Definition

Noun: A davit is a small crane-like device, typically one of a pair, used on ships for suspending, lowering, or raising equipment, most commonly a lifeboat.

Usage

A davit is a piece of maritime equipment. It is used to handle heavy loads over the side of a vessel. Its primary function is to safely deploy and recover lifeboats, but it can also be used for other equipment like anchors or cargo.

Examples

• The crew prepared to lower the lifeboat using the davit.
• Each davit on the ship's deck was inspected for safety.
• The rescue operation required the swift operation of the port-side davit.

Advanced Usage

• In a pair: Davits are almost always used in pairs to balance a lifeboat or other load.
  • The lifeboat was securely hung from two davits.
• Types: Specific types include gravity davits, radial davits, and quadrantal davits, named for their mechanical operation.
  • Modern ships are often equipped with gravity davits for faster deployment.

Variants and Related Words

• Davit system: The complete assembly including the davit arms, winches, and falls (ropes/cables).
• Lifeboat davit: A davit specifically designed for lifeboat handling.

Synonyms

• Crane (a more general term for a lifting device)
• Hoist (a device for lifting or lowering)

Related Phrases

• To swing out the davits: A nautical phrase meaning to prepare the lifeboats for lowering by moving the davit arms over the ship's side.
  • The captain gave the order to swing out the davits.

Noun

1. a crane-like device (usually one of a pair) for suspending or lowering equipment (as a lifeboat)