The Structure and Function of Titanic’s 25 ft. Emergency Boats

This article discusses the structure and function of Titanic’s 25 ft. emergency lifeboats, also known as “cutters.”

Overview

• Titanic had two 25 ft. emergency boats classified as Section D lifeboats.
• These boats were similar to the 30 ft. main lifeboats but included internal buoyancy air cases, unlike the main lifeboats.

Construction

• The 25 ft. boats were built with specific materials and dimensions, including American Elm, English Oak, and Pitch Pine.
• They featured a unique “picket fence” cleading for buoyancy air cases and a wider disengaging gear fork to accommodate a preventer chain.

Capacity and Equipment

• The boats were equipped similarly to the main lifeboats but included a lit lantern at night for emergency readiness.
• They had a passenger capacity of 40, calculated based on their cubic foot capacity.

Function

• The primary function was to be at-the-ready for emergencies like a man overboard.
• They were positioned differently depending on whether the ship was in port or open water to ensure quick deployment.

Crew and Deployment

• The crew required for manning and launching the boats included an officer and several crewmen for various tasks.
• Emergency deployment was signaled by the bridge bell, and conditions like night or heavy seas posed additional challenges.

Conclusion

• The 25 ft. emergency boats were crucial for immediate rescue operations and were always ready for deployment, complementing the main lifeboats’ role in ensuring passenger safety.