Posted By John Caboche Paul, generally drills should be held once a week and on arrival in the vessel after crew change. In the oil industry in the UKCS the vessel should have a safety case detailing drill frequency and lifeboat procedures. Lifeboats are genarally entered before lowering, especially in the case of enclosed lifeboats and gravity launched lifeboats,feel free to mail me off list if you require more details

Posted By Eric Burt Agree with what John says above regarding frequency. When I was 3rd Mate with Shell we used to drop the lifeboats to deck level once a week, then when we were at anchor we would drop them to sea level and go for a spin (usually to go and visit other vessels!). By doing this, you will be sure that everything works ok. One of the problems we encountered occasionally was that when lowering the lifeboat, one of the wires would foul and cause the lifeboat to tip, so it is very important that the person on deck controlling the lowering keeps a careful watch as it is being lowered. Lifeboats are obviously used when abandoning ship but don't forget that life-rafts also have a part to play. I can't remember the servicing intervals, but as I seem to remember (from 20 years ago) there is an automatic release so that when the ship sinks, the life-rafts are automatically released. A hydrostatic release? Ah! Takes me back...... Regards Eric

Posted By john o'meara Paul, Have you tried the IMO site? In Australia in recent years, more people have been killed or injured in lifeboat drills than in incidents of ships running aground. They seem to be quite a hazardous operation. There was a fatlity on a rig in Maine last month during a drill. The ATSB has a bulletin on drill safety:- http://www.atsb.gov.au/marine/sb/msb03.cfm J.