Lifeboat Load Testing Equipment
Hydro-Wates maintains an inventory of lifeboat load testing equipment designed specifically for lifeboats and lifeboat davit systems, in compliance with SOLAS, IMO, and OSHA requirements. Small 375 kg bags can be placed into the lifeboat to simulate passengers loading and enabling the lifeboat to be launched without risk to personnel. Water bags ranging from 2 to 12 tons are also available for davit load testing, used to test the lifeboat davit system's launch mechanism and braking function with the lifeboat removed. This equipment is available for rental or purchase, with optional on-site technicians who can travel directly to your vessel or dry dock anywhere in the U.S. or worldwide.
Lifeboat & Davit Load Testing Equipment Inventory
Our lifeboat load testing equipment includes:
- 2, 5 & 12 metric ton davit testing water bags
- 375 kg cylinder-shaped water bags
- 500 kg pillow and cylinder-shaped water bags
- Load cells, water meters, and ancillary rigging equipment
Industries That Rely on Our Lifeboat Testing Equipment
Vessel operators, shipyards, and offshore platforms in the maritime, oil & gas, and government & defense sectors rely on Hydro-Wates' lifeboat and davit load testing equipment to complete SOLAS-required periodic surveys and davit certifications on schedule.
Get a Lifeboat Load Testing Quote
Ready to schedule your next lifeboat davit survey? Contact Hydro-Wates today to rent or purchase lifeboat load testing equipment, or request an on-site technician to perform your SOLAS proof load test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lifeboat load testing typically uses water bags instead of steel weights because they're lightweight when empty and easy to ship worldwide. Hydro-Wates supplies 375 kg cylinder bags to simulate passenger loads, plus 2- to 12-ton water bags to test davit launch and braking systems during SOLAS proof load surveys.
SOLAS requires a dynamic winch brake test annually and a full proof load test at least every five years, or after major repairs. These periodic surveys confirm the davit's launching mechanism and braking system can safely handle rated loads without risking personnel or equipment.
Water bags are preferred because they're lightweight and collapsible when empty, making them far easier to ship to vessels and offshore platforms than steel weights. Technicians fill them with water on-site to the required test weight, then drain them for compact storage and return shipping.
Lifeboat testing simulates passenger weight inside the lifeboat using small water bags, while davit load testing uses heavier 2-to-12-ton water bags with the lifeboat removed to test the davit's launch and braking mechanisms independently, confirming the system meets SOLAS load requirements on its own.
Yes. Hydro-Wates offers lifeboat and davit load testing water bags, load cells, and water meters for rent or purchase. Rental equipment can be shipped directly to a vessel or dry dock, with optional on-site technicians available to perform the SOLAS-required proof load test.
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