Section 5 Arrangements for the launch and recovery of boats whilst underway

5.1.1 This Section details the requirements for onboard arrangements for the launch, recovery and carriage of boats carried as part of the ship type capability for the parent vessel, which are typically launched and recovered whilst the parent vessel is underway during increased at-sea conditions.

5.1.2  For watercraft and other boats which are hosted onboard the parent vessel but not launched whilst underway in increased at-sea conditions see Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 6 Arrangements for the launch and recovery of boats and watercraft whilst stationary

5.2.1 Boats which are carried onboard and provide a ship type capability are to be compatible with the stowage arrangements and launch and recovery equipment provided onboard the parent vessel. This should include the following aspects:

1. The boat operating limits are to be suitable for the intended operating conditions.
2. The boat dimensions are to be compatible with the physical stowage space and the associated launch and recovery appliances.
3. The boat weight is to be within the capacity of the nominated launch and recovery arrangements with an appropriate margin, see Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.9 Launch and recovery appliances 5.9.3.
4. The boat fittings for launch, recovery, mooring and towing alongside are to be compatible with the loads expected in all foreseeable operating conditions of the boat, with an appropriate margin, see Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.9 Launch and recovery appliances 5.9.3.
5. The boat fittings for securing onboard are to be compatible with the loads expected in all foreseeable operating conditions of the parent vessel.
6. The boat control arrangements, release mechanism and painter arrangements are to be suitable for launch and recovery in the operating conditions defined in the System Operational Concept.
7. The boat is to be compatible with the defined transverse requirements for the parent vessel, e.g. shock, high/low temperature operations. The applicable transverse requirements are to be identified for both stowed and operating conditions.

5.2.2 The boat should be certified in accordance with the requirements of an appropriate standard, which addresses the factors in Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.2 Boat specification 5.2.1, for the carriage, launch and recovery operating conditions for the parent vessel. The INSA Naval Boat Code, or the Grey Boat Code are acceptable standards.

5.2.3 The suitability of the boats for the intended operations is to be to the satisfaction of the Owner, but an assessment of compatibility shall be submitted for review and boats shall be demonstrated to be compatible with the onboard arrangements and the launch and recovery equipment during trials.

5.2.4 The designation/class of boats associated with a parent vessel are to be recorded in the approval documentation and any changes to the designation/class are to be submitted for review.

5.3.1 Designated boat stations are to be provided for all embarked boats. The number and location of the boat stations are to be agreed between the designer and Owner but as a guide, for NS1 and NS2 type ships, it is expected that at least two will be provided, one each side of the parent vessel.

5.3.2 Boat stations shall be in such positions as to provide for launch and recovery having particular regard to clearance from the propeller and steeply overhanging portions of the hull and so that, as far as possible, boats can be launched in the area of the vertical flat side of the parent vessel.

5.3.3 Areas of the parent vessel presenting a danger to small boat operations, for example overhangs, appendages, shell doors, propellers or bow thrusters, are to be appropriately marked or identified on the hull.

5.3.4 The boat stations are to be positioned on the parent vessel such that, as far as possible, the effects of hull interaction between the parent vessel and boat are minimised across the range of operational deployment speeds and operating conditions.

5.3.5 Boat stations are to be located at a suitable height above the waterline and in positions to provide crew protection during operations in heavy weather conditions. If positioned forward, they shall be located abaft the collision bulkhead in a sheltered position.

5.3.6 The results of the sea-keeping analysis or model test are to demonstrate that boat stations are located such that the predicted RMS motions, deck wetness, Motion Induced Interruptions (MII) and Motion Sickness Incidences (MSI) for the location are within the limits specified in STANAG 4154 or other suitable standard for the defined set of operational conditions.

5.3.7 Preparation and handling of boats at any one boat station shall not interfere with the prompt preparation and handling of any other boat at any other station; however, it is not required that more than one boat can be launched at a time on each side.

5.3.8 Observation positions are to be provided and located so as to permit a clear field of view of each boat station and the sea surface alongside from at least two locations; one of which is to be coincident with the control position, the other is to be coincident with the conning position for the parent vessel. Observation from the conning position may be achieved using a suitable CCTV system.

5.3.9 Boat stations and observation positions are to be located such that exposure to high intensity noise for personnel involved in boat operations does not exceed 85 dB(A).

5.3.10 Boats are to be capable of being launched in a manned condition ready for operations; embarkation stations need not be coincident with boat stations, see Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 7 Arrangements for interfacing with waterborne craft for requirements.

5.4.1 Each boat station is to consist of a stowage area for the boat, a launch and recovery appliance, a control position and observation position, a boarding position and sufficient associated clear area for preparation, maintenance and operational tasks. On some parent vessels the boats may be moved away from the boat station for storage and preparation between operations, for example to a mission bay.

5.4.2 The design of boat stations shall minimise risks to personnel during boat operations. A Risk Assessment is to be undertaken during the design phase to ensure that operational hazards are identified and once identified, managed during launch and recovery operations.

5.4.3 Wherever possible, boat stations are to be designed for boat operations to be carried out with guard rails in position; where this is not practicable, alternative arrangements for the safety of personnel are to be provided including the provision of equipment to prevent personnel falling overboard and anchor points for the attachment of a harness. A nonslip surface is to be provided and tripping hazards are to be eliminated wherever possible.

5.4.4 Arrangements are to be provided to enable the drainage of the boat station under the expected operational conditions.

5.4.5 Stowage and securing arrangements are to be provided suitable for the size and type of boat provided for at the boat station. These may be integral to the launch and recovery device and are to be suitable for the range of motions and accelerations expected for the parent vessel in service without causing damage to the boat.

5.4.6 A launch and recovery appliance is to be provided with sufficient clear area to enable the boat 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.

5.4.7 A dedicated line tending position, and/or painter boom system is to be provided to enable positive control over the painter during launch and recovery operations.

5.4.8 The ship’s side, below the boat station and above the turn of bilge, shall be free of overboard discharges, ventilators or obstructions, such as stabilisers, fenders or hard chines, where these might cause a hazard during launch and recovery. Consideration shall also be given to the management of side lead angles and motions in areas of high tumblehome.

5.4.9 During preparation, launch and recovery, the boat, 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.

5.4.10 Access arrangements shall be such that the boat can be boarded and launched directly from the stowed position with the maximum number of persons assigned to crew the boat. They shall also allow for the efficient handling of a stretcher case and a stretcher route is to be provided to an appropriate first aid facility.

5.5.1 Dedicated control and observation positions are to be provided for each boat station at the ship’s side, from which the launch and recovery appliance together with any other mechanical equipment associated with the boat operation can be controlled and overseen.

5.5.2 Controls for launch and recovery appliances that are to be operated sequentially as part of a system are to be grouped for control by a single operator wherever possible. Control and indication shall be in accordance with the requirements of Vol 2, Pt 9, Ch 7 Control, Alerts and Safety Systems.

5.5.3 The control position is to be located so that the operator has a clear view of all launch and recovery equipment under their control.

5.5.4 Each observation position is to be provided with the necessary communication equipment to enable efficient communication with the boat crew, the deck crew (including painter handlers) and the control and conning positions to enable communications between all parties in all defined operational conditions and at all stages of deployment and recovery.

5.5.5 Stop/go indicators are to be provided at the boat station visible to all parties involved in the boat operation, including the boat operator; these shall be controlled from the conning position.

5.6.1 The support arrangements for launch and recovery appliances (including painter booms) are to be in accordance with the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 1, 5.5 Lifting appliances and support arrangements for the load cases defined for the launch and recovery appliances.

5.6.2 The strength and stiffness of the securing arrangements and the supporting structures for the boats are to be sufficient to withstand the forces imposed by the boat for all possible operating conditions and loads from ship motions.

5.6.3 Where anchor points for attaching harnesses are provided, they are to be designed or selected from, and installed in accordance with, an appropriate standard (e.g. EN 795, Personal fall protection equipment. Anchor devices).

5.6.4 Structures and openings surrounding boat bays are to be weathertight or watertight commensurate with their position on the parent vessel in accordance with the applicable Rule requirements.

5.6.5 Where a structural closure has been provided for the side shell opening of the boat station, it is to comply with the relevant requirements of Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 3, 4 Side, stern doors and other shell openings. Doors are to be provided with arrangements to lock them in the open position during launch and recovery operations.

5.6.6 Where a non-structural closure has been provided for the side shell opening of the boat station, for example for signature control or cold temperature operations, operating instructions are to be provided identifying actions to be taken during rough weather to avoid damage. Closures are to be provided with arrangements to lock them in the open position during launch and recovery operations.

5.7.1 Appropriate protective and safety equipment shall be provided for boat crews and, where necessary, launch and recovery crews. This should consist of anti-exposure suits including gloves, hoods and boots suitable for the defined range of operating temperatures, appropriate lifejackets and/or fall arrest systems, boat helmets, spray visors and safety knives. Sufficient numbers are to be provided to allow at least two simultaneous boat operations.

5.7.2 The suitability of the protective and safety equipment is to be in accordance with recognised standards to the satisfaction of the Owner and is to be demonstrated compatible with the operation of the boat and, where necessary, the launch and recovery equipment.

5.7.3 A wet locker with drying facilities shall be provided for wet protective and safety equipment; this shall be located near to each boat station.

5.7.4 In addition to the requirements of the applicable fire safety standards, a portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing Class A and B fires is to be provided in a protected location adjacent to each boat station.

5.7.5 Where a boat station is enclosed on more than four sides, including by non-structural closures, or where it is covered and the height of the opening is less that the depth of the space, it is to be treated as an internal compartment and categorised appropriately in accordance with the nominated fire safety standard and fire safety measures applied accordingly.

5.7.6 Suitable provision is to be provided for the inspection, maintenance and testing of protective and safety equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. A log of visual inspections, maintenance and testing is to be maintained onboard the parent vessel.

5.7.7 A preparation area shall be provided within the parent vessel to enable boat crews to prepare for boat operations; this shall contain lockers for the storage of personal items, access to the required protective and safety equipment, changing areas and toilet and shower facilities, and a briefing space. For NS3 vessels these need not be dedicated spaces.

5.7.8  Appropriate service arrangements are to be provided for each boat station, including a freshwater connection point, a low-pressure air point and a suitable electrical connection; together with the necessary hoses, cables and attachments to enable them to be used.

5.7.9 Where required, a refuelling/defueling system is to be provided and arrangements are to satisfy the relevant requirements of Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 4 Aircraft/Helicopter/Vehicle Fuel Piping and Arrangements.

5.7.10 Where hot start, trace heating and battery-charging connections are provided, these are to be provided with quick-release connections in readily accessible locations to enable rapid launching. These connections shall be located away from refuelling connections and equipment.

5.7.11 Appropriate consumables, spare parts, tools and maintenance manuals are to be provided onboard in a designated area for the onboard maintenance of the boats and launch and recovery appliances. These are to be provided in sufficient quantity for the total number of boats of each class/type onboard.

5.8.2 The suitability of the launch and recovery equipment shall be demonstrated together with the onboard arrangements and the boats during trials. This may be limited to a maximum ahead speed of 5 knots in calm water during shipyard trials; however, confirmation of the required performance in the full range of required operations shall be provided by the Owner by the first Annual Survey.

5.9.1 The launch and recovery appliances for boat operations are to be classed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 within the scope of the LA notation, and the additional requirements of this section which are intended to take into account launch and recovery underway.

5.9.2 The specification of load cases for the approval of launch and recovery appliances are to be agreed between the Shipyard, the Manufacturer of the launch and recovery appliance and the Owner and submitted to Lloyd’s Register (hereinafter referred to as LR) for acceptance. These are to be appropriate for boat operations within the defined operational conditions.

5.9.3 The SWL of the launch and recovery appliance is to exceed that of the boat in the fully loaded condition; it should also include a margin for boat growth of 10 per cent; and a swamping or overload margin of 5 per cent for fully enclosed boats, or 20 per cent for all other boats.

5.9.4 The launch and recovery appliance shall be capable of delivering the boat to the sea surface with the parent vessel in its lightest seagoing condition and under unfavourable conditions of heel and trim as determined from the defined operating conditions.

5.9.5 The launch and recovery appliance shall be capable of being operated continuously for at least 45 minutes and otherwise able to be left continuously in the ‘energised’ or ‘power available’ mode without overheating.

5.9.6 Each launch and recovery appliance and each item of loose gear is to be clearly and permanently marked with its safe working load and identifying marks in accordance with the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022, Ch 12, 2 Marking.

5.9.7 Where a launch and recovery appliance is also used for other purposes, those uses shall not interfere with its ability to safely conduct boat operations; and loose gear associated with the launch and recovery of the boats is to be protected against damage from improper use.

5.9.8 Reversionary, degraded or post-damage capability for the parent vessel of any launch and recovery appliance is to be agreed with the Owner and the scope of assurance agreed with LR.

5.10.1 Every boat shall be fitted with an onboard release mechanism which is Type Approved in accordance with the IMO SOLAS Convention and the IMO International Life-Saving Appliance Code as amended.

5.10.2 Only one type of release mechanism shall be used for all similar boats onboard the ship and where possible this should be the same as the release mechanism for any separate dedicated rescue boats onboard.

5.10.3 Foul weather recovery strops shall be provided if heavy fall blocks constitute a danger to boat crews.

5.11.1 A painter line is to be provided leading from forward of the boat station in an unobstructed arc to the bow of the boat. This may be handled manually or mechanically, for example using a painter boom, but is to be capable of being kept tensioned during all stages of the launch and recovery operation and recovered when not in use.

5.11.2 Every boat shall be fitted with a securing means to connect a painter near its bow. This shall be positioned such that the boat remains stable when being towed by the parent vessel making headway, for the worst-case combination of speed and sea-state, up to and including the defined operational conditions.

5.11.3 The means of securing the painter shall be capable of being released from a safe position within the boat. The status of the painter release and lifting appliance release shall be visible or known to the painter operator prior to release, including in low light conditions. Where possible these should be interlocked such that painter release is not possible prior to boat release from the launching appliance.

5.11.4 A manual override shall be provided for any securing means provided with electric or hydraulic actuation and failure of these systems shall not cause the securing means to release prematurely.

5.11.5 The painter line shall be provided with a steel ring at the boat connection end to aid release.

5.11.6 Release shall be possible at a range of angles, from directly ahead to 90° either side of the bow and from the deployed elevation angle of the line +/- 30° vertically. The release load may be reduced incrementally to 25 per cent transversely and 75 per cent vertically of the painter SWL at the maximum defined angles.

5.11.7 The painter SWL is to be taken as not less than one-third of the full weight of the boat, including personnel, fuel and equipment, together with any growth margin applied to the boat. For boats which are intended to be launched in excess of Sea State 3, actual loads are to be established through trials.

5.11.8 All structural components of the painter arrangement are to be designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022, Ch 3 Launch and Recovery Appliances for Survival Craft and Rescue Boats. However, a factor of safety of 6 over the material ultimate tensile strength of the component is to be used, instead of 4,5, to reflect the enhanced service use of the painter system; this may be related to shear stress and allowable compressive stress using the approach described in the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022, Ch 3, 1.6 Safety and stress factors.

5.11.9 Painter booms shall be production tested to 2,2 times the SWL along the deployed line of action and to 1,1 times the SWL once installed onboard.

5.11.10 All loose gear including the securing means shall be prototype tested to 6 times the SWL without releasing, and release demonstrated for the load conditions defined in Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7, 5.11 Painter Arrangements 5.11.6. All items shall be supplied and tested in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022, Ch 3, 1.9 Loose gear.

5.11.11 Painter booms which are mechanically operated are to be capable of being controlled from the control position at the boat station and are to be able to be locked in position when in use. The status of the locking mechanism shall be visible or known to the control position operator prior to launch. They are to be readily accessible for maintenance and inspection.