Description

The lifeboat launch and recovery checklist is an essential onboard safety aid for crews involved in survival craft operations. It provides a structured process for carrying out launch and recovery tasks safely, helping reduce operational errors and improve crew preparedness during critical procedures.

This practical checklist covers pre-planning, equipment inspection, operational checks, launch procedures, and recovery steps. Its laminated, wipe-clean format makes it easy to use repeatedly onboard, allowing crews to record completed checks and maintain consistent safety standards.

The checklist is particularly valuable during routine drills, onboard familiarisation, and safety management procedures, helping bridge teams and deck crews ensure that lifeboat operations are carried out correctly and efficiently.

For broader maritime safety guidance, this checklist works well alongside Shipboard Drills Book and Safety and Health at Sea, supporting emergency preparedness and onboard risk management.

It also complements official safety standards and procedures promoted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which underpins global requirements for life-saving appliances and emergency readiness at sea.

Why This Lifeboat Launch and Recovery Checklist is Essential for Onboard Safety

Lifeboat launch and recovery are among the highest-risk routine operations carried out onboard ships. A clear, repeatable checklist helps crews follow the correct sequence of actions, confirm equipment readiness, and reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by oversight or poor communication.

This checklist is especially useful when placed on the bridge, near the survival craft, or alongside the LSA maintenance folder, where it can support both operational use and ongoing safety management.

Who Should Use This Lifeboat Launch and Recovery Checklist?

This checklist is ideal for Masters, deck officers, safety officers, and crew responsible for life-saving appliances and emergency preparedness. It is also useful for training providers and shipping companies seeking to improve consistency in onboard survival craft procedures.

Whether used during drills, inspections, or routine safety checks, this checklist helps crews carry out lifeboat launch and recovery tasks with greater confidence, accuracy, and safety awareness.