Boat handling tips -basic survival requirements Several major changes have taken place in the field of survival craft and life saving appliances over the last decade. Account has been taken of different hull constructions, particularly relevant to High Speed Craft and associated problems present with high freeboard vessels. Manufacturers have devised novel ideas to satisfy increased legislation while many old fashioned ideas have been scrapped altogether. Equipment in motor propelled survival craft has been amended to suit the twenty-first century. Sails have been removed, automatic release systems have become established, and free fall boats are no longer considered abnormal. With so much development riding on the back of the ever larger ship, every seafarer must be prepared to see increased changes in life saving appliances. It should be realised that it is essential that the level of training and familiarisation keeps pace with modernisation. The 1974 SOLAS convention and its two protocols of 1978 and 1988,together with amendments of May 2000 as adopted by resolution MSC 92 (72), enter force on 1 January 2002, and are applicable to ships constructed on or after 1 July, 1998. This website is all about lifeboat handling and tips, boat manouvering in a rescue operation, boat maintenance and basic survival technics. We welcome any feedback from our visitors. Copyright © 2010 Boat Handling Tips.com All rights reserved.