WO2009153240A1

WO2009153240A1 - A lifesaving system

Info

Publication number: WO2009153240A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/057368
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bent Nielsen
Original assignee: Nadiro AS
Current assignee: Nadiro AS
Priority date: 2008-06-16
Filing date: 2009-06-15
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2010-12-16

Abstract

A lifesaving system for rescuing crew on board ships or rigs and the like comprising a lifeboat (50) and a encasement (100) adapted to accommodate the lifeboat wherein the encasement including the lifeboat forms part of a modular system, such that maintenance may be carried out on modules not being arranged onto the ship or rig accommodating the lifesaving system.

Description

A lifesaving system

The present invention generally relates to lifesaving systems typically applied to ships or rigs and the like.

According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a lifesaving system for rescuing crew on board ships or rigs and the like.

The system inter alia comprising a modular encasement adapted to accom- modate means for lifesaving. The modular encasement is connectable to a ship or a rig and the like.

It is understood that the expressions ship, boat or vessel, throughout this specification is meant to denote any kind of floating structure suitable for car- rying either persons, cargo or a combination thereof.

It is further understood that the expression fall, throughout this specification is meant to denote any kind of wire or rope which is capable of being wound up on, or wound from, a drum.

Background

Larger ships and rigs are required to accommodate various lifesaving equipment incl. one or more lifeboats.

There are generally two types of lifeboats in use, one being the so called free fall lifeboat and the other being the conventional davit launched lifeboat. The davit launched lifeboat is lowered to the surface of the sea, or retrieved from the sea, by means of a dedicated launching system. The crew or personnel operating, and to some extent maintaining, the lifeboats has to undergo special training. As there are various lifeboat systems incl. launching systems etc. available, transferring of crew from one ship or rig and the like to another ship or rig and the like often entails a need for con- ducting courses wherein the crew or personnel is trained in operating and maintaining the specific type of lifesaving equipment present at a particular location.

Launch systems for lifeboats encompass relatively complex release and/or lowering arrangements comprising a number of winches, sheaves, hooks and wires etc. As the arrangements are vital to the overall functionality and reliability of the lifesaving equipment, the arrangements has to undergo regular service and maintenance, which is both time consuming and costly. The repairs and maintenance routines are today carried out in situ, i.e. on board the ship or rig and the like where the equipment is installed.

Various rules require regular tests and maintenance of the lifesaving equipment installed on ships or rigs and the like. The rules specify what these tests should encompass and sets out guidelines relating a level of training of the personnel allowed performing such tests and maintenance.

Light weekly and monthly tests and maintenance can normally be carried out by the on board personnel provided the work is carried out according to standards specified by the manufacturer and often in corporation with authorities and classification societies.

Regular tests and maintenance has to be carried out by personnel who have undergone special training, and quite often, the personnel required to possess an authorization issued by the manufacturer. Normally, the personnel or the crew on board ships or rigs and the like do not have such authorization meaning that assistance, e.g. from the manufacturer of the lifesaving equip- ment has to be procured, before steps of repair and maintenance of the life- saving equipment may be carried out.

Today's lifesaving systems normally are not protected from the environ- ments, in fact, the systems are typically exposed to harsh environments such as extreme temperature variations, saltwater and sunlight, all of which contributes to a need for regular service and maintenance.

Prior art holds various solutions wherein lifesaving equipment is either par- tially or totally enclosed protecting the equipment from the environment.

The below references suggests encasing lifesaving equipment for various reasons, one reason being protecting the equipment from the environment.

WO 07028851 A discloses an abandon station for a maritime unit operating at the sea. The station acts as the crew's emergency exit, and one or more rescue vessels, incl. free fall lifeboats etc. may by placed within the station. The station isolates the rescue vessel incl. crew from the surroundings and the rescue vessels may be launched by, to some extent, lowering the station towards the surface of the sea.

US 5342230 A discloses a water survival device accommodating an inflatable life raft and a pressurized gas bottle packed in a container. The container has a first waterproof compartment containing the life raft and a sec- ond waterproof compartment containing the pressurized gas bottle. The first and second waterproof compartments are separated by a substantially planar rigid watertight partition. The second waterproof compartment can be opened without opening the first waterproof compartment so that it is possible to inspect the pressurized gas bottle without opening the first waterproof com- partment. US 3026545 A discloses a remote controlled retrieving vessel adapted inter alia for lifesaving purposes. Generally, the document relates to an unmanned rescue vessel suitable for launching from a ship, even if the ship has not come to a standstill. The object of the disclosure is to present means for res- cuing an overboard person capable of reaching the person at a very early stage of a rescue process. The vessel is stored in a launcher from where the vessel, by free falling through a door arranged in one end of the encasement, is launched.

GB 2229402 A discloses a self-launching module for rescuing personnel from an off-shore environment such as an off-shore platform or a ship. The module is in the form of a habitation module providing full living, eating and/or sleeping accommodation for personnel. The module is located on guides, and in the event of an emergency, the module is adapted to move down the guides to the surface of the sea where the module is clear from the platform or ship. The module may have independent propulsion means in order to escape the rig or ship. Lowering of the module may be effected by hoist means which may also function to raise the module to its deck level position. According to the document, the suggested arrangement minimises the need for in- volved mustering of personnel on the occurrence of an emergency.

WO 9961308 A1 discloses an evacuation refuge for a maritime unit. The unit may accommodate plurality of lifeboats. The lifeboats are operable to be occupied while inside the rescue station prior to deployment. An open able or removable structure is operable to permit deployment of the lifeboats arranged within the rescue station.

WO 00/32464 A discloses a lifeboat system for a surface vessel, comprising davits, control/release devices, power devices and lines etc. for lowering a lifeboat to the surface of the sea. The system further comprises a main frame/cassette comprising a horizontal main beam with one horizontally ex- tending fixed telescope part. The main frame/cassette is arranged such that the lifeboat is guided through an opening to an evacuation/boarding position outside a ship's side and with the main frame/cassette being arranged for placement of the entire lifeboat system as a unit in a lifeboat storage room in a vessel.

Encasing the lifesaving equipment, e.g. according to some of the above proposals, will to some extent reduce the need for regular onboard service and maintenance, as the equipments exposure to the harsh environment is re- duced. However, procurement of specially trained assistance is a continued necessity, as the equipment from time to time has to undergo profound inspection, maintenance and repairs.

As the lifesaving systems according to the prior art all require regular service, which has to be carried out at the site of application, the routines are considered troublesome and generally a costly and inconvenient exercise.

Brief description of the invention

The present invention seeks to improve the overall performance and reliability of lifesaving systems while at the same time reduce the expensive and time consuming maintenance required in order to maintain and repair lifesaving systems provided on ships and rigs and the like.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to set forth a lifesaving system wherein:

- the inconvenience of the above described onboard or onsite maintenance is overcome

- the means for lifesaving is protected from the environment, and - the crew or personnel does not need education in operating various types and models of lifesaving equipment. According to the invention, there is provided a lifesaving system as per the introductory part of this specification, and in particular upon configuring the system such that the modular encasement forms part of a modular system comprising a number of auxiliary modular encasements adapted to accommodate lifeboats where at least one modular encasement is arranged on board a ship or a rig, and where at least one auxiliary modular encasement is arranged ashore.

This way, and according to the present invention, the above drawbacks are overcome In particular, it is suggested to arrange one or more lifeboats, on board a ship or a rig and the like, within an easily removable and/or detachable encasement, where the encasement incl. lifeboats, together forming a module, may form part of a series of units or modules.

Some of the advantages rendered by the modular lifesaving system according to one or more aspects of the present invention are:

- that service and maintenance can be carried out at locations away from the particular site of application, e.g. at manufacturers facilities, or at the ship owners own storage facilities,

- that a system comprising several more or less identical units allows for easy and quick lift on / lift off replacement, and

- that the crew or personnel, intended to rely on the lifesaving system in case of an emergency requires training in one type and model of life- saving system only,

- that the lifesaving system may accompany a selected crew, intended to rely on the lifesaving system in case of an emergency, from site to site.

According to one embodiment, the means for lifesaving constitutes a lifeboat. According to one embodiment, at least one of the modular encasements comprise means for lowering the lifeboat out underneath the encasement and means for retrieving the lifeboat into the encasement.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the modular encasements is adapted to be handled by means a container handling crane.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the modular encasements constitutes a box having substantially parallel sides and further comprising a closed or substantially closed top.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the modular encasements comprises corner castings similar to corner casting provided in standardized cargo containers.

According to one embodiment, the system comprise means for moving the modular encasement, arranged on a ship or a rig or the like, between a first position where the modular encasement is stowed, and a second position where the modular encasement is positioned such that the means for lifesav- ing may be lowered out underneath the encasement and into the sea.

According to one embodiment, the means for moving the modular encasement constitute davits.

According to one embodiment, the means for moving the modular encasement supports the modular encasement in the first position as well as in the second position.

According to one embodiment, the means for moving the modular encase- ment supports the modular encasement around a lower periphery of the modular encasement. According to one embodiment, the means for moving the modular encasement comprise means allowing the modular encasement to assume an upright orientation under scenarios wherein the modular encasement is posi- tioned in the second position and where the ship or rig and the like is heeling or listing.

According to one embodiment, the means allowing the modular encasement to assume an upright orientation constitutes pivot able linkages provided in the means for moving the modular encasement between the first position and the second position.

According to one embodiment, the pivot able linkages are arranged such that the modular encasement will, upon being moved into the second position, assume an upright position by means of gravity.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the modular encasements accommodates a detachable frame accommodating a winch for maintaining, lifting and/or lowering the means for lifesaving in or out underneath the modular encasement.

According to one embodiment, the modular encasement comprises a door or a hatch.

According to one embodiment, the modular encasement constitutes a modified flatrack adapted to facilitate passage of means for lifesaving through its bottom.

According to one embodiment, the modular encasement constitutes a modi- fied standard cargo container. According to one embodiment, the modular encasement constitutes a wide body cargo container or wide body flatrack.

According to one embodiment, the modular lifesaving system further com- prises means for, during launch or retrieval of a lifeboat, tipping or tilting the encasement.

According to one embodiment, a modular encasement according to the present invention is provided.

According to one embodiment, a ship or rig and the like provided with a modular encasement according to the present invention is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of providing lifesaving equipment to ships or rigs and the like are provided. The method comprising the steps of:

- retrieving a modular encasement accommodating a lifeboat from a store, and

- fitting the modular encasement onto a ship or rig and the like.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:

- removing the modular encasement from the ship or rig or the like, and,

- providing another modular encasement, retrieved from a store, onto the ship or rig and the like.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of performing maintenance or repairs to the modular encasement while the modular encasement is positioned in a store. According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing a ship or rig and the like with overhauled modular encasements comprising lifeboats.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a principal side view of an encased lifeboat.

Figure 2 illustrates a principal perspective view of a modular lifesaving sys- tern.

Figure 3 illustrates a principal end view of a modular lifesaving system.

Figure 4 illustrates an end view of an encased lifeboat in a stowed position and arranged in davits.

Figure 5 illustrates an end view of an encased lifeboat in a position from where the lifeboat may be launched.

Figure 6 principally illustrates a sectional top view of an encased lifeboat.

Detailed description of the invention with reference to the figures

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention. A lifeboat 50 is arranged within an encasement 100, and in the depicted scenario, the encasement 100 accommodates a twin fall lifeboat 50 suspended by falls 110, wherein according to the depicted scenario, the lifeboat 50 is partially lowered through the bottom plane of the encasement 100. One end of the falls 110 is secured to the lifeboat 50 e.g. via hooks or other coupling means (not shown) while the opposite end of the falls 100 is secured to, or connected to, hoisting and/or lowering means, e.g. in the form of one or more winches 115. The falls 110 may be guided from the hoisting or lowering means 115 via a number of pulleys 120 or equivalent.

Although the illustrated embodiment encompasses a conventional davit launched lifeboat 50, this is not in any way limiting for the present invention. The invention may prove equally beneficial in embodiments wherein the life- saving equipment constitutes e.g. a free fall lifeboat.

The encasement 100 may constitute an open frame having a framework defining six planes where opposite planes respectively are substantially parallel. The encasement 100 may be provided with open, partially open or closed faces. It may be preferred to provide the encasement 100 with a substantially open bottom in order to effortless allow the rescue equipment to be lowered to the surface of the sea through the bottom of the encasement 100, however it will be possible to provide the encasement 100 with a suitable form of bottom closure, e.g. an easy burst able cloth or hinged and/or slid able panels etc. (not shown).

The hoisting and/or lowering means 115 may form an integrated part of the encasement 100, and the hoisting and/or lowering means 115 may constitute a common winch system, e.g. comprising dual drums and a form of out- let/inlet control system. Further, the winch 115 may be hand operated or power operated by means of e.g. hydraulic power or electricity. Finally, it may be preferred to provide the encasement or the winch with a source of power, e.g. in the form of one or more batteries. If batteries are installed, measures may be taken, e.g. in the form of applying chargers etc. to the system, such that an operable condition of the batteries may be easily secured and monitored. Although not depicted in figure 1 , the means for launch and retrieval of the lifeboat may constitute a detachable frame adapted to be secured on an upper portion of the interior of the encasement. The frame may accommodate any and all means for effectuating launch and retrieval of the, such as one or more winches, pulleys, power sources, falls and the like.

Figure 2 illustrates a principal perspective view of a modular lifesaving system, here depicted in two different positions, wherein numeral 200 refers to the module 1 in a stored position and numeral 210 refers to the module moved into a position from where a not shown lifeboat may be launched or retrieved.

As illustrated in figure 2, it may be beneficial to provide the module 1 with windows 106 allowing easy inspection of the interior from the outside of the module 1. Further, windows may allow light to enter the module 1 while allowing accommodated crew or personnel to observe the surrounding environment.

Figure 3 illustrates a principal end view of a modular lifesaving system 1. The module 1 is again shown in two different positions, wherein numeral 300 refers to the module 1 in a stored position and numeral 310 refers to the module 1 located in a position wherein launch and retrieval of the lifeboat 50 is possible. The module 1 may be moved between a first position 300 and a second position 310 by means of davits 105. In the depicted embodiment, the davits 105 constitute telescopic beams, which may be operated by means of hydraulic power. The means for moving the modular unit 1 may constitute any suitable means, incl. conventional davit systems (not shown in figure 3), and the invention is not in any way limited by the chosen means for moving the modular unit 1 onboard the ship or a rig and the like. Although not illustrated in the figures, the modular encasement 1 may be arranged or stored on the ship or rig and the like such that the stored position of the modular encasement 1 is equal to the position from where the lifeboat may be launched meaning that the modular encasement 1 may be stored such that the modular encasementi extends, either totally or partially, over the sides of the ship or rig.

As the lifeboat 50 is launched substantially vertical through the bottom of the encasement 100, it is preferred that the modular encasement 1 is arranged substantially upright, i.e. with its sides defining substantially vertical planes and its bottom and topsides defining substantially horizontal planes. As a vessel or a rig and the like, under an emergency, may list or heel substantially, it is preferred that the module 1 is mounted in an arrangement, which prior to launch of the lifeboat 50, aligns the module 1 as per the above, e.g. by suspending the module 1 from falls, pivoting linkages or the like. Further, it will be possible to arrange the module 1 within pivoting means within davits allowing the module, e.g. by means of gravity, to assume an upright orientation.

Figure 4 shows an end view of an encasement or module 100, resting on a structure 150 such as the deck of a ship or on a rig, and arranged within davits 107. The encasement 100 may accommodate a not visible lifeboat or equivalent. Numeral 108 refer to connection points arranged in at least some of the corners of the module, preferably at least in the four uppermost cor- ners or, as an equal alternative, in all eight corners. The connection points 108 may constitute container corners such as corner castings or ISO corner casting similar to the widely recognized corner casting provided in standardized cargo containers. The connection points will facilitate handling of the module, i.e. the encasement incl. means for lifesaving and launching means, by means of common and widespread container handling equipment. The connection points may also serve to connect the encasement on to the ship or rig and the like, as well as onto any means for moving the encasement between different positions on board the ship or rig and the like.

Figure 5 shows the module according to figure 4, however here depicted in a position wherein the not shown means for lifesaving may be launched from underneath the module.

As can be seen in figure 4 and 5, the modular encasement may be moved or relocated into a launching position by means of davits 107, one arranged in each end of the modular encasement. The davits may form part of a dedicated arrangement for handling the module. The arrangement may advantageously comprise a stationary portion 109, connected to a structure such as a ship or a rig 150, and a mobile portion 111 adapted to connect to the mod- ule. The mobile portion 111 , which may constitute an oblong structure, has an open centre portion and overall dimensions substantially equivalent to the footprint of the module, whereby the mobile portion 111 supports the module along its periphery only.

The mobile portion 111 may advantageously comprise bottom locks, such as twist locks or equivalent; adapted to mate with abovementioned connection points 108 on the modular encasement such that the encasement may connect to the mobile portion 111.

The mobile portion 111 may, according to one embodiment and as shown in figure 4 and 5, be moved or activated by means of one or more cylinders 114. Preferably, one cylinder 114 is provided in each end of the arrangement for handling the module.

The handling arrangement for the module may, although not shown in the figures, be able to relocate, or move, the movable portion 111 incl. the mod- ule substantially away from the stationary portion 109, and thereby also the structure 50 accommodating the stationary portion 109, such that in the event of a severe inclination of the structure 50, such that, under listing or heeling of the ship or rig, the means for lifesaving may still be launched from under- neath the module.

Although the handling arrangement is illustrated as being rigidly installed onto the deck of a ship or a rig, this is not in any way a requirement for the present invention. The handling arrangement may equally be arranged onto tracks or rails, such that the handling arrangement incl. the module may be conveyed from one position to another on the structure accommodating the lifesaving system.

Further, the depicted arrangement indicates the lifesaving equipment being arranged and launched with its sides oriented substantially parallel to a side of a structure from where the lifesaving equipment is to be launched. According to another and not shown embodiment, the lifesaving system according to the present invention may equally be arranged such that the means for life- saving is launched with a forward or aft end oriented away from the sides of the structure accommodating the lifesaving system, i.e. perpendicular to the illustrated embodiments.

Numeral 113 refers to pivot points arranged in the handling arrangement. The mobile portion 111 is, via the pivots 113, and in its two ends, connected to the arms of the davit 107, such that the mobile portion 111 may serve as a cradle ensuring, when the mobile portion 111 incl. the module is suspended free via the pivots 113, that the mobile portion 111 and thereby also the module will, by means of gravity, assume a substantially upright angular position suitable for launching the encased means for lifesaving. As can be seen, the pivots 113 are arranged above centre of gravity of the module. Active means (not shown in the figures), such as actuators in the form of cylinders, motors, connecting rods and the like may equally be provided in order to control the inclination of the mobile portion 111 with respect to the structure 150 such that the modular encasement may assume an upright, or alter- native, orientation via forced control. By upright orientation is meant an orientation wherein a plane defined by the bottom face of the modular encasement is substantially horizontal.

Numeral 116, referred to in figure 5 only, denotes resting points or locks pro- vided on the stationary portion 111 and adapted to, upon the davits being retracted, i.e. the mobile portion 111 resting in a stored position, support and possible lock and secure the mobile portion 111 onto the stationary portion 109.

Figure 6 is a sectional top view according to the line A-A shown in figure 5. A lifeboat 50 is in the depicted embodiment accommodated within the encasement 100, and further, as can be seen in figure 6, a winch 125 is provided within a structure 126.

The winch 125 is in the embodiment according to figure 6 provided with two drums each accommodating one not shown fall. One fall is provided for hoisting or lowering, via a hook or coupling arrangement, in one end of the lifeboat and another fall is provided for, via a not shown pulley and a hook or coupling arrangement, hoisting or lowering the opposite end of the lifeboat.

As can be seen in figure 6, the winch is arranged within a structure 126, generally constituting a frame accommodating the mechanical components incl. launching system etc. The launching system may encompass a not shown pulley for guiding a fall discharged from the drum and connected to the life- boat in an end opposite the winch 125. The winch 126 as well as other power requiring components within the module may be powered from a power unit, which in figure 6 is indicated by numeral 127.

The power unit 127 may constitute a hydraulic power pack equipped with battery means incl. possible charging means. As can be seen in figure 6, the power unit 127 may be arranged within the structure 126.

Numeral 112 on figure 6 refers to a door or equivalent provided to allow ac- cess to the means for lifesaving as well as for maintenance and inspection. Other suitable means for access may be incorporated accordingly.

Although not depicted, the modular encasement may further be provided with connections for power, fluids, ventilation and power.

The structure 126 may constitute a self-contained launch-supporting structure built up over a frame having an overall size corresponding substantially to the dimensions of the upper interior face of the encasement. According to one embodiment, the structure may be easily removed from the module, such that any service, inspection or maintenance is easily carried out.

The modular encasement 100 may be provided with support and/or guide means 101 adapted to guide and fixate an accommodated lifeboat 50. On one hand, the support and guide means 101 , upon retrieval of the lifeboat 50, aligns the lifeboat 50 such that the lifeboat assumes a desired position within the encasement, and on the other hand, and upon launch or retrieval of a lifeboat 50, the support and guide means 101 assists in guiding the lifeboat in or out of the encasement. The guides may prove particular beneficial if launch or lowering of a lifeboat is executed under scenarios wherein module 1 is not in a substantial upright position. The support and guide means 101 may encompass protecting or friction reducing means (not shown) such as rollers, heads or equivalent, in order to facilitate guiding of the lifeboat 50 within the encasement 100. Further, the support and guide means 101 may be arranged in any number and in any location within the encasement.

The encasement 100 may be provided with one or more arrangements facilitating the crew or the personnel boarding of the lifeboat 50. The means may constitute doors or hatches arranged in the top or in the sides of the module 1. According to the chosen configuration incl. model and/or type of lifeboat, it may prove beneficial to provide the module 1 with means for internal guiding extending from the entrance of the module to the entrance of the lifeboat 50.

The module 1 may advantageously be produced in sizes corresponding to sizes of standardised container units, e.g. high or low cube TEU, FEU or even 43 or 45 foot units.

The module 1 may be fixed to the ship or rig or the like e.g. by screws or "twist-locks" and the like. The fixation may preferably constitute a kind of coupling system facilitating easy and effortless replacement of the module 1.

Although not shown in the figures, the module may comprise means or arrangements allowing a vertical side of the module to connect to a ship or a rig.

Although not shown in the figures, the present invention may equally be applied to lifesaving systems incorporating free fall lifeboats, MOB-boats as well as free fall lifeboats and other lifesaving equipment such as life rafts and the like.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. A lifesaving system for rescuing crew on board ships or rigs and the like, said system inter alia comprising a modular encasement (100) adapted to accommodate means for lifesaving, said modular encasement (100) is con- nectable to a ship or a rig and the like, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said modular encasement (100) forms part of a modular system comprising a number of auxiliary modular encasements adapted to accommodate lifeboats where at least one modular encasement (100) is arranged on board a ship or a rig, and where at least one auxiliary modular encasement is arranged ashore.

2. A lifesaving system according to claim 1 , wherein said means for lifesaving constitutes a lifeboat (50).

3. A lifesaving system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of said modular encasements (100) comprise means for lowering said lifeboat (50) out underneath said encasement (100) and means for retrieving said lifeboat (50) into said encasement (100).

4. A lifesaving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said modular encasements (100) is adapted to be handled by means a container handling crane.

5. A lifesaving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said modular encasements (100) constitutes a box having substantially parallel sides and further comprising a closed or substantially closed top.

6. A lifesaving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said modular encasements comprises corner castings similar to corner casting provided in standardized cargo containers.

7. A lifesaving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said system further comprise means for moving said modular encasement (100), arranged on a ship or a rig or the like, between a first position where said modular encasement is stowed, and a second position where said modular encasement is positioned such that said means for lifesaving may be lowered out underneath said encasement (100) and into the sea.

8. A lifesaving system according to claim 7, wherein said means for moving said modular encasement (100) constitute davits.

9. A lifesaving system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said means for moving said modular encasement (100) supports said modular encasement (100) in said first position as well as in said second position.

10. A lifesaving system according to any of the claims 7 to 9, wherein said means for moving said modular encasement (100) supports said modular encasement (100) around a lower periphery of said modular encasement (100).

11. A lifesaving system according to any of the claims 7 to 10 wherein said means for moving said modular encasement (100) comprise means allowing said modular encasement to assume an upright orientation under scenarios wherein said modular encasement (100) is positioned in said second position and where said ship or rig and the like is heeling or listing.

12. A lifesaving system according to claim 11 , where said means allowing said modular encasement (100) to assume an upright orientation constitutes pivot able linkages provided in said means for moving said modular encasement between said first position and said second position.

13. A lifesaving system according to claim 12, wherein said pivot able link- ages are arranged such that said modular encasement (100) will, upon being moved into said second position, assume an upright position by means of gravity.

14. A lifesaving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said modular encasements accommodates a detachable frame accommodating a winch.

15. A lifesaving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said modular encasement (100) further comprises a door or a hatch.

16. A lifesaving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said modular encasement (100) constitutes a modified flatrack.

17. A lifesaving system according to any one of the claims 1 -15, wherein said modular encasement (100) constitutes a modified standard cargo container.

18. A lifesaving system according to any one of the claims 1 -15, wherein said modular encasement (100) constitutes a wide body cargo container or wide body flatrack.

19. A lifesaving system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said system further comprise means for, during launch or retrieval of a lifeboat, tipping or tilting said encasement.

20. A modular encasement according to any of the preceding claims.

21. A ship or rig and the like provided with a modular encasement according to any of the preceding claims.

22. A method of providing lifesaving equipment to ships or rigs and the like c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said method comprising the steps of:

- retrieving a modular encasement (100) accommodating a lifeboat from a store, and

- fitting said modular encasement (100) onto a ship or rig and the like.

23. A method of providing lifesaving equipment to ships or rigs and the like according to claim 22, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

- removing said modular encasement from said ship or rig or the like, and,

- providing another modular encasement (100), retrieved from a store, onto said ship or rig and the like.

24. A method of providing lifesaving equipment to ships or rigs and the like according to claim 22 or 23, wherein said method further comprises the steps of performing maintenance or repairs to said modular encasement while said modular encasement is positioned in a store.

25. A method of providing lifesaving equipment to ships or rigs and the like according to any of the claims 22 to 24, wherein said method further comprises the steps of providing said ships or rigs and the like with overhauled modular encasements comprising lifeboats.