, which I guess was another thing we thought about, whereas there haven’t been many lifeboats that have been so thoroughly converted. So there was that blank canvas appeal.

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“There was a cost element to it as well. These lifeboats cost six figures new, but they’re generally sold for between £5,000-10,000. They’re built to a very high standard and they’re very safe. The fibreglass is up to 25mm thick, which is massive compared to any yacht.”

In early 2018 the 100-man lifeboat was listed for sale via a closed bidding process, Schnabel and Simmonds submitted an offer of £7,000 and won. Collection was due one week later, so she was hastily hauled down from Scotland to Lochin Marine shipyard in Newhaven in March.

Alongside their freelance architecture work, the duo spent every available hour during weekends and evenings working on the lifeboat, which they had renamed Stødig , meaning ‘steady’ or ‘reliable’ in Norwegian. They set themselves a deadline of a year to transform the industrial vessel into a liveaboard cruiser.

The roof deck is covered in flexible solar panels by Sunflare. They can be stood on and the tender can be inflated on the roof

“Our total budget was £30,000, which included the purchase of the boat,” recalls Simmonds. “This meant we really needed to do most of the work ourselves.

“One benefit of this is that we know the boat inside and out. We have such an intimate knowledge of her design and build that it has enabled us to troubleshoot en route in a way that we really wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”

Utilitarian

First on the job list was removing a dozen fibreglass benches that lined the interior for the lifeboat’s intended 100 emergency passengers. “Then we set to work on making a cockpit,” Simmonds recalls. “If your ferry sinks off the coast of Scotland in a storm and you’re evacuated by lifeboat, understandably you’d probably like to be fully enclosed and as safe as possible.

“For our purposes, though, we wanted some external space where we could introduce a primary access door into the boat, store ropes and fenders, fish from and step into from the quayside.”

The pair designed a small sunken cockpit, cutting out a section of the superstructure at the stern, but as the lifeboat was intended for exploring Norwegian fjords in all weathers, the majority of the living space is inside. Having being designed for utilitarian levels of comfort, Stødig now features two symmetrical double cabins, additional bunks, a light-filled saloon and galley, and separate shower room.

“Although just 35ft long, it’s 35ft of very usable space. Critically it’s also got a beam of 3m, but it’s got that beam along the full length of the boat. So on a 35ft yacht you might have a 10ft beam but only in the widest part, whereas we have that from bow to stern really,” said Simmonds.

The saloon leads to the pair of symmetrical forward cabins, with a log-burning stove between

“That enabled us to put two double cabins in the bow, which you don’t get on any yacht really! We wanted to create quite equal amounts of space for both of us. Having grown up on sailing holidays and staying on boats there was always that discussion about who got the nice cabin!”

The saloon is made up of a galley to starboard and a seating area and table to port (which converts into an occasional double berth). “We were able to put the seating area and the kitchen opposite each other and make them both fairly generous, and still have quite a lot of floor space.

“When we’re packing for a ski or camping trip, or when we’re doing some work on the boat, we have so much floor space you’re not tripping over each other the whole time. That’s really appealing in terms of the liveability of the boat.”

Solar panels providing 900W plus a wind turbine means Stødig is virtually self-sufficient

However the main feature of the saloon are two huge curved acrylic windows. “We have these big outlooks so we can see the mountains outside, but we also allow a lot of light in, and that makes the inside volume feel twice as big,” Simmonds adds.

Abaft the saloon there is a bunk cabin, a composting heads with separate shower, and stowage for essential items like skis. A wood-burning stove offers restorative warmth after snowy expeditions.

More high tech solutions came onto the boat through welcome sponsorship. “A lot of the high value products such as the electrical system and solar panels were donated,” Simmonds says, which boosted their initial budget by around £10,000.

They included lightweight stick-on solar panels from Sunflare that wrap around the curved roof, and provide 900W of power. There is also a small wind turbine from Giga on top of the lifeboat’s navigation mast. Stødig is almost entirely self-sufficient, and the pair estimate they have drawn shore power just half a dozen times.

Balancing act

In order to reduce the rolling motion, the pair added ballast to the lifeboat during the refit, including sandbags in the bilges. “The original boat when totally empty weighed just under 5 tonnes; it has a maximum weight of 12.5 tonnes when it has 100 people in it, because 100 people is just under 8 tonnes. We didn’t want to go fully laden but eventually, with all the conversion and ballast, I think that we’ve added about 3.5 tonnes. That’s a fairly back of the envelope sort of calculation.

“The shape of the boat means it’s never going to cut through the water, it is going to punch through as it has a fairly bulbous bow. But we’re quite happy, we’re glad we didn’t make it any heavier, but also no lighter because we’ve been in some pretty rough seas in the boat and it handled them very well.”

The former lifeboat contending with rough seas off Haukland in the Lofoten Islands

In May last year Simmonds, Schnabel, and Shackleton, Simmonds’s Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, set off for northern Norway from Newhaven, a 3,100-mile adventure. With a cruising speed of 6 knots on Stødig they first crossed the Channel, before heading up the Belgian and Dutch coastlines, and picking their way through Dutch inland waterways.

“We were very careful about our passage planning and opted for inland routes where we could. Doing this for a lifeboat did mean taking passage planning to another level to ensure we caught the most favourable sea states possible,” Simmonds recalls.

Driving a bus

The close-quarter handling was more of a challenge. “It’s a bit like manoeuvring a large bus when you’re used to manoeuvring a Mini. With a yacht you can pivot the vessel around its keel but there’s no pivot point on a lifeboat and we don’t have thrusters. That said, we navigated through the Dutch canals for a week, we have been into a lot of the busiest marinas in Northern Europe and we didn’t have any incidents.”

Shackleton, the resident Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, makes the most of the wheelhouse roof hatch

They transited through the Kiel Canal and then sailed north via Denmark before exploring the archipelagos on Sweden’s west coast. “The hairiest passage was an extremely rough crossing of the Skagerrak between Sweden and Norway,” recalls Simmonds, which saw them crossing in 4m waves. “We caught the tail end of a rather big storm. Lifeboats are tested in far worse conditions so though we had every confidence our home was up to it, we were very glad to reach dry land.”

Having reached Norway by midsummer, they have explored islands and archipelago as far as Tromsø, where they overwintered. “We found the most incredible anchorages – remote, peaceful and uninhabited – slung a rope around a tree stump or a rock and would barbecue on the water’s edge in splendid isolation.

“We could also reach spectacular waterways in Stødig , behind islands and in the fjords and explore passages that would be inaccessible to vessels with deeper draughts. Also knowing you have nearly an inch of fibreglass between you and the sea gives you a lot of confidence when it comes to sitting on the bottom or mooring up against cliff faces and navigating through Norway’s rocky and narrow passages.”

Additional reporting by Chantal Borciani. First published in the July 2020 edition of Yachting World.

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Stødig: How two architects transformed a ferry lifeboat into a home with hygge

Architect Guylee Simmonds explains how he refitted a 100-person ferry lifeboat into a home with Hygge and embarked on a four-month trip to the Fjords with a dog called Shackleton .

Seven long years of architectural training were drawing to a close when friends Guylee Simmonds and David Schnabel began planning a celebratory hiking trip in Norway. “It was an escape for us from the mundane working life we were in,” Simmonds explains. “But then it grew in scale.”

The lightbulb moment came about after Simmonds found a small community of oil rig lifeboats that had been converted into house boats on the waterways of the UK. The fire was lit. Simmonds began considering buying and converting a commercial lifeboat and using it to travel 5000km to the Norwegian Arctic.

To keep costs down, Simmonds and Schnabel would undertake the bulk of the refit work and approach sponsors to help fund the adventure. With the plan in place, all Simmonds had to do was persuade Schnabel. “I convinced him it was a good idea,” Simmonds says. “We had to work out the reality of finding a lifeboat, the particulars of the route, the safety and how we wanted to approach the design.”

Instead of hiking, the new plan was to use the refitted lifeboat to explore the fjords of Norway. “It was our desire to explore Norway and its thousands of islands from the water and we wanted to combine that with our interest in design and the opportunity to convert a utilitarian space,” Simmonds explains. Now all the pair needed was to find a lifeboat of their own.

Simmonds soon got wind that the lifeboat fleet on board the CalMac ferry  MV Clansman  was to be decommissioned in favour of inflatable alternatives. “They had spent 20 years on the side of a ferry, designed for the worst conditions but never really got to live up to their potential,” Simmonds explains.

The pair seized their chance, bidding a total of £7,000 for one of the retired lifeboats at auction. Equipped with its original engine and with a rescue capacity of 100 people, the lifeboat had never been used. They named it  Stødig ,after the Norwegian word for steadfast. “It had really low hours and had been well maintained.” After its final ferry service, the boat arrived at Lochin Marine shipyard in Newhaven in March 2018. Now the hard work really began.

Simmonds and Schnabel’s wanted to set off in time for summer 2019. With this deadline in mind, they scaled down their day jobs to part time and worked on the boat in the evenings and weekends. It was up to them to complete all the work; from the plumbing to the electrics. “That was part of the ambition for us as architects,” Simmonds explains. “We often get to design things but not to actually do any of the work.”

Another reason was to keep costs down and make sure they were both fully equipped to troubleshoot the boat along the way. “As we were doing a long voyage, we wanted to make sure we were able to get to the bottom of problems quickly,” Simmonds says.

As well as making sure the boat was seaworthy, the pair set about redesigning the interior, ripping out the existing layout and replacing it with two double cabins, a sitting area, kitchen, toilet, shower, wheelhouse and stern cockpit. Creating this outdoor space was one of the biggest jobs of the entire conversion and saw Simmonds and Schnabel cut off the stern, replacing it with a fibreglass cockpit. The boat’s original tarpaulin meanwhile was replaced with Perspex windows, a job Simmonds describes as “by far the most technically difficult part of the conversion."

The refit took just over a year but by the end, Simmonds and Schnabel were satisfied. “The conversion was part of the enjoyment of the project as a whole and means that we now really understand the boat, which is a good feeling and added to the satisfaction of the project.”

As summer approached, it was time to put their hard work to the test. With Simmonds’s Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever Shackleton on board, the three crew mates finally set off for Norway. Their route took them along the south coast of the UK towards Dover before they crossed the busiest shipping lane in the world.

Stødig  skirted the Belgian and Dutch coast, passing through the Kiel canal into the Baltic. They progressed up the Danish and Swedish coasts before crossing Skagerrak at the lower tip of Norway. Here  Stødig  was tested by three to four metre swells. “That was our hairiest passage but that made it even better when we finally got here,” says Simmonds, who was pleased with how the lifeboat faired in the conditions. “We have a 30mm thick fibreglass hull that has been tested against concrete walls so you don’t have to worry about the state of the boat,” he says. However, he adds, that he and Schnabel "couldn’t help but be aware that we’d done the work ourselves.”

Despite this, Simmonds, Schnabel and Shackleton safely arrived into Bergen soon after. “That’s when our trip really started,” Simmonds says. “We then had 3,000 km of fjords and islands to get through.” Thanks to the lifeboat’s shallow 80cm draft,  Stødig  is able to many reach places yachts are unable to access. The trio took their time meandering through the remote landscapes of Norway before settling in Tromsø for the winter, four months after leaving the UK. Simmonds has joined a local architect’s firm while Schnabel continues to work from the boat.

In the near-future, the pair plan to set off again, using the boat to reach some of the most remote skiing fields in the country. “There are some places you just can’t reach by road,” Simmonds says. The pair are considering a longer trip to Finnmark, which sits in the north of Norway. Beyond that, the future remains unclear. “This is just another life cycle of the boat,” Simmonds says. “We might do another passage on the boat or sell it to someone else so that they can undertake adventures of their own.”

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Dramatic pictures show moment 60 migrants fleeing Syria were thrown into the Mediterranean after their fibreglass boat capsized before being rescued by Doctors Without Borders lifeboat

D ramatic pictures have captured the moment more than 60 migrants were rescued after fleeing Syria  in the hopes of reaching Europe.

Their small fibreglass boat got into difficulty and capsized in the Mediterranean Sea on Saturday night as a rescue team from Doctors Without Borders were scrambling to bring the migrants - many of them women and children - to safety. 

Pictures showed babies clinging to their mothers and scared children huddling together in the centre of the boat while young men were perched on the corners of the small vessel on the verge of falling into the rough waters in near Libya.

None of the passengers in the boat appeared to be wearing life jackets and most of them were dressed in light clothes despite the dropping temperatures at sea at night. 

One end of the fibreglass boat started sinking into the sea as migrants were desperately trying to stay out of the water and waving to rescuers for help, who quickly passed out life jackets. 

The small boat then fully capsized, pulling the remaining migrants into the cold water as rescuers threw in dozens of floating devices to rescue them before pulling them onto rescue boats.

While all sixty migrants from this boat could be saved, others were not so lucky and lost their lives in the Mediterranean last week. 

On Thursday, charity rescue group SOS Mediterranee said that as many as 60 people are feared to have drowned on a vessel carrying migrants across the Mediterranean from Libya to Italy or Malta.

It rescued 25 people in a 'very weak' condition in coordination with the Italian Coast Guard on Wednesday and that two unconscious people were flown to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa some 60 miles to the north.

The other 23 were in serious condition, exhausted, dehydrated and with burns from fuel on board the boat.

The survivors reported that some  60 people who departed from Libya with them more than a week ago had perished during the journey. 

'The survivors departed from Zawiya, Libya, seven days before they were rescued,' SOS Mediterranee posted on X.

'Their engine broke after three days, leaving their boat lost (and) adrift without water and food for days. Survivors report that at least 60 people perished on the way, including women and at least one child,' it added.

An SOS Mediterranee spokesman said the survivors were traumatised and unable to give full accounts of what had transpired during the voyage, adding that the number of missing and presumed dead was unlikely to ever be verified. 

There was no immediate comment from the Italian Coastguard.

The IOM said it was 'deeply troubled' by the report. 'Urgent action is needed to strengthen maritime patrols and prevent further tragedies,' it said on X.

READ MORE:  Berlin has been financing charities who rescue migrants in the Med and drop them off on Italian shores, says 'astonished' PM Georgia Meloni in furious letter to Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz 

SOS Mediterranee also said it picked up a further 113 people, including two children, from a wooden boat and 88 from a packed rubber dingy, in rescue operations on Wednesday and Thursday.

It said it had been instructed to sail to the Italian Adriatic port of Ancona, about 930 miles away, but had asked for a closer disembarkation port given the poor condition of the migrants, some of whom are on oxygen masks.

On Friday, the crew of the European charity ship Ocean Viking said they had rescued another 135 migrants, including a pregnant woman and eight children, from a double-decker boat in Maltese search-and-rescue waters.

In total, the vessel operated by SOS Mediterranee was carrying 359 shipwreck survivors, it said, adding the ship had been assigned to the distant port at Ancona, in Italy 's central Marche region.

'Such a long navigation should never be imposed on persons rescued at sea,' the rescue organisation wrote on X, formerly Twitter .

The central Mediterranean is one of the world's deadliest migration routes. According to the UN migration agency (IOM), almost 2,500 migrants died or went missing attempting the crossing last year, and 226 since the start of 2024.

Humanitarian groups often rely on accounts of survivors when pulling together the numbers of dead and missing at sea, presumed to have died.

The UN International Organisation for Migration says 227 people have died along the perilous central Mediterranean route this year through March 11, not counting the new reported missing and presumed dead. 

That is out of a total 279 deaths in the Mediterranean since January 1. 

Charity groups like SOS Mediterranee and others complain that Italy's right-wing government is obstructing their rescue activities, forcing them to travel to distant ports to disembark migrants and often temporarily impounding their ships. 

Rome has recently ordered the ships to port after each rescue, punishing groups that conduct other rescues by holding ships in port for 20 days at a time.

The Ocean Viking has been subject to three such blocks over three months, the most recently from February 8 until a judge lifted the block 10 days later.

Italy and other European Union governments are trying to curb the number of sea migrants making the crossing from North Africa, and have offered money or equipment to Libya and Tunisia to stop departures from their shores.

Data from the Italian Interior Ministry record that 5,968 migrants have arrived by sea so far this year, down from 19,937 at the same stage in 2023.

Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory

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Moscow Metro is a multi-line display typeface inspired by the Moscow underground map. It comes in Regular and Color versions.

Moscow Metro is ideal for posters and headlines, neon signage and other artworks.

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Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Elektrostal, Russia

Nature & parks in elektrostal.

• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Park of Culture and Leisure