The launch and recovery of boats from ships is a vast subject and one that has not previously been examined in detail. Launching, operating and recovering small boats are outside the expertise of most crew and can require considerable skill and seamanship. For safety reasons, a practice drill is unlikely to provide a realistic simulation of an emergency situation. In this book we demonstrate good practice when carrying out these operations and explain the techniques and systems that can improve manoeuvres. The book reviews the equipment available and assesses both its benefits and its potential drawbacks.