Living Alaska — The Lifeboats Throwing a Lifeline

Saving Lives

Photograph by Author — Life Raft Training

When You Need a Lifeline

Have you ever needed a lifeboat? Have you ever needed a lifeline? Yesterday I spent 8 hours in a lifeboat. I was not stranded at sea or waiting to be rescued. Our crew was testing new life saving equipment for use on our ship. After three weeks of reconditioning our lifeboats, new engines, canvas, battens, lube and oil, and tuning the engines; we were ready to test our new hoists, brakes and hooks that attach the lifeboats to the ship.

Photograph by Author, Fast Rescue Boat Training

First Responders Train for Emergencies

It was an all-day process that went well, with a few time delays. Hurry up and wait, was the call for the day. But in a real emergency there is just hurry up and do. After yesterday’s exercise our crew would be able to hurry up and do. There would be no waiting around in a real emergency. We would be able to launch our lifeboats at any time, in any weather, in any seas anywhere in the world.