Which type of davit maintains the davit head at the same height?

The radial davit is designed in such a way that maintains the davit head at a consistent height throughout its operation. This feature is particularly useful for launching lifeboats as it allows for a stable and dependable lifting mechanism. The geometry of the radial davit, where the arms pivot around a vertical axis, enables it to extend and retract while keeping the lifeboat at the same elevation above the water. This consistent height is crucial during the launching and recovery of the lifeboats to minimize the risk of accidents or mishaps related to height discrepancies.

The other types of davits do not operate under the same principle. Gravity davits, for instance, rely on the force of gravity to lower the lifeboat, which can cause the boat to drop suddenly, not maintaining a consistent height. Swivel davits allow for rotation, but while they can change the angle and position of the lifeboat, they do not keep the davit head at a constant height. Beam davits, typically used for different types of lifting applications, also do not maintain the davit head elevation during the operation.

Understanding the functional design of davits is essential for effective lifeboat operations, safety measures, and compliance with maritime regulations.