Not all lifeboat accidents are reported

According to marine insurer Gard, between 1992 and 2007 there were a total of 37 lifeboat accidents resulting in 13 deaths and 87 injuries reported by their member carriers. Additionally, there will also have been numerous lifeboat accidents without injuries to personnel and thus "not resulting in notification to the P&I club."

Moreover, the total number of accidents, deaths and injuries in the entire maritime industry "runs into the hundreds," says Gard.  However, there are actually no official records for the total amount. That incomplete accounting might be a major reason why regulators have been unable or unwilling to change the unsafe situation. "The end result is reduced confidence in davit launched lifeboats."

An example of the lack of uniformity is there are 72 different on-load hook releasing systems for lifeboats being used worldwide. That number is growing.

Read our three part article "Lifeboats and Rescue Boats: Lifesavers or death traps? here.