On feasibility of the free-fall lifeboats for safe evacuation of marine accident casualties

Abstract

In this paper an attempt is presented to analyze real possibilities of safe evacuation of the casualties of marine accidents with the use of the Free-Fall Lifeboats (FFL). Major impediments are discussed and proposals of the relevant amendments to the current regulations are outlined. The influence is analyzed of the dynamic behaviour of the FFLs on the casualties placed on a stretcher and differently located within the lifeboat. On the basis of the evacuation scenario some practical conclusions have been worked out leading to recommendations for safe evacuation of the casualties of marine accidents.