Abstract: A raft supporting fall extends over a pulley at the end of a davit mounted on a platform. The fall hangs down from the pulley at a spaced-apart position from the edge of the platform. A recovery line in the form of a loop extends around the davit and over guides from the platform to a position near the pulley. The recovery line is connected to the fall by an extension line on the end of which is a fall retainer through which the fall passes. The fall is recovered by pulling the recovery line towards the platform with the fall having a predetermined portion hanging below the retainer so that as the fall is being pulled into the platform there is a sufficient amount of line to reach the platform.

Abstract: An inflatable raft in the deflated condition is stowed in a container attached to a platform adjacent a launching davit. The raft has a girt releasably connected to the container for stabilizing the raft during inflation and loading. The edges of the platform are positioned adjacent the davit for further stabilization of the raft. A sequential release mechanism is interconnected with the girt connection to the container and the brake of the supporting cable for the raft to insure release of the girt connection before the raft is lowered and thereby avoid upsetting the raft.