Lifeboat
critical
Known Models (5)
Hatecke (Germany) Open / Partially Enclosed Lifeboat
10-50 Persons
· Crew Evacuation
type: Open / Partially Enclosed Lifeboat
size_range: ['H-O-10', 'H-O-20', 'H-PE-30', 'H-PE-50']
variant_count_approx: 4
period_start_year: 1960
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Diesel Engine / Oars
construction: GRP or aluminum hull, open or partially enclosed
Common Failures:
- • Hull damage from impact/davit handling
- • Engine start failure
- • Drain plug missing/leaking
- • Rudder/tiller mechanism corrosion
Service: Standard lifeboat maintenance. Open boats: more weather protection issues. Engine test weekly.
Spares: Hatecke (Drochtersen, Germany). Lead time: 3-6 weeks.
Jiangsu Jiaoyan Marine (China) Freefall / TELB Lifeboat
20-80 Persons
· Crew Evacuation
type: Freefall / Totally Enclosed Lifeboat (SOLAS)
size_range: ['JY-FF25', 'JY-FF50', 'JY-TELB50', 'JY-TELB80']
variant_count_approx: 4
period_start_year: 2005
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Diesel Engine
construction: GRP hull, SOLAS-approved
Common Failures:
- • GRP hull quality inconsistency on early production
- • Release hook mechanism quality varies
- • Diesel engine reliability issues
- • Interior fitting degradation
Service: Standard SOLAS lifeboat maintenance. More frequent inspection recommended than European OEMs.
Spares: Jiangsu Jiaoyan (Taizhou, China). Lead time: 2-4 weeks China. CCS/DNV/BV-approved for some models.
Norsafe / Palfinger Marine (Norway) Totally Enclosed Lifeboat (TELB)
20-150 Persons
· Crew Evacuation
type: Totally Enclosed Lifeboat (SOLAS, Davit-Launched)
size_range: ['TELB 20', 'TELB 50', 'TELB 80', 'TELB 100', 'TELB 150']
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 1970
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Diesel Engine
construction: GRP hull, totally enclosed, self-righting capable, diesel engine
Common Failures:
- • Release hook mechanism failure — CRITICAL safety issue (multiple casualties worldwide)
- • Diesel engine start failure from lack of maintenance
- • Hatch seal deterioration from UV/age
- • Steering cable corrosion/seizure
- • Bilge pump failure
Service: Engine test weekly. Release hook servicing annually per SOLAS MSC.402(96). Hatch seal inspection quarterly. Steering system test monthly. Lifeboat drill monthly with crew.
Spares: Norsafe/Palfinger Marine. Lead time: 2-6 weeks. Release hook service by authorized personnel ONLY.
Palfinger Marine / Harding (Austria/Norway) Freefall Lifeboat
20-80 Persons
· Crew Evacuation
type: Freefall Lifeboat (SOLAS)
size_range: ['FF20', 'FF35', 'FF50', 'FF65', 'FF80']
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 1985
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Diesel Engine (Lifeboat Motor)
construction: GRP hull, self-righting, diesel engine, air supply system
Common Failures:
- • Diesel engine failure from lack of regular testing (start failure when needed)
- • Release hook mechanism corrosion/seizure
- • GRP hull osmotic blistering from prolonged water contact
- • Air supply system valve failure
- • Seat belt/harness deterioration from UV/age
Service: Engine test run weekly (5 min minimum). Release hook servicing annually by authorized service provider (SOLAS MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1). GRP hull inspection at drydock. Air supply test quarterly. 5-yearly thorough examination and operational test. Lifeboat launching drill with crew monthly (not actual freefall).
Spares: Palfinger Marine (ehem. Harding, Bergen). Lead time: 2-6 weeks. Engine parts: 2-4 weeks. Release hooks: servicing by authorized personnel only.
Vanguard / Survival Systems International (Canada) TEMPSC / Freefall Lifeboat
20-60 Persons
· Crew Evacuation
type: Totally Enclosed Motor Propelled Survival Craft (TEMPSC)
size_range: ['TEMPSC 20', 'TEMPSC 36', 'TEMPSC 60']
variant_count_approx: 3
period_start_year: 1985
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Diesel Engine
construction: GRP hull, TEMPSC/Freefall, fire-protected
Common Failures:
- • Release hook issues
- • Engine maintenance neglect
- • Hull osmosis
- • Fire protection spray system failure
Service: Standard SOLAS/CAPP maintenance. Fire protection system test quarterly. Offshore regulatory requirements (CAPP, NMD).
Spares: Survival Systems International (Dartmouth, NS, Canada). Lead time: 4-8 weeks.