1 Scope and purpose of the guidelines

 Seafarers often change ships and sometimes are not familiar with the lifeboats on their ships. Casualties with lifeboat systems are often caused by poor understanding of the lifeboat systems, especially release gear systems. Detailed maintenance/repair work should be conducted in accordance with the Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear (resolution MSC.402(96)).

 The purpose of these guidelines is to encourage development of user-friendly manuals for operation and maintenance of lifeboat systems including launching appliances. These manuals should be easy to understand. The guidelines demonstrate the appropriate level of detail and use of illustrations in explaining the safe use of critical systems. Manufacturers of lifeboats and launching/recovery appliances are invited to make manuals easy to understand, taking into account these guidelines. The use of video materials in conjunction with printed manuals can be an effective tool for mariners who may not be inclined to read a manual.

 These guidelines are not applicable to the emergency instructions required by SOLAS regulation III/8, operating instructions such as posters and signs required by SOLAS regulation III/9 or other brief instructions for operation of lifeboats.

 These guidelines are for manuals to be carried on ships for use by seafarers, and accordingly the section on weekly and monthly inspection and maintenance does not refer to detailed maintenance/repair work. Detailed maintenance/repair work should be conducted by the manufacturer’s representative or a person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer for the work in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1206.