Section 6 Arrangements for the launch and recovery of boats and watercraft whilst stationary

6.1.1 This section details the requirements for onboard arrangements for the launch, recovery and carriage of boats and watercraft hosted as part of the naval capability for the parent vessel, which are typically launched and recovered whilst the parent vessel is stationary (or underway but not making way) in limited sea conditions.

6.1.2 For boats which are hosted onboard the parent vessel and launched whilst underway in increased at-sea conditions see Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5 Arrangements for the launch and recovery of boats whilst underway.

6.1.3 Watercraft are considered to be either permanently fitted onboard the parent vessel and provided with designated stowage and launch and recovery arrangements, or temporarily embarked on a mission basis and accommodated within the cargo/mission bay capacity of the parent vessel and launched and recovered using available means or specifically embarked arrangements.

6.2.1 Permanently fitted watercraft are in general to comply with the requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5 Arrangements for the launch and recovery of boats whilst underway as identified below.

6.2.2 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.2 Boat specification are to be applied as applicable for the fitted watercraft.

6.2.3 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.3 Location of boat stations are to be applied as applicable for the watercraft with the exception of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.3 Location of boat stations 5.3.3, Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.3 Location of boat stations 5.3.5 and Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.3 Location of boat stations 5.3.10 which need not be applied since there is no underway launching.

6.2.4 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.4 Arrangement of boat stations are to be applied as applicable for the watercraft with the exception of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.4 Arrangement of boat stations 5.4.10 which need not be applied where alternative boarding arrangements are provided.

6.2.5 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.5 Control and observation arrangements are to be applied as applicable for the watercraft with the exception of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.5 Control and observation arrangements 5.5.5, which need not be provided since there is no underway launching.

6.2.6 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.6 Ship structural arrangements are to be applied as applicable for the watercraft.

6.2.7 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.7 Shipboard arrangements are to be applied as applicable for the watercraft with the exception of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.7 Shipboard arrangements 5.7.1 to Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.7 Shipboard arrangements 5.7.3, Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.7 Shipboard arrangements 5.7.6 and Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.7 Shipboard arrangements 5.7.8 which need not be applied since there is no underway launching.

6.2.8 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.8 Launch and recovery arrangements are to be applied as applicable for the watercraft with the exception of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.8 Launch and recovery arrangements 5.8.2 which may be undertaken whilst alongside.

6.2.9 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.9 Launch and recovery appliances are to be applied as applicable for the watercraft with the exception of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.9 Launch and recovery appliances 5.9.4 and Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.9 Launch and recovery appliances 5.9.5 which need not be applied since there is no underway launching. Additionally the launch and recovery appliance need not be classed within the scope of the LA notation required by Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.8 Launch and recovery arrangements 5.8.1 but may be certified under the LAP or LAC notations. Finally, the swamping or overload margin required by Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.9 Launch and recovery appliances 5.9.3 need not be applied since there is no underway launching.

6.2.10 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.10 Release Arrangements are to be applied as applicable for the watercraft; an offload release only may also be permitted where appropriate to the operation.

6.2.11 The requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.11 Painter Arrangements need not be applied since there is no underway launching; however, suitable provision for tending the watercraft during launch and recovery is to be provided.

6.3.1 Watercraft which are temporarily embarked for specific mission requirements are not required to be identified in advance for the purposes of these requirements; however, where the requirement for provision of a temporary mission capability and space, power and weight envelope is defined by the Owner, the requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 6.3 Temporarily embarked watercraft 6.3.2 to Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 6.3 Temporarily embarked watercraft 6.3.7 are to be applied.

6.3.2 An appropriate area is to be provided for the stowage and securing of an agreed range of sizes and types of watercraft. This is to include sufficient associated clear area and provision for preparation, maintenance and operational tasks. The requirements of an appropriate fire safety standard area shall also be complied with for any hazards associated with the watercraft’s energy supply and mission equipment.

6.3.3 Suitable securing arrangements are to be provided for the range of motions and accelerations expected for the parent vessel in service without causing damage to the watercraft.

6.3.4 An appropriate lifting appliance is to be provided with sufficient clear area to enable the watercraft to be moved from the stowage location, outboard to a suspended position and lowered to the sea surface and recovered in all defined operational conditions.

6.3.5 Where manned watercraft are intended to be launched and recovered by lifting appliances other than launch and recovery appliances, then those are to be appropriately certified for manned operations and any SWL limitations or operating restrictions clearly identified.

6.3.6 Loose gear associated with the launch and recovery of the watercraft is to be protected against damage from improper use.

6.3.7 During preparation, launch and recovery, the watercraft, its launch and recovery appliance, and the area of water into which it is to be launched shall be adequately illuminated by appropriate lighting. Where dark adaptation lighting is required this shall be suitable for night vision equipment.

6.3.8 An observation position is to be provided with the necessary communication equipment to enable speedy and efficient communication with the lifting appliance operators, the deck crew (including painter handlers) and the control and conning positions, to enable watercraft operations in all defined operational conditions and stages.