RNLI Atlantic 85, Manual

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Activity 3 - Launch and Recovery
33
B Class Atlantic 85 Manual – First Issue, June 2017
Activity 3 - Launch and Recovery
Launch
The helm will ensure that all crew are seated correctly,
holding on and are ready to proceed. He will signal to the
head launcher that this is the case. The head launcher
(where appropriate) will then ensure that his marshals
are all correctly positioned and that the area is clear. The
head launcher will then inform the tractor driver or winch
operator that it is safe to move.
All electronic equipment i.e. radar, chart plotter, DF
etc., should be up and running before launch. Particular
attention is drawn to setting the correct brightness levels
for time of day/night so as to not interfere with safe
navigation and maintaining an effective lookout.
Upon reaching the launch boundary (for some stations
this may be directly outside the boathouse, for others it
may involve a drive across beaches etc. to reach a safe
launch point), the rig is stopped to allow the water tanks
to be turned on via the taps at the aft end of the carriage (if
required). This is done so at the helm’s request.
The helm will then be informed that these have been
turned on which will then allow the helm to start the
engines. Once happy that the engines are running in
a satisfactory manner, the signal is given to the head
launcher that the boat and crew are ready to proceed to
sea. The tractor driver or winch operator will then drive or
lower the carriage to the required launch depth.
The crew on board the Atlantic 85 will be ready to pull
the slip knots/springer line clips clear upon the helm’s
command, and then looking aft, ensure that the stern
springs have cleared the aft sponson horn. When this is seen,
the helm is informed that the respective side of the vessel is
now clear. Where possible, engines should be tested ahead
and astern on the launch carriage before releasing clips/
knots and launching.
Once the Atlantic is afloat and clear of its respective
launching apparatus, the engines should be tested ahead
and astern. Once the boat is clear of the launch site, the
radar can be set to transmit.
Prior to recovery, a plan will be agreed between the helm
and head launcher (where applicable). This will then be
briefed to all involved. This conversation should take place
on VHF channel 31, after ensuring that all parties involved
are receiving communications loud and clear. The helm
will also brief the boat crew on the plan after it has been
agreed with the shore crew.
The Atlantic should now be prepared for recovery. Ballast
tanks should be filled in anticipation of a launch into poor
weather in the future, unless local operating procedures
dictate otherwise (For example, full ballast exceeding the
safe working load (SWL) of a davit)
For a standard recovery where weather and sea conditions
permit, the Atlantic 85 may be recovered using the
standard procedure on to the carriage. The crew will assume
safe positions on the vessel, and when safely positioned
the helm will then manoeuvre the lifeboat into position.
As the lifeboat enters the carriage, the crew members on
each side will secure the Atlantic in accordance with the
SOP. When complete, the helm must be informed and the
shore crew instructed to start the recovery procedure.
As the Atlantic 85 is recovered, its position can be
maintained using the engines, thereby reducing the load
on the crew members holding the securing lines. When the
lifeboat rests on the carriage, it is then safe to place the
engines in neutral and shut them off. When clear of the
water, the carriage is stopped, allowing the crew members
to tie the slipknot on the bow springs (where applicable). If
remaining on the lifeboat for recovery back to the station,
crew must remain seated at all times.
As mentioned with launching, the Atlantic 85 will be
recovered by equipment relevant to the station. The local
operating procedures (LOPs) will help with the specifics of
launching at various stations.
After recovery, the post recovery procedures should be
completed as per RNLI requirements.