Launch Deployment and Retrieval

A launch secured in its davit

A launch being lowered to the rail

The launch is lowered to the boarding deck (rail) by the davit operator. Two lines are secured (fore and aft) to the rail. Two frapping lines are held by deckhands to maintain hook control and keep the launch from swinging away from the ship.

The launch crew boards the launch and transfers gear. Each crewmember wears a lifejacket and hardhat. The hydrographer in charge is stationed on the bow and the second hydrographer on the stern.  The launch coxswain, or deck department member qualified to drive a survey launch, is stationed at the helm ready to start the engine and take the launch away from the ship.  The lines are untied from the hooks in preparation for release.

The launch is lowered into the water. The crew on the bow and stern release the hook and the davit operator lifts the hooks out of harm's way. The deckhands throw off the lines and the launch is ready to survey.

The passenger prepares to unhook the launch

The launch is ready to conduct hydrographic operations

A deckhand throws a line to the passenger

The passenger hooks the launch

The launch comes alongside Rainier for retrieval. Launch crewmembers throw lines to the deckhands who secure them to the rail. The davit controller lowers the hooks while two other deckhands use lines to keep the hooks from striking the crew.

The crew on the bow and stern hook the launch. The launch is lifted to the rail. The crew secures the hooks, removes gear from the launch and boards the ship. The launch is lifted into its davit and secured.

The launch is lifted to the rail

The launch is secured in its davit