Life Boat Drop Test
Given the extravagance of recently-developed cruise ship features (rock-climbing walls, zip lines, flow riders, etc), this may look like the next level of entertainment… but, it’s actually to test the safety of freefall lifeboats at record levels.
As offshore vessels continue to grow in size, so too does safety requirements. Lifeboat manufacturers, Schat-Harding, have recently “launched” their latest model (FF1200). The getaway-ship was dropped from a record 60 meters in a freefall simulation test that proved successful. Prior to the dive, it was stuffed with enough weight to simulate 70 individuals weighing 220 lbs each. The craft is equipped with five-point harnesses to secure the fleeing passengers in the drop, and the 280 horsepower engine will quickly get them to shore to change their pants.
This method of lifeboat deployment is typically seen on “bulk carriers” and not cruise ships, due to their risk of sinking much faster. Cruise ships tend to use lifeboats that are lowered via machinery. As such, the video isn’t really relevant to our ship mates, but the technology is too neat to not share with our community.
Would any of you volunteer to test it out?
