What Are The Current Mainstream Configurations for Rescue Boats And Davits?

The Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) + A-Type Davit is a classic standard combination for modern merchant and engineering vessels, especially since the SOLAS 1996 amendment, making it the mainstream choice.

I. Why is it a "classic configuration"?

1. SOLAS mandate (Ro-Ro passenger ships/some cargo ships).

• After 1997, Ro-Ro passenger ships must be equipped with at least one Fast Rescue Boat, and a dedicated landing system is required.

• Cargo ships (≥500GT) generally have one FRB at the stern or on the side, serving as both a rescue and daily work boat.

2. The A-Frame Davit is the best fit for the FRB.

• Simple and reliable structure: Portal A-frame steel frame, hydraulically driven, small footprint, low center of gravity, and low maintenance.

• Suitable for high-speed deployment and retrieval: Winch speeds can reach 60–120 m/min, meeting the FRB's "rapid deployment and retrieval" requirements.

• Load Capacity Matching: Standard FRB approximately 3.5–6 tons, A-frame Safe Working Load (SWL) 5–11 tons, with ample margin.

• Globally Compatible: Over a thousand units installed by major manufacturers such as MacGregor, covering cargo ships, container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, offshore vessels, and passenger ships.

II. Common Configurations and Arrangements.

Ship Types: Container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, general cargo ships, Ro-Ro passenger ships, offshore vessels, FPSOs.

Quantity: Typically 1 FRB + 1 A-frame (stern centerline or starboard); Ro-Ro passenger ships usually have 1 A-frame per side.

Alternatives (Non-classic):

• Gravity-lift type: Mostly used for fully enclosed lifeboats, not the first choice for FRBs.

• Free-fall type: Only used for free-falling lifeboats at the stern, unrelated to FRBs.

• Lift beam/slide rail type: More common in military vessels or special-purpose vessels, not a mainstream configuration for commercial ships.