It recognises that the personnel responsible for critical safety activities may find it easier to understand visual instructions rather than those that are not written in their native language.

The 'Safelaunch' CD uses a combination of animated graphics and text to explain the operation and maintenance of the release hook mechanism. By running the CD on a convenient PC or laptop, crews can be confident that they have understood the various procedures associated with the operation and maintenance of their 'Safelaunch' lifeboat release mechanisms. It is believed that this is the first time a lifeboat manufacturer has worked to assure the safety afforded by its product by including dependable communication with its users.

Explaining the idea behind the new CD manual Angus Campbell, managing director of Survival Craft Inspectorate said, 'If a picture is worth a thousand words it must be worth even more when computer technology enables you to animate it. The procedures become obvious and help ensure that 'Safelaunch' mechanisms are operated and maintained so that they provide the level of safety assurance that crews deserve.'

The CD covers all aspects of the release mechanism's operation. It also includes detailed animations of the spare parts catalogue, with the specified item being revealed from the main component, so that it can be identified visually with its appropriate part number.

This is expected to reduce errors in parts ordering and so avoid the lifeboat down time that can occur when this happens.

The 'Safelaunch' release hook mechanism has been developed so that it is suitable for new or retrofit installations, in order to enhance safety. Its design arose from a study by Survival Craft Inspectorate of lifeboat accidents that occur with depressing frequency. It identified three key aspects of lifeboat release mechanism design that demanded significant improvement. These included reducing the potential for accidental release, providing a clear, visual indication of the release mechanism's security status without entering the lifeboat itself and by eliminating the use of any materials that could be vulnerable to corrosion. The resulting 'Safelaunch' design has addressed all of these problem areas and is consequently attracting significant interest from ship and offshore platform operators anxious to eliminate a major hazard for their crews and passengers.

MJ Information No: 19922