Davit

A lifting appliance fitted to a vessel or structure for lowering and recovering a boat or other load.

Davits commonly handle lifeboats, rescue boats, tenders, liferafts and operational equipment. Designs include radial, luffing, gravity and articulated systems and may use one arm or a matched pair with falls, winches and release arrangements.

The appliance, foundations, wires, hooks, brakes and controls must be maintained and operated for the approved load and procedure. A lifeboat davit is part of a complete launching arrangement, and its safe use depends on training, inspection and correctly functioning release equipment rather than the arms alone.