Quick Answer A davit is the crane-like arm fitted on ships that holds, launches, and recovers lifeboats and rescue boats. Modern ships use gravity davits — the boat sits at deck level and, when released, swings outboard by gravity and lowers down to water using wires (falls). SOLAS requires all davits to be capable of launching in 10 minutes total, and rescue boat davits within 5 minutes.
Davit: What It Means
The word davit comes from the proper name David — early versions were named for their inventor. Today, it refers to any crane arm fitted on a ship specifically for launching and recovering survival craft (lifeboats, rescue boats).
How Gravity Davits Work (Most Common Type)
Modern merchant ships use gravity davits:
- Stowed position: Lifeboat sits in a cradle at boat deck level, davit arms folded inboard
- Preparing to launch: Falls (wires) are checked, outboard brake released
- Swinging out: Davit arms swing outboard by gravity — the boat moves to the ship’s side
- Lowering: Falls are eased (controlled by brake) — boat descends to the water
- Release at water: Hydrostatic release or manual hook release frees the boat from the falls
- Recovery: Boat manoeuvres alongside, hooks reconnected, boat hoisted up by motor or hand
What Can Go Wrong
Davit-related accidents are among the most deadly in maritime safety:
- Falls parting: Wire ropes failing — boat drops into water with crew inside
- Hook release malfunction: Lifeboat hung up, cannot free from falls in the water
- Winch runaway: Falls let go too fast, boat drops
- Training falls: Reduced thickness of falls near blocks — annual inspection critical
- Frozen mechanisms: Lack of maintenance in ports, corrosion in joints
SOLAS has strict requirements for davit maintenance, fall wire replacement (every 5 years mandatory), and load testing specifically because of these failure modes.
Davit Terminology
| Term | Meaning |
|---|
| Falls | Wire ropes from davit to lifeboat |
| Blocks | Pulleys through which falls run |
| Gripes | Lashings that secure boat to cradle |
| Tricing pendants | Lines that keep boat against ship’s side during swinging |
| Boat deck | The deck where lifeboats are stowed |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of davits on ships?
Main types: (1) Gravity davit — boat automatically swings outboard by gravity when released, most common on modern ships; (2) Luffing davit — davit arms are raised and lowered by power; (3) Radial davit — arm pivots around a fixed base (older ships); (4) Single arm (cantilever) davit — one arm per lifeboat, used on fast rescue craft. Free-fall lifeboat systems use a different release mechanism, not traditional davits.
What are falls and blocks in relation to davits?
Falls are the steel wire ropes used to lower and raise the lifeboat from the davit to the water. Blocks are pulley systems through which the falls run — they provide mechanical advantage to reduce the effort needed to lower or raise the boat. The falls connect to hooks at the bow and stern of the lifeboat.
How often must davits be tested?
Under SOLAS: lifeboat lowering drills every week (for ships with regular crew changes) or monthly (for fixed crew ships); annual survey includes full lowering and recovery; load testing every 5 years using a proof load equal to 110% of the boat's weight including full complement. Davit wire falls must be replaced every 5 years regardless of condition.
What is the SOLAS requirement for lifeboat launching time?
SOLAS requires that all survival craft (lifeboats, liferafts) can be launched within 10 minutes of the abandon ship signal. Rescue boats must be ready for launching within 5 minutes. These times are tested during safety drills and PSC inspections.