What do we know about the origins of the lifebuoy?

Sperry · January 21, 2021

Hello everyone, and best wishes for 2021!

What do we know about the origins of the lifebuoy? I know Da Vinci made sketches, but I was wondering what was actually used on ships before the industrial revolution? I'm especially interested in personal flotation devices before the XVIIth century. Have they always been in the shape of a doughnut, or did they have different shapes? And what materials were they made with? Thanks in advance for your time!

Edited January 21, 2021 by Sperry

mtaylor · January 21, 2021

They probably weren't "rings" as such. The French has some in 18th century that resembled anchor buoys. Made of cork, they were stowed on top of the quarter galleries.

BANYAN · January 21, 2021

Hi Sperry,

I had to undertake some research in this area for my current build. Unfortunately, this is a very wide ranging subject as I found out to my dismay . There were considerable parallel designs offered/being developed, and some difference in the evolution path of lifesaving device between the Navy and Merchant Service. The instigation of 'Sailing Rules' in the 19th century, especially with the advent of steam propulsion, resulted in some of these devices (or what had to be carried) being somewhat standardised. The earliest developments were simple flotation devices that could be heaved overboard as required; these included cork buoys, small wood rafts, even barrels/casks etc. etc.

To try and simplify this I will concentrate on the major development and stay away from RNLI initiatives such as lifeboats, shore based rocket assisted lines etc. What I found was that the earlier developments led to what was called "The Common Service Lifebuoy" (CLSB) in the RN, but a ring shaped device was developed somewhat in parallel. I won't go into histories or earlier designs that led to these.

Starting with the familiar ring shaped devices, these seem to have been invented (or at least patented) by a gentleman called "Kisby" (possibly in the RN or RNLI) - these were often referred to as the Kisby Ring. His initial design was more like a 'rope thimble' or 'horse collar' shape, but these very quickly evolved to the more familiar ring shape - the following are from his patent drawings. They were originally a cork filled canvas covered ring with ropes attached to hang onto to. These have remained in the same shape and base design ever since. The various 'Rules' introduced in the mid-19th Century required a ship to carry at least two lifebuoys but did not specify what types.

The RN went with a device (CSLB) invented by Lt. Cook RN (no not that Lt. Cook ) which was a more complicated affair that was launched from the stern of a ship and had a smoke/light attached. That said however, some ships such as the 'Billy Ruffian' carried two, one each side on the transom - appears this may have been the custom for larger ships. I have attached a copy of one of the earliest designs of this (patent sketch). These developed quickly, so that by the mid-19th century, they were made from telescoping metal bars with a bottom weight to keep the 'arm' upright, copper balls for flotation, and a gunlock ignited flare/smoke. Later designs allowed the device to be dropped and the flare ignited with a single release mechanism, located within arm's reach of the helmsman.

As best as I have been able to determine, most RN ships carried one of these on the stern and two lifebuoys. The CSLB was usually carried on the centreline of the transom outboard and when released slid down two metal rails, the lower telescoped leg dropping down to a stop, and the flare being ignited in the process. The two life rings were usually kept with one in the bows (vicinity of the foremast) and the other midships (vicinity of the main mast) - one to port the other to starboard. I have read that the usual practice was to have several man-overboard lookouts.

I hope this helps? If you need further info please PM me.

cheers

Pat

Edited January 23, 2021 by BANYAN

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What do we know about the origins of the lifebuoy?

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