As many as possible of the lifeboats should be cleared, swung out and lowered.
Each lifeboat must be launched with its assigned operating crew aboard and manoeuvred in the water once every 3 months during an abandon ship drill. In lifeboats not fitted with engines the crew should be exercised in rowing or in the use of the mechanical hand-propelling gear. Each opportunity should be taken to test the lifeboat disengaging gear where fitted.
