18.1 The inspection and maintenance measures implemented on a craft should be to the
satisfaction of the Administration. These measures may be carried out directly by the
operator's organization or by any organization on which the operator may call in the
maintenance of the craft and should specify the scope of the duties which any part of
the organization may carry out, having regard to the number and competence of its staff,
facilities available, arrangements for calling on specialist assistance should it be
necessary, record-keeping, communication and allocation of responsibilities.
18.2 The craft and equipment should be maintained to the satisfaction of the
Administration, in particular:
-
.1 routine preventive inspection and maintenance should be performed to a schedule
approved by the Administration, including:
-
.1 inspection and maintenance having regard at least in the first instance
to the manufacturer's schedule;
.2 daily inspections by the crew; and
.3 routine checks on operational mass and centre of gravity;
.2 in the performance of maintenance tasks, due regard should be paid to
maintenance manuals, service bulletins acceptable to the Administration and to any
additional instructions of the Administration in this respect;
.3 all modifications should be recorded and their safety aspects investigated.
Where it could have any effect on safety, the modification, together with its
installation, should be to the satisfaction of the Administration. If appropriate,
the effect of a modification should be assessed in accordance with part C and the
Administration may require that its safety be demonstrated through trials;
.4 appropriate arrangements should be provided for informing the master of the
serviceable state of his craft and its equipment;
.5 the duties of the operating crew in respect of maintenance and repairs and the
procedure for obtaining assistance with repairs when the craft is away from the
base port should be clearly defined;
.6 the master should report to the maintenance organization any defects and
repairs which are known to have occurred during operations; and
.7 records of defects and their correction should be maintained and those defects
of recurrent nature, or those which adversely affect craft or personal safety,
should be reported to the Administration.
18.3 The Administration should be satisfied that arrangements are provided for ensuring
adequate inspection, maintenance and recording of all life-saving appliances and
distress signals carried.