1 Paragraph 3.3.6 of SOLAS chapter III, regulation 19, requires the "launching
of lifeboats with their assigned crew on board and manoeuvring in
the water" at least once every three months, as far as reasonable
and practicable.
3 Such lifeboat drills provide an opportunity
to verify that the emergency life-saving system and associated equipment
is in place, in good working order and ready for use. Such drills
are also necessary to train and evaluate the crew in the use of the
equipment and demonstrate that they have the capability and readiness
to manage an emergency in which lifeboats are employed.
4 The launching, manoeuvring and retrieval of
lifeboats in remote offshore locations and similar unfavourable environmental
conditions creates hazardous situations and potentially the inability
to carry out such drills safely and fully.
5 Accordingly, the 2009 MODU
Code allows for the situation where the regular, and full,
completion of lifeboat launch and manoeuvre may not be possible.
6 Paragraph 14.12.4.3 of the 2009
MODU Code specifies:
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"alternatively, the provisions regarding launching and manoeuvring
may be considered as having been met for those units that have, (a)
implemented the Guidelines developed by the Organization and they
are included in the unit's operating procedures or, (b) by other equivalent
means acceptable to the Administration."
7 The person in charge (PIC) of the unit is encouraged
to place the lifeboats in the water and exercise them when conditions
allow.
8 Where alternative methods of achieving the objectives
of three-monthly launch and manoeuvre of lifeboats are to be employed,
they should ensure achievement of a level of assurance of capability
and readiness at least equivalent to that achieved through three-monthly
launching and manoeuvring.
9 Such assurance includes the lifeboat equipment,
the lifeboat crew and procedures and systems.
Elements of Typical Three-Monthly Lifeboat Launch
and Manoeuvre Drill
10 The launch and manoeuvre element of the three-monthly
drill specified in SOLAS and the MODU Code
consists primarily of the following elements:
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.1 prepare and make ready the lifeboat;
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.2 deploy and lower the boat into the water;
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.3 release the boat;
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.4 propel and steer the boat; and
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.5 functioning of the lifeboat onboard systems
such as deluge, air, etc.
11 The following guidelines are intended to assist
the operator of a mobile offshore unit in a situation where the execution
of the three-monthly launch and manoeuvre of lifeboats as specified
in paragraph 14.12.4.2 of the 2009 MODU Code is
not possible. This is on condition that there is no reduction in ability
to demonstrate assurance and capability of readiness to safely evacuate
the unit's personnel by way of lifeboats.
11.1.1 A comprehensive maintenance and inspection
plan meeting the criteria found in MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 should be in place. This plan should be to the satisfaction
of the Administration.
11.1.2 Weekly and monthly inspections should be
conducted in accordance with sections 10.18.7 and 10.18.8 of the 2009 MODU Code.
11.1.3 In addition, on a monthly basis, each lifeboat
should be lowered to just above but not entering the water, and returned
to the original stowage position; the condition of the hull, hook
release and retrieval systems (lubrication, integrity and storage)
and the operational condition of davit systems should be checked.
11.1.4 Insofar as possible, those on board responsible
for lifeboat-launching should be involved in the annual servicing
and function test of release gear carried out in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1.
11.2.1 A competence assurance programme should
be in place and cover all aspects of instruction and exercising of
the crew as pertains to lifeboats and should be in accordance with
the Recommendations for the training and certification of personnel
on mobile offshore units (MOUs) (resolution
A.1079(28)).
11.2.2 In addition to the specified mandatory
training (e.g. as shown in table A-VI/2-1 of
the STCW Code), the lifeboat coxswain should receive intermediate
training (at least once every 2.5 years) at a facility satisfactory
to the Administration. This training should include practical demonstration
of all the elements that are described in paragraph 10 above of these
guidelines and are part of the three-monthly launch/manoeuvre exercise.
This training should be carried out utilizing a lifeboat system the
same as, or substantially similar to, that which is fitted on board
the unit;
11.2.4 Simulators can form a useful and important
part of an overall competence assurance programme. Where such simulators
are to be used they should be wholly appropriate to the lifeboat system
encountered on board the unit. Simulators should not be seen as a
complete replacement for practical, hands-on, training and drills.
11.2.5 Records of training in proficiency in lifeboats,
including that carried out at a facility satisfactory to the Administration
(resolution A.1079(28)), should
be readily accessible.