NOAA Ship RAINIER

Launch Deployment and Retrieval


Launches collect the majority of survey data for the RAINIER. The procedure of deploying and retrieving launches is a regular occurrence during the field season. Safety is of utmost importance during these operations, or someone could get seriously injured.

Launch Retrieval

A deckhand throws a line to the passenger
A deckhand throws a line to the passenger

The passenger hooks the launch
The passenger hooks the launch

The launch comes alongside for retrieval. Passengers 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 passengers.

The passengers hook the launch. The launch is lifted to the rail. The passengers secure the hooks, remove gear from the launch and board the ship. The launch is lifted into its davit and secured.

The launch is lifted to the rail
The launch is lifted to the rail

The launch is secured in its davit
The launch is secured in its davit

Launch Deployment

•  Return to Survey Operations
•  Return to RAINIER's Home Page


•  Return to Marine Operations Home Page
•  Inquires and Comments
•  URL: http://www.moc.noaa.gov/ra/operations/launch2.htm
•  Updated August 16, 2006