Launching free-fall lifeboats - GIF

[MeJasonT]

Been there, seen it, done it.
The Norwegians I think invented this free fall method for the north sea, if not they are certainly the biggest advocates of it.
funnily enough if you have been in one practice exercise in Norway you are classed has having done it and not expected to do it again unless its for real. The British on the other hand find every oportunity to do free fall lifeboat exercises. Its not without its risks, you still get thrown about and still get that childs backside on a crossbar type of tail injury if you bounce on your arse. Thats why the Norwegians dont practice doing it as a sport. Definately a very quick and effective way of launching off a rig, also has the potential of diving under its own wave as it enters the water. Rigs, fire pool of ****e and debris floating around the base of the rig. So getting under it or throwing water over the life raft is a huge advantage over being lowered on top of any burning crap by a davit launched craft. some of the rigs i have been on, the deck was 50ft to 70ft above the water the liferafts could have been at least another 10 to 20 feet above that. Thats a potential 90/100 ft drop possibly even more. Not for the faint hearted, me i was crapping myself.