Safety Alert – Lifeboat gripes

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Safety Alert reporting problems that have been experienced with lifeboat gripes on certain totally enclosed lifeboats. On some lifeboats, the ring on the released end of the gripe is larger than the gripe bollard or sternpost on the lifeboat. This may allow the ring to snag on the gripe bollard, causing the lifeboat to fall in an uncontrolled manner. Owners, operators, and masters should check their lifeboat arrangements and contact their lifeboat manufacturer and classification society immediately if the condition exists. (HK Law)