1 Administrations should ensure that the thorough
examination, operational testing, repair, and overhaul of lifeboats,
launching appliances and on-load release gear are carried out in accordance
with SOLAS regulation III/20 by
service providers authorized by them that are qualified in these operations
for each make and type of equipment for which they provide the service.
Such qualification should include, as a minimum:
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.1 employment and documentation of personnel certified
in accordance with a recognized national, international or industry
standard as applicable, or an equipment manufacturer’s established
certification program. In either case, the certification program should
be based on the guidelines in the appendix for each make and type
of equipment for which service is to be provided;
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.2 availability of sufficient tools, and in particular
any specialized tools specified in the equipment manufacturer’s
instructions, including portable tools as needed for work to be carried
out on board ship;
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.3 access to sufficient materials, spare parts
and accessories as specified by the equipment manufacturer for repairing
lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear, as applicable;
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.4 for servicing and repair work involving disassembly
or adjustment of on-load release mechanisms, availability of the equipment
manufacturer’s specifications, and genuine replacement parts
as specified or supplied by the equipment manufacturer; and
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.5 a documented quality system, to include at
least the following:
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.1 code of conduct for the relevant activity;
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.2 maintenance and calibration of equipment;
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.3 training programmes for personnel;
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.4 supervision and verification to ensure compliance
with operational procedures;
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.5 recording and reporting of information;
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.6 quality management of subsidiaries and agents;
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.7 job preparation; and
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.8 periodic review of work process procedures,
complaints, corrective actions and issuance, maintenance and control
of documents.
A documented quality system complying with the most current
version of the ISO 9000 series and including the above items, would
be considered acceptable.
2 Administrations should arrange for regular inspections
of service providers to ensure that work continues to be carried out
based on this interim recommendation, and should withdraw the authorization
of service providers who are not in compliance. For service providers
situated in other countries, the Administration may accept or recognize
service providers authorized, checked or inspected by surveyors nominated
for the purpose or by recognized organizations or by other SOLAS Contracting
Governments.
3 Administrations should ensure that information
regarding authorized service providers for lifeboats, launching appliances
and on-load release gear is made available to mariners.
4 Administrations should take measures they consider
appropriate to ensure that national manufacturers of equipment certified
under SOLAS chapter III for installation and use onboard ships undertake
to ensure that equipment, instructions, specialised tools, spare parts,
training and accessories, as required, are available to independent
service providers in a timely and cost effective manner.
5 In cases where an equipment manufacturer is
no longer in business or no longer provides technical support, Administrations
may authorize service providers for the equipment on the basis of
prior authorization for the equipment and/or long term experience
and demonstrated expertise as an authorized service provider.
6 The contents of this interim recommendation
apply equally to manufacturers when they are acting as service providers.