BOAT  LOWERING	87
reach the stoppers. The cradles remain at rest on the stoppers and the
boat comes automatically alongside the embarkation deck, irrespective
of list. When the life-boat has its full complement on board, the brake
lever is again lifted and the boat continues to the water. The hoisting
of the boats is effected by means of the winch, and in the case of the
larger class of boats electric hoisting power winches are supplied for
lifting the boats up the ship's side to the stowed position In tests
carried out under inspection of Board of Trade officers, the time occupied
from the releasing of the gripes until the boats reached the water (a
distance of 40 feet) varied between 20 and 28 seconds, the whole
operation being carried out by one man.
1. You are in charge of a boat's crew of 10 men undergoing a Board
of Trade examination for a certificate as lifeboatman; how would
you place them, and what orders in succession wpuld you give
to carry out the operation of swinging out the boat, lowering it,
and getting away clear of the ship's side, with radial davits?
Hang the side ladder over at the boat station.
Crew line up and number off from forward, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
J:os. 1 and 10 into the boat. No. 1 pass out the forward fall and
see life-lines clear. No. 10 pass out the after fall and see the bottom
plug is in. Nos. 2 and 3 pass the end of the slip painter into the boat,
Nos. 4 and 5 attend to the forward fall.
Nos. 6 and 7 let go the gripes.
Nos. 8 and 9 attend to the after fall.
Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 tail on to the forward fall.
Nos. 6, 7, 8 and 9 tail on to the after fall.
Take the weight of the boat and down chocks Nos. 2 and 3 to the
forward guy and Nos. 6 and 7 to the after guy.
Slack away guys and swing the boat out, then steady tight the
guys and lower the boat to the rail. No. 10 ship the rudder. Crew into
the boat, leaving Nos. 4 and 5, 8 and 9 at their falls. Lower away.
Fend the boat o£E from the ship's side as she goes down. When the
boat touches the water, let go both falls together. Nos. 4, 5, 8 and 9
slide down the falls, or the life-lines, or go down the ladder into the boat.
Follow them myself.
When the crew are in their places in the boat give the order "Crew—
ship rowlocks and oars ready/3 No. 1 slip the painter and push oil
forward with the boathook. No. 10 at the tiller, "Crew—out oars.'"*
Push off from the ship's side. Give way.