A hydrostatic release unit allows a liferaft to launch automatically if there isn’t time for crew to launch it manually. How it works: The strong white rope is secured to the deck or liferaft cradle and attached to the liferaft lashing with a sliphook. If the ship sinks, the water pressure will (within 4 metres) activate the sharp knife which cuts the white rope and the liferaft will float free. As the ship sinks, theliferaft painter line will be stretched and the liferaft starts to inflate. The Red Weak Link breaks and survivors can board the floating liferaft. • Breaking strength of white rope sling: min 15kN. • Breaking strength of red weak link: 2.2 +/- 0.4 kN
Marine Engineering exam notes for Seafarers