Marine pyrotechnics

MARINE PYROTECHNICS A lifeboat or life raft is a small boat that is carried in a ship and is used for evacuation in case of any emergency. It is one of the most important lives saving equipment for any endangerment in the sea. First used to rescue the people on sinking PS Normandy. Further, Maria Beasley patented an improved life raft in both England and the United States.

During the 20th century with the increase in the size of ships, more people could travel but there was no change in the number of lifeboats.

It was after the Titanic incident that the number of lifeboats was increased such that would be sufficient for people on board. After that, there were a lot more improvements in the lifeboats for the proper safety in case of any emergency.

There are different types of lifeboats/ life rafts available for saving lives at the time of endanger: 

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Open Lifeboats: These are the ones with no roof, therefore considered the least safe. There is no safety available from the indifferent weather conditions and water currents.

Closed Lifeboats: These are the safest and most popular ones. These are closed from all sides providing proper protection in the sea. This is further classified as partially and fully enclosed lifeboats.

Free Fall Lifeboats: These are the same as closed lifeboats. The only difference is the launching mechanism used. These are designed especially keeping passengers' safety in mind such that there will be no injury when the boat falls from a great height.

Inflatable Life rafts: These have auto-inflatable systems designed in them making them easier to launch than the other lifeboats. These are filled with compressed air which provides this feature. Merchant ships must carry a sufficient number of life rafts on each side.

As a lifeboat/ life raft is sufficient for the safety of the people present on the ship but there is some basic life raft/ lifeboat equipment that should be present mandatorily. This equipment is: 

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Marine pyrotechnics: These are the visual signals which are used in case of extreme emergency. These distress signals used to inform nearby ships of urgent help.

Compass: This is the crucial component that is required to make sure the boat is going in the right direction.

First Aid Kit: For treating the minor injuries during the rescue operations it must be available on the boat.

Dipper: Due to the swinging of the sea, there might be spilling of the water which is present on the boat and is the most valuable commodity.

It must be used carefully to last for a long time for survival. Dipper is used to minimize spillage.

Food Rations: In case people have to stay on the boat for multiple dates, it must contain food items like vitamins, soya fat, glucose, and freshwater.

Daylight signaling mirror: For the communication, during day time it can be used.

Fishing line and hook: It is used in case of food scarcity on the boat.

Tools: To make some adjustments in the lifeboat engine, sufficient tools must be present.

In addition to all this equipment, the lifeboats must be check and maintained regularly to ensure its efficiency. The proper functioning of a lifeboat is the most important thing. Lifeboats must be checked periodically for any cracks. The air support system should be verified to circumvent the path of toxic gases. Every week the lifeboat engine must be tested for proper working. The battery that provides electricity to the lifeboat should be renewed every year.

Lifeboats/ Life rafts are saving lives for years and will keep on doing the same for the years to come. Moreover, you will always find these kinds of lifeboats in almost every big ship. Life should be the priority of every ship.