How do cruise ships test their lifeboats?

Although rarely required, lifeboats are an important component of a cruise ship. Exceedingly high standards of manufacture and compliance are required by law, and any deviation from stringent requirements is a punishable offence. read more

Cruise ships frequently lower their lifeboats when they are in port to test equipment and train crew on how to use them. In general, the lifeboats on the side of the ship that is not facing the dock will be lowered and driven around the port (picture below). read more

Actually, lifeboats are tested before they even make it onto the cruise ship. Once the lifeboats are built, manufacturers use water weights to test the loading capacity of the boats. Bags are filled with water to represent the weight of passengers, and then moved into different spots in the lifeboat to test the safe load in a variety of scenarios. read more

Cruise lines place the safety of passengers and crew as their highest priority, with lifeboat evacuation education playing a significant role in familiarising passengers with the vessel. Lifeboats are also frequently lowered while in port in order to train the crew and test equipment. read more