Boats, Lifeboats

The lifeboat was used to ferry personnel to and from the ship, or for other small scale activities such as inspecting the ship and for saving lives during emergencies. Lifeboats were originally towed behind the main vessel. In the 15th century, lifeboats were stored on board on skid beams or main rails. In the 18th century, davits were introduced. There are different types of lifeboats a the jolly boat, launch, cutter etc.