Davits Collection

Sundeck and aft Funnel SS United States
Sundeck, Lifeboat Storage, Aft Funnel of Liner SS United States

The Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert at Southport
The Royal Yacht (HMY) Victoria and Albert at Southport. The yacht was designed by the Chief Constructor of the Royal Navy Sir William White, launched in 1899 and ready for service in 1901

A Study in Pencil and Water Colour, 1858 (1900). A print from The Magazine of Art, Cassell and Company, Limited, 1900

Coaling the Pacific mail SS Siberia, at the fortified naval station of Nagasaki, Japan, 1904. Stereoscopic card. Detail

Deck hockey on board the battleship HMS Nelson, 1937. Cigarette card from The Navy series, produced by Senior Service Cigarettes, 1937

Preparing a boat for sea, 1937. Cigarette card from The Navy series, produced by Senior Service Cigarettes, 1937

Lowering a boat, HMS Devonshire, 1937. Cigarette card from The Navy series, produced by Senior Service Cigarettes, 1937

Queen Mary ocean liner: Lifeboats & gravity davits
Lifeboats built to carry 145 passagers, more than the total accommodated in the first Cunarder, " Britannia" : One of the Queen Marys 24 large lifeboats

The boat question by G. H. Davis
The boat question: a suggested method of launching ships boats (ie lifeboats) with long davits. The longer davit would launch the boat well clear of the ships side

Old salts visit the Cutty Sark in Greenhithe, Kent. 1938

Old salts visit the Cutty Sark in Greenhithe, Kent. Captain R J Woodget and Captain As Woodget wave from up the rigging. 1938

After-Deck of the RMS Asia, 1850
Engraving of the after-deck of Cunard Line Royal Mail Paddle-steamer Asia at sea, 1850. Asia was the largest steamship yet built on the River Clyde

On board a passenger ship, Aden, 1891
Engraving of a scene on the deck of a passenger ship anchored off Aden; European passengers are pictured throwing coins into the water for local children to dive for

Church Parade on board a Battleship, Gibraltar, 1906
Photograph of a Sunday Church Parade on board a British Battleship, of the Atlantic Fleet, at Gibraltar. The ships company can be seen assembling here on the deck for prayers

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"Davits: A Glimpse into Maritime History" Step aboard the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert at Southport, where majestic davits stand tall, ready to lower lifeboats with precision in times of need. On the Queen Mary ocean liner, gravity davits take center stage as they gracefully release lifeboats into the vast expanse of the sea. These ingenious mechanisms ensure safety amidst turbulent waters. Welin davits, captured in a captivating image from The Sphere, showcase their intricate design as boats are smoothly lowered to embark on daring adventures. A testament to human ingenuity. In a stunning pencil and watercolor study from 1858 (1900), we witness the timeless beauty adorning ships that once sailed across uncharted territories. Each stroke tells a story of exploration and bravery. Coaling the Pacific mail SS Siberia at Nagasaki's fortified naval station in Japan transports us back to 1904. Amongst bustling activity, sturdy davits silently await their turn to assist in maritime operations. Deck hockey on board HMS Nelson brings moments of camaraderie amidst duty-bound sailors. Amidst this lively scene, loyal davits patiently hold lifeboats until called upon for emergencies or drills. As preparations for sea commence in 1937, diligent crew members meticulously inspect every detail of their boat while relying on reliable davits to ensure smooth launchings into unpredictable oceans. HMS Devonshire showcases its expertise by flawlessly lowering a boat using well-maintained and efficient davit systems. This seamless operation is a testament to years of training and dedication onboard. "The Boat Question" by G. H Davis highlights an intriguing debate surrounding these essential marine components - an intellectual discourse exploring their evolution throughout history and their impact on seafaring journeys. The Harland & Wolff Collection at National Museums NI proudly displays photographs capturing iconic moments when mighty ships were equipped with robust davit systems – silent guardians ensuring passenger safety.