Annex - Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.402(96) - Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear - (Adopted on 19 May 2016) - Annex - Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear

Annex - Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear

1 GENERAL

1.1 The objective of these Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear (the Requirements) is to establish a uniform, safe and documented standard for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of the equipment specified in paragraph 2.1.

1.2 The detailed procedures covered by these Requirements are provided in section 6.

1.3 These Requirements relate to the following regulations:

1.4 The Companyfootnote shall ensure that maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair on board its ships is conducted in accordance with these Requirements and SOLAS regulation III/20. The Company shall establish and implement health, safety and environment (HSE) procedures covering all activities set out in these Requirements.

1.5 The personnel carrying out maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing overhaul and repair as described in paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 shall be certified by an authorized service provider in accordance with the requirements specified in section 8. When performing such activities on board ships they shall comply with health, safety and environment (HSE) instructions and procedures established by the Company.

2 APPLICATION

2.1 These Requirements shall apply to the maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of:

  • .1 lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats; and

  • .2 launching appliances and on-load and off-load release gear for lifeboats (including primary and secondary means of launching appliances for free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats, fast rescue boats and davit-launched liferafts.

2.2 For the purpose of these Requirements:

  • .1 Authorized service provider means an entity authorized by the Administration in accordance with section 3 and section 7.

  • .2 Equipment means the aforementioned equipment to which the Requirements apply.

  • .3 Manufacturer means the original equipment manufacturer or any entity which has taken legal and legitimate responsibilities for equipment when the original equipment manufacturer no longer exists or supports the equipment.

  • .4 Off-load release mechanism means a release mechanism which releases the survival craft/rescue boat/fast rescue boat when it is waterborne or when there is no load on the hooks.

  • .5 On-load release mechanism means a release mechanism which releases the survival craft/rescue boat/fast rescue boat with load on the hooks.

  • .6 Repair means any activities requiring disassembly of equipment, or any other activities outside the scope of the instructions for on-board maintenance and for emergency repair of life-saving appliances prepared in accordance with SOLAS regulations III/36.2 and III/35.3.18, respectively.

  • .7 Overhaul means a periodical activity defined by the manufacturer that proves continued fitness for purpose for a defined period subject to correct maintenance.

3 AUTHORIZATION

3.1 Administrations shall ensure that the thorough examination, operational testing, repair and overhaul of equipment (see paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3) shall be carried out in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/20 by service providers authorized in accordance with section 7.

3.2 The requirements in section 7 shall equally apply to manufacturers when they are acting as authorized service providers.

4 QUALIFICATION LEVELS AND CERTIFICATION

4.1 Weekly and monthly inspections and routine maintenance as specified in the equipment maintenance manual(s), shall be conducted by authorized service providers, or by shipboard personnel under the direction of a senior ship's officer in accordance with the maintenance manual(s).

4.2 Annual thorough examinations and operational tests, as described in section 6.2, shall be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorized service provider in accordance with section 7 and section 8. The service provider may be the ship operator provided that it is authorized in accordance with section 3 and section 7.

4.3 Five-year thorough examination, any overhaul, overload operational testsfootnote, as described in section 6.3, and repair shall be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorized service provider in accordance with section 7 and section 8.

5 REPORTS AND RECORDS

5.1 All reports and checklists shall be completed and signed by the person who carries out the inspection and maintenance work and countersigned by the Company's representative or the ship's master.

5.2 Records of maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair shall be updated and filed on board the ship for the service life of the equipment.

5.3 When thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair are completed, a statement confirming that the lifeboat arrangements remain fit for purpose shall be promptly issued by the manufacturer or authorized service provider that conducted the work. A copy of valid documents of certification and authorization as appropriate shall be included with the statement.

6 SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, THOROUGH EXAMINATION, OPERATIONAL TESTING, OVERHAUL AND REPAIR

6.1 General/Maintenance

6.1.1 Any inspection, maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair shall be carried out according to the maintenance manuals and associated technical documentation developed by the manufacturer.

6.1.2 A full set of maintenance manuals and associated technical documentation as specified in paragraph 6.1.1 shall be available on board.

6.1.3 The maintenance manuals and associated technical documentation as specified in paragraph 6.1.1 shall include the items listed in sections 6.2 and 6.3 as a minimum and shall be kept up to date by the Company taking into account relevant information provided by the manufacturer.

6.2 Annual thorough examination and operational test

6.2.1 All items listed in checklists for the weekly/monthly inspections required by SOLAS regulations III/20.6 and III/20.7 also form the first part of the annual thorough examination.

6.2.2 Records of inspections and routine on-board maintenance carried out by the ship's crew and the applicable certificates for the equipment shall be reviewed.

6.2.3 For lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats, the following items shall be thoroughly examined and checked for satisfactory condition and operation:

  • .1 condition of the boat structure including fixed and loose equipment (including a visual examination of the external boundaries of the void spaces, as far as practicable);

  • .2 engine and propulsion system;

  • .3 sprinkler system, where fitted;

  • .4 air supply system, where fitted;

  • .5 manoeuvring system;

  • .6 power supply system;

  • .7 bailing system;

  • .8 fender/skate arrangements; and

  • .9 rescue boat righting system, where fitted.

6.2.4 For release gear of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats, fast rescue boats and liferafts, the following shall be thoroughly examined for satisfactory conditionfootnote and operation after the annual operational test of the winch brake with the empty boat or equivalent load, as required by paragraph 6.2.10:

  • .1 operation of devices for activation of release gear;

  • .2 excessive free play (tolerances);

  • .3 hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted;

  • .4 cables for control and release; and

  • .5 hook fastening.

  • Notes: 1 The setting and maintenance of release gear are critical operations with regard to maintaining the safe operation of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats, fast rescue boats and davit launched liferafts. Utmost care shall be taken when carrying out all inspection and maintenance operations on the equipment.

    • 2 No maintenance or adjustment of the release gear shall be undertaken while the hooks are under load.

6.2.5 The operational test of davit-launched lifeboats' and rescue boats' on-load release function shall be carried out as follows:

  • .1 position the boat partially in the water such that the mass of the boat is substantially supported by the falls and the hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted, is not triggered;

  • .2 operate the on-load release gear;

  • .3 reset the on-load release gear; and

  • .4 examine the release gear and hook fastening to ensure that the hook is completely reset and no damage has occurred.

6.2.6 The operational test of davit-launched lifeboats' and rescue boats' off-load release function shall be carried out as follows:

  • .1 position the boat so that it is fully waterborne;

  • .2 operate the off-load release gear;

  • .3 reset the off-load release gear; and

  • .4 recover the boat to the stowed position and prepare for operational readiness.

During the test, prior to hoisting, it shall be checked that the release gear is completely and properly reset. The final turning-in of the boat shall be done without any persons on board.

6.2.7 The operational test of the free-fall lifeboat release function shall be carried out as follows:

  • .1 engage the arrangements for the test without launching the lifeboat, required by paragraph 4.7.6.4 of the LSA Code, as specified in the manufacturer's operating instructions;

  • .2 if required to be on board, ensure that the operator is properly seated and secured in the seat location from which the release mechanism is to be operated;

  • .3 operate the release mechanism to release the lifeboat;

  • .4 reset the lifeboat in the stowed configuration;

  • .5 repeat the procedures referred to in .2 to .4 above, using the back-up release mechanism, if applicable;

  • .6 remove the arrangements for the test without launching the lifeboat, required by paragraph 4.7.6.4 of the LSA Code; and

  • .7 verify that the lifeboat is in the ready to launch stowed configuration.

6.2.8 The operational test of the davit-launched liferaft automatic release function shall be carried out as follows:

  • .1 manually release the hook with a load of 150 kg on the hook;

  • .2 automatically release the hook with a dummy weight of 200 kg on the hook when it is lowered to the ground; and

  • .3 examine the release hook and hook fastening to ensure that the hook is completely reset and no damage has occurred.

If a raft is used for the test instead of a dummy weight, the automatic release function shall release the raft when waterborne.

6.2.9 For launching appliances for lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats, fast rescue boats and liferafts, the following items shall be examined for satisfactory condition and operation:

  • .1 davit or other launching structures, in particular with regard to corrosion, misalignments, deformation and excessive free play;

  • .2 wires and sheaves, possible damage such as kinks and corrosion;

  • .3 lubrication of wires, sheaves and moving parts; and

  • .4 if applicable:

    • .1 functioning of limit switches;

    • .2 stored power systems;

    • .3 hydraulic systems; and

  • .5 for winches:

    • .1 inspecting the braking system in accordance with winch manual;

    • .2 replacing brake pads, when necessary;

    • .3 winch foundation; and

    • .4 if applicable:

      • .1 remote control system; and

      • .2 power supply system.

6.2.10 For winches of the launching appliances for lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats, fast rescue boats and liferafts, annual operational testing shall be done by lowering the empty craft or boat or equivalent load. When the craft has reached its maximum lowering speed and before the craft enters the water, the brake shall be abruptly applied. Following these tests, the stressed structural parts shall be reinspected where the structure permits the reinspection.

6.3 Five-year thorough examination, overhaul and overload operational tests

6.3.1 The five-year operational test of the winches of the launching appliances shall be carried out with a proof load equal to 1.1 times the weight of the survival craft or rescue boat and its full complement of persons and equipment. When the proof load has reached its maximum lowering speed, the brake shall be abruptly applied. footnote

6.3.2 Following these tests, the stressed structural parts shall be reinspected where the structure permits the reinspection.

6.3.3 The operational tests and overhaul at five-year intervals of release gear for lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats, fast rescue boats and liferafts shall include:

  • .1 dismantling of hook release units;

  • .2 examinations with regard to tolerances and design requirements;

  • .3 adjustment of release gear system after assembly;

  • .4 operational tests as per paragraphs 6.2.5, 6.2.6, 6.2.7 or 6.2.8 above, as applicable, but with a load equal to 1.1 times the weight of the survival craft or rescue boat and its full complement of persons and equipmentfootnote; and

  • .5 examinations of vital parts with regard to defects and cracksfootnote.

6.3.4 Any other overhaul if required shall be carried out in accordance with paragraph 6.3.3.

7 REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHORIZATION OF SERVICE PROVIDERS

7.1 Authorization as required by paragraph 3.1 shall include, as a minimum, demonstration of:

  • .1 employment and documentation of personnel certified in accordance with a recognized national, international or industry standard as applicable, or a manufacturer's established certification programme. In either case, the certification programme shall comply with section 8 for each make and type of equipment for which service is to be provided;

  • .2 availability of sufficient tools, and in particular any specialized tools specified in the manufacturer's instructions, including portable tools as needed for work to be carried out on board ship;

  • .3 access to appropriate parts and accessories as specified for maintenance and repair;

  • .4 availability of the manufacturer's instructions for repair work involving disassembly or adjustment of on-load release mechanisms and davit winches; and

  • .5 a documented and certified quality system, which covers at least the following:

    • .1 code of conduct for personnel involved in the relevant activity;

    • .2 maintenance and calibration of measuring tools and gauges;

    • .3 training programmes for personnel;

    • .4 supervision and verification to ensure compliance with operational procedures;

    • .5 recording and reporting of information;

    • .6 quality management of subsidiaries and agents;

    • .7 job preparation; and

    • .8 periodic review of work process procedures, complaints, corrective actions and issuance, maintenance and control of documents.

    • Note: A documented quality system complying with the most current version of the ISO 9000 series and including the above items would be considered acceptable.

7.2 Administrations shall ensure that information regarding authorized service providers is made available.

7.3 In cases where a 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.

7.4 Issuance and maintenance of authorization document:

  • .1 upon successful initial audit of a service provider, an authorization document shall be issued by the Administration defining the scope of services provided (e.g. makes and types of equipment). The expiry date shall be clearly written on the document;

  • .2 the Administration shall ensure that work continues, e.g. by periodic audit, to be carried out in accordance with these Requirements, and shall withdraw the authorization of service providers who are not in compliance; and

  • .3 the Administration may accept or recognize service providers authorized by other Administrations or by their Recognized Organizations.

8 REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL

8.1 Personnel for the work specified in paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 shall be certified by the manufacturer or authorized service provider for each make and type of the equipment to be worked on in accordance with the provisions in this section.

8.2 Education and training

8.2.1 Initial certification shall be issued only to personnel having completed education, training and competence assessment. Education shall address, as a minimum:

  • .1 relevant rules and regulations, including international conventions;

  • .2 design and construction of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats, including on-load release gear and launching appliances;

  • .3 causes of lifeboat and rescue boat accidents;

  • .4 education and practical training in the procedures specified in section 6 for which certification is sought;

  • .5 detailed procedures for thorough examination, operational testing, repair and overhaul of lifeboat (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats, launching appliances and on-load release gear, as applicable;

  • .6 procedures for issuing a report of service and statement of fitness for purpose based on paragraph 5.3; and

  • .7 work, health and safety issues while conducting activities on board.

8.2.2 Training shall include practical technical training on thorough examination, operational testing, maintenance, repair and overhaul techniques using the equipment for which the personnel are to be certified. The technical training shall include disassembly, reassembly, correct operation and adjustment of the equipment. Classroom training shall be supplemented by field experience in the operations for which certification is sought, under the supervision of a certified person.

8.2.3 Prior to issuance of certification, a competency assessment shall be satisfactorily completed, using the equipment for which the personnel are to be certified.

8.3 Validity of certificates and renewal

8.3.1 Upon completion of training and competency assessment, a certificate shall be issued defining the level of qualification and the scope of the certification (i.e. makes and types of equipment and specifically state which activities in paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 are covered by the certification). The expiry date shall clearly be written on the certificate and shall be three years from the date of issue. The validity of any certificate shall be suspended in the event of any shortfall in performance and only revalidated after a further competency assessment.

8.3.2 A competency assessment shall be conducted to renew the certification. In cases where refresher training is found necessary a further assessment shall be carried out after completion.

Parent topic: Resolution MSC.402(96) - Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear - (Adopted on 19 May 2016)
Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.