Guide to Purchasing a Freefall Lifeboat

Freefall lifeboats offer the quickest way for maritime workers or passengers to escape a platform or vessel in the event of an emergency, such as an onboard explosion or fire. Such boats are designed for use with a release system that ensures a swift escape, even from relatively high elevations. The enclosed design protects those aboard at the point of contact with water.

The nature of such boats demands a high set of safety standards. As such, freefall lifeboats are subject to a number of federal and international regulations, including under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). In addition, the United States Coast Guard has established minimum standards for the safe construction and use of freefall lifeboats.

Where to Purchase Freefall Lifeboats

A number of specialty retailers sell freefall lifeboats for commercial use, such as aboard merchant vessels. Below is a selection of several companies selling freefall lifeboats:

Survival Craft Inspectorate (survivalcraft.com) – This Scottish-based company is a global seller of freefall lifeboats and other safety craft. Freefall lifeboats are built to meet international standards, including the latest SOLAS regulations. The manufacturer states its boats “are designed for use in harsh conditions.” The company offers its own trademarked release and retrieval system, Safelaunch®, to promote safe loading and unloading of the vessel. Mobile engineers can perform installation and maintenance on vessels around the world. Capacities range from 24 to 95 people.

Fassmer (fassmer.de) – This German company offers worldwide service and installation, with North American headquarters located in Miami. Additional service points are offered in Houston, New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver. Fassmer freefall lifeboats offer a safe fall of up to 26 meters (85 feet) and a davit system using real rollers. Capacities range from 24 to 42 people.

Norsafe (norsafe.com) – Though headquartered in Norway, Norsafe offers service in North America via its agent, Scan Pacific Marine, LLC, located in Kenner, La. The company offers a large selection of freefall lifeboats equipped with their own Gravity Escape System. The larger boats can safely withstand falls of up to 40 meters (131 feet). All products are designed to meet the latest SOLAS regulations. Boats can be specified to include water spray and compressed air systems as additional protection in the event of fire.

Vanguard (vanguardlifeboat.com) – Vanguard is based in Singapore with North American sales and service provided via Fire Protection Service Inc. in Houston, New Orleans and Corpus Christi. Freefall lifeboats are constructed to meet SOLAS regulations and comply with other maritime industry standards. Maximum capacity is 32 people with a freefall height of 20 meters (65 feet).

It is recommended you perform due diligence on any manufacturer from which you plan to purchase crucial safety equipment, such as freefall lifeboats. Ensure all products meet or exceed current SOLAS standards.

Safety equipment is not the only resource you need to stay in compliance with federal and international regulations. Learn more about your vessel logbook needs by downloading our free Logbook Quick Reference Guide. Or call 888-468-3757 for more information. You can place your orders online.