Record high lifeboat freefall

Jul 30, 2009 0 Comments by nathan

The FF1200 was dropped into the sea from a 55 m test rig at Schat-Harding’s Rosendal facility in west Norway

The Maritime Executive alerted me to this amazing video of a freefall release of a lifeboat from a record-breaking height.   55 M or 180.4 FT is now the world record for a freefall release of an enclosed lifeboat. At 33 tons, the falling lifeboat and the resulting water entry is a sight to see.  The release was part of a test by the marine safety equipment company, Schat-Harding for their newest model, the FF1200.

“The G forces measured in the boat during fall and impact were well below the requirements of the authorities,” says Ove Roessland, CEO, Schat-Harding. “The high drop height makes the boat go very deep, around 11 metres under the water, and gives it a lot of momentum to clear the rig. We are very proud of our new boat, which sets a complete new benchmark for safety in the offshore energy field.”

See the high quality video HERE.  (It is a large file and may take a moment to download)

For information on the FF1200 email: john@merlinco.com

Schat-Harding Press Release

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nathan

About the author

Nathan Menefee is an active duty Lieutenant serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in the San Francisco Bay area. He also holds an Unlimited Third Mate's License, and possesses a QMED and Tankerman PIC endorsement. He is a 2002 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

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