Lifeboat release hook

A lifeboat release hook is the on-load release and retrieval mechanism that holds the lifeboat to its falls and releases it under load during launching. After widespread fatal accidents from unintended release, SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 1.5 required every existing on-load release mechanism not meeting LSA Code paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 to be evaluated and, if non-compliant, replaced. MSC.1/Circ.1392 gives the evaluation and replacement guidance, and the replacement deadline was the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014 and in any case before 1 July 2019. Hooks are maintained per the manufacturer and checked before every lowering during abandon ship drills.