Computer hardware and recorded computer software programs sold as a unit for monitoring lifeboat status, testing critical functions of lifeboats without personnel aboard, warning user of problems with the lifeboat, and guiding and instructing the user on the processes related to launching, retrieving and maintaining lifeboats; computer hardware and recorded software for logging launching and retrieving drills for lifeboats so that time sequence charts can be printed to help evaluate and review the user skill level; lifeboat safety equipment, namely, an on-board lifeboat surveillance system comprised of monitors, scales and sensors used to guide the user, to determine whether necessary operations are completed in relation to launching, retrieving and maintaining lifeboats, and to determine the status of the launching and retrieving of lifeboats; computer hardware, transceivers, electric transceiver cables, electronic controller to manage the power, movement and functions of a lifeboat; recorded mobile operating system software, recorded operating system programs, downloadable BIOS (basic input output system) computer programs, all of the foregoing for use in relation to lifeboats