Abstract: Apparatus for storing and launching a float from a ship includes first and second arms; a device pivoting the first arm for swinging movement relative to the second arm, the second arm being adapted to be fixed to a ship; a bias device connected between the first and second arms for biasing the first arm in a direction away from the second arm; a storing device for releasably holding a float to the second arm; a retaining shaft axially movable between a retaining position and a releasing position; a blocking assembly connected to the storing device and connected to the retaining shaft in such a manner that in the retaining position of the retaining shaft the storing device holds the float to the second arm and such that movement of the retaining shaft to its releasing position releases the blocking assembly so that the holding device releases the float from the first arm, the retaining shaft in its retaining position also cooperating with the second arm in a manner to restrain swinging of the second arm by th