Shipboard lifeboat

1. Enclosed lifeboat
A lifeboat is a small, rigid or inflatable boat carried for emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster aboard a ship.
Enclosed lifeboats are the preferred lifeboats fitted on modern merchant ships, due to their superior protection against the elements (especially heat, cold and rough seas).
All tanker freefall lifeboats are equipped with a water-spraying system for fire protection and an air supply system.

2. Construction

3. Materials
The totally enclosed lifeboat is made of such a material that is not affected by fire.
The boat hull is strengthened in the keel area to withstand the impact forces
The hull of lifeboat is made of the fire reinforced plastic (F. R. P. — Fire retardant ). The space between the inside and outside hull is filled with polyurethane foam which will supply sufficient buoyancy for the boat.

4. Capacity
Totally enclosed lifeboats are available in different sizes, ranging from a capacity of 22 persons to 150 persons.
Lifeboat capacity is specified and listed on the ship's "Safety equipment certificate".
Fact: The Titanic's boats had a capacity of 1,178 people on a ship capable of carrying 3,330 people.

5. Type of engine
Each lifeboat is powered by an inboard diesel engine that drives a fixed-pitch propeller. These engines have power that ranges from 20 to 560 hp.
All engines are built in accordance with the International Convention of Safety at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and where the approval procedures require the engine to start at a temperature of minus 15 to minus 25 degree centigrade; as well as 360 degree rotation tests, and engine performance submerged in water to the mid crankshaft level.