Abstract: A system for launching a lifeboat (11) from davits (12) on an offshore drilling platform (10) comprises a submerged buoyancy device (10) tethered to the bow of the lifeboat (11) by a cable (13) which passes between the buoyancy device and the lifeboat. The cable is retained by a release mechanism (14) attached to the platform just above the water line and extends upwardly from a guide fairlead (18) attached to the sea bed, between the latter and the lifeboat (11). In some cases the release mechanism (14) may be omitted or alternatively two release mechanisms may be provided above the water line.

Abstract: A system for launching a lifeboat (13) from davits (14) on an off-shore drilling platform (10) comprises a submerged buoyancy device (16) tethered to the bow of the lifeboat (13) by a cable (17) which passes between the device (16) and the lifeboat. The cable (17) is retained by an inverted hook (18) and passes around pulleys (20 and 22) and is anchored to the sea bed (at 23). In use, as the lifeboat descends, a ring (26) attached to the cable (17) releases same from hook (18) causing buoyancy device (16) to ascend rapidly to the surface thus towing the lifeboat away from the platform (10) to a position (13') some 100 meters away from the platform.

Abstract: A device whereby personnel or other loads may descend from an elevated position at a controlled and variable speed, comprising a restraining member (12) having a series of slots (13). A tape stored in a container (20) passes through the slots (13) to a hook (10) for attachment of the device to a fixed point. A user wearing a harness (21) removably attached to the restraining member (12) may descend at a controlled rate determined by a light load applied to the tape (11) below the restraining member (12) owing to the frictional contact of the tape (11) passing around the edges of slots (13). After the descent a quick release shackle (16) releases the harness (21) from the device.