Section 1 General

1.1.1 The requirements of this Chapter are to be complied with in cases where Lloyd’s Register (LR) is requested to certify the launch and recovery appliances for the following:

• Lifeboats ‘Survival craft’.
• Life rafts ‘Survival craft’.
• Rescue boats.
• Offshore life saving craft including hyperbaric lifeboats.
• Associated releasing arrangements.

1.1.2 Special consideration will be given to unconventional launch and recovery life saving systems.

1.1.3 The requirements of this Ch 3 Launch and Recovery Appliances for Survival Craft and Rescue Boats are compatible with the requirements of the SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea , as amended. They also take into account various IMO MSC Resolutions/Circulars clarifying the requirements of Chapter III of the foregoing Convention.

1.1.4 Previous Conventions are not applicable to new davits except where such davits are replacements for an existing ship.

1.1.5 Where LR is required to certify a launch and recovery appliance on behalf of a National Administration whose requirements differ from those of the IMO Convention indicated in Ch 3, 1.1 General 1.1.3, the requirements of the National Administration concerned are to prevail.

1.1.6 This Chapter is the basis of approval by LR of the following types of davit:

• Roller-trackway.
• Hinged gravity.
• Stored energy.
• Single arm radial.
• Fixed arm cantilever.
• Free fall system.

1.1.7 Davit types not included above will be specially considered.

1.2.1 For all ships with the exception of passenger ships, lifeboats are to be boarded and launched directly from the stowed position and the davits are to be designed accordingly.

1.2.2 All lifeboats fitted to passenger ships are to be boarded and launched either directly from the stowed position or from an embarkation deck, but not both, and the davits are to be designed accordingly.

1.2.3 The launching mechanism is to be so arranged that it may be actuated by one person from a position on the ship’s deck and from a position within the lifeboat.

1.2.4 When the lowering of a survival craft is controlled from within the craft by means of a control wire paid off from an auxiliary drum on the winch, the remote control mechanism is to be operationally demonstrated throughout the full launching range of the boat to the Surveyor’s satisfaction.

1.2.5 To launch a survival craft in either its light or loaded condition, a davit is not to depend on any means other than gravity or stored energy generated from a source independent of the ship’s power supplies. This does not apply to the launching appliance for lowering free-fall lifeboats by falls.

1.2.6 Where davit arms are recovered by power, limit switches are to be fitted to ensure that the power is automatically switched off before the arm reaches the stops in order to avoid overloading either the fall or the arms, unless the winch is designed to prevent such overloading.

1.2.7 The trackways of roller-trackway davit types are to be inclined at an angle of not less than 35° to the horizontal.

1.2.8 Davits are to be designed and maintained such that they remain fully effective under conditions of icing.

1.2.9 The ratios of the sheave diameter and winch drum diameter to the rope diameter are to be not less than 12:1 and 16:1 respectively for running wires.

1.2.10 The minimum thickness of plate and sections used in davit arms and frames is to be 6 mm.

1.2.11 Davits (including free-fall ramps) are to be capable of safely launching their fully equipped survival craft, both with its full complement of persons and also in the light condition, against the ship’s trim of 10°, either fore or aft, and 20° list in either direction occurring simultaneously.

1.2.12 Davits fitted to ships of 20 000 gross registered tons and greater are to be capable of safely launching a lifeboat with the parent ship making five knots headway in calm water.

1.2.13 Single arm radial davits are to be capable of being slewed manually.

1.2.14 Davits fitted to oil tankers, chemical tankers or gas carriers are to be capable of operating at the final list angle on the lower side of the ship, calculated in accordance with the MARPOL - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships , as amended by the 1978 Protocol, where this exceeds 20° but does not exceed 30°.

1.2.15 A davit’s launching winch system is to be capable of power recovery of the survival craft with its crew (i.e. 2 or 3 persons) at a minimum speed of 0,08 m/s to its stowage position with the ship at adverse list and trim angles of 5° and 2° respectively. In addition, auxiliary manual means of recovery are also to be provided for this condition, see Ch 3, 1.8 Davit winches 1.8.5. However, this does not apply to free-fall lifeboats.

1.2.16 Davits and their equipment are to be capable of lowering the survival craft in a controlled manner into the water at speed not less than that obtained by the following formula for the fully loaded condition, i.e. loaded with its normal equipment or an equivalent mass and a distributed mass equivalent to the number of persons it is permitted to accommodate, see Ch 3, 1.7 Calculation of forces 1.7.6.

where

1.2.17 The minimum lowering speed of a life raft in the light condition (i.e. fully equipped but without persons on board), is to comply with the requirements of the National Administration concerned. The lowering speed of other survival craft in the light condition is to be ≥0,7 x S as calculated in Ch 3, 1.2 Survival craft davits 1.2.16.

1.2.18 The maximum lowering speeds for all survival craft in the light condition are not to exceed 1,0 m/s. Furthermore, the maximum lowering speeds in the fully loaded condition are not to exceed 1,0 and 1,3 m/s for life rafts and lifeboats respectively, unless different values are required by the relevant National Authority.

1.2.19 A free-fall launching system is required to employ an alternative controlled means of launching and a means of recovering the lifeboat by falls. Lifeboats are not to be launched in the free-fall mode where there is a risk of the presence of ice or insufficient depth of water. A notice to this effect should be displayed at the operating station.

1.2.20 The davits are to be arranged so that harmful accelerations are not experienced by the lifeboat occupants during launching.

1.2.21 Harmful acceleration is the rate of change of velocity experienced by the occupants which is in excess of levels calculated in accordance with the IMO test requirements of Ch 3, 1.1 General 1.1.3, or other recognised National or International Standards.

1.2.22 Where conditions are such that the free-fall operating mode is not necessary, a free-fall lifeboat is to be capable of being safely lowered in a ‘controlled’ manner with the ship inclined at a maximum list of 5° and a maximum trim of 2°.

1.2.23 The free-fall launching arrangement is to be a rigid structure with a ramp angle and length sufficient to ensure that the lifeboat effectively clears the ship.

1.2.24 Where a survival craft is designed to float free from its launching appliance, either by a weak link or by a hydrostatic release unit, the float free release of the survival craft from the stowed position is to be automatic.

1.3.1 This Section covers davits that are used for launching and recovering lifeboats which may also be used as rescue boats, as well as davits that are solely dedicated to launching and recovering rescue boats only.

1.3.2 In addition to the requirements for survival craft davits in Ch 3, 1.2 Survival craft davits, all rescue boat davits are to meet the following requirements:

1. The davits are to be capable of launching the rescue boat from the stowed position in not more than five minutes.

2. The davits and winches are to be capable of power hoisting the rescue boat, loaded with its full rescue boat complement and equipment, from the water at a rate of not less than 0,3 m/s.

1.3.3 For davits that are solely dedicated to the launching and recovery of rescue boats, special consideration may be given to recovery arrangements which are dependent on the ship’s power supply. These davits may be equipped for single point hoisting.

1.3.4 Special consideration may be given to the launching mechanism of a dedicated rescue boat being operable solely from a position on the ship’s deck.

1.4.1 In general, the requirements of Ch 3, 1.2 Survival craft davits and Ch 3, 1.3 Rescue boat davits may be applied to offshore operations.

1.4.2 The following additional requirements are applicable to any launch and recovery system used for handling survival craft (including hyperbaric lifeboats) and rescue boats, fitted to either fixed or mobile offshore installations. It should be noted that some National Authorities may have different requirements.

1.4.3 Davits are to be capable of launching a fully equipped survival craft with a full complement of persons against a high or low side list and trim of the installation of 15° simultaneously. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirement, davits intended for column-stabilised mobile drilling units should be capable of operating at the list and trim resulting from any damaged condition required by the relevant Chapter of the current IMO Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code).

1.4.4 All gravity davits are to be designed for a positive turning-out moment when the installation is adversely inclined at an angle of 25° high side list (HSL).

1.4.5 Davits for rescue boats are to be equipped with suitable shock absorbing or motion compensating arrangements to facilitate launching and hoisting of the boat in heavy seas.

1.4.6 Launching against high side list is not required for rescue boats. Otherwise, launching should be performed with the aid of gravity or with an arrangement coupled to the emergency power source.

1.5.1 The plans and information to be submitted for examination is detailed in Ch 1, 3.2 Davit systems.

1.6.1 The minimum safety factors (SF) required with respect to the minimum ultimate tensile stress (σ_u) of the materials used in the construction of the primary structural members and the loose gear are given in Table 3.1.1 Minimum safety factors.

1.6.2 For steel in which σ_y/σ_u ≤0,7, the allowable compressive stress, σ_a, in primary structural members is given by the following expression:

where

SF is given in Table 3.1.1 Minimum safety factors.

1.6.3 Steels in which σ_y/σ_u > 0,7 will be specially considered.

1.6.4 The minimum stress factor to be applied for the design test load case for prototype and production testing is to be taken as 0,85 (see Ch 4, 2.15 Load combinations 2.15.5.(d) and Table 4.2.6 Stress factor, F , load case 4). The requirements for prototype testing are defined in Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.2. The requirements for production testing are defined in Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.3. The allowable stresses to be considered for the prototype and production test load cases are defined in the applicable Chapters of the Code, i.e.:

1. Ch 4, 2.17 Allowable stress – Elastic failure;
2. Ch 4, 2.18 Allowable stress – Compression, torsional and bending members;
3. Ch 4, 2.19 Crane jibs – Overall stability;
4. Ch 4, 2.20 Slenderness ratio;
5. Ch 4, 2.21 Allowable stress – Plate buckling failure;
6. Ch 4, 2.22 Allowable stress – Buckling failure of thin walled cylinders; and
7. Ch 4, 2.23 Allowable stress – Joints and connections

1.7.1 Force diagrams or calculations are required for the davit arm in its lowest position subject to both 20° low side list (LSL) (up to 30° for tankers in the damaged condition) for both the SWL and the weight of the davit arm. The torsion and lateral bending effects due to the 10° trim component are also to be considered (20° list component for radial arm davits).

1.7.2 Calculations are also required for the davit arm in its stowed position to ensure that a positive turning out moment exists with the ship at 20° HSL, see Figure 3.1.1 Davit arm turning-out moments.

Figure 3.1.1 Davit arm turning-out moments

1.7.3 The tension in the boat falls and forces in the davit arms are to be calculated using the appropriate friction allowance of the blocks and sheaves for both the following cases:

1. The turning out/lowering of the fully equipped lifeboat and its total complement of persons, where applicable. For a roller-track system, see Figure 3.1.2 Roller-track system, maximum wire rope tension.

2. The recovering of the fully equipped lifeboat and its crew to either the stowed position or to the embarkation deck.

Figure 3.1.2 Roller-track system, maximum wire rope tension

1.7.4 The required breaking load of the boat falls is determined by multiplying the maximum calculated tension from Ch 3, 1.7 Calculation of forces 1.7.3 or Ch 3, 1.7 Calculation of forces 1.7.3.(b) (whichever is greater), by a safety factor of 6.

1.7.5 The resultant loads on each of the blocks or sheaves in the rig are also to be determined by appropriate force diagrams or calculation.

1.7.6 For design purposes, the weight of one person is taken as 82,5 kg, except for passenger vessels which are to use 75 kg.

1.7.7 Friction in each sheave and pivot pin is to be taken as 5 per cent. However, sheaves having roller bearings may be taken as 2 per cent.

1.8.1 In general, davit winches are to comply with the requirements of Ch 9 Machinery where applicable.

1.8.2 Winch structural members are to be designed to have a minimum safety factor of 4,5 in respect of the minimum ultimate tensile stress of the material when the maximum working load is applied.

1.8.3 Winches with multiple drums are to be so arranged that all the falls wind on or off the drums at the same rate when either hoisting or lowering.

1.8.4 Winches are to be provided with an efficient hand gear arrangement to enable the survival craft or rescue boat to be recovered manually. The hand gear handles and wheels are not to be rotated by the moving parts of the winch when being operated by power. This does not apply to free-fall lifeboats.

1.8.5 Every davit winch is to be fitted with brakes capable of stopping the maximum speed of descent of the survival craft or rescue boat and of holding it securely when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment.

1.8.6 Winch brake pads are to be protected from water and oil, and an efficient means of preventing them from freezing is to be provided.

1.8.7 Manual brakes are to be so arranged that they are automatically applied unless held in the ‘off’ position by the Operator, see also Ch 3, 1.2 Survival craft davits 1.2.3.

1.9.1 For the purposes of this Chapter, the loose gear consists of the survival craft or rescue boat falls together with the blocks, shackles, links, padeyes, swivels, fastenings or any other fitting attached to the falls.

1.9.2 In general, the items of loose gear are to comply with the requirements of Ch 8 Fittings, Loose Gear and Ropes, or with a recognised National Standard.

1.9.3 Bowsing, griping and tricing tackles are not included in LR’s approval. However, their adequacy should be operationally demonstrated to the Surveyor’s satisfaction.

1.9.4 Each item is to be supplied with a manufacturer’s certificate of test or is to be tested in accordance with the requirements of Ch 3, 1.9 Loose gear 1.9.10 and Ch 3, 1.9 Loose gear 1.9.11 to the Surveyor’s satisfaction.

1.9.5 Wire rope falls are to be galvanised or heavily greased and are to be of a rotation resistant construction.

1.9.6 The use of stainless steel wire ropes will be specially considered, but generally are to be of a higher alloy composition, e.g. Inconel 625, Incoloy alloy 825, Duplex Ferralium 255. They are to comply with the requirements of 1.13.6. It is recommended that lower grades of stainless steel (e.g. SUS 304, SUS 316, etc.) are not used for lifeboat falls as they are subject to stress corrosion cracking, crevice corrosion and pitting.

1.9.7 The falls are to be of sufficient length to enable the survival craft or rescue boat to reach the water with three full turns remaining on the winch drum with the ship in her lightest sea-going condition and listed 20° in the adverse direction.

1.9.8 The ends of the falls are to be securely attached to the winch drum.

1.9.9 Wire rope terminations are to be manufactured and the termination process is to be in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturer and/or a National or International Standard. Wire rope grips are not to be used as the primary load bearing termination. Where used, the number of grips and their tightening torque is to be strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s and/or the National/International Standard requirements. The tightening torque is to be regularly checked.

1.9.10 Blocks, shackles, swivels and other fittings are to be designed to have a minimum safety factor in accordance with Table 3.1.1 Minimum safety factors with respect to the minimum ultimate tensile stress of the materials when the maximum working load is applied.

1.9.11 Each item of loose gear is to be proof-tested to 2,2 times its SWL (2,5 times its SWL for use offshore).

1.9.12 In addition, loose gear is to be prototype tested to 6 times its SWL to demonstrate its structural adequacy against failure.

1.10.1 Release hooks may be of the type fixed to the wire fall. These are generally used for single point suspension or of the type permanently attached to the craft being launched.

1.10.2 Release hooks for davit launched life rafts and dedicated inflatable/semi-rigid rescue boats are to comply with the following requirements:

1. Only one type of release hook, or other release mechanism, is to be fitted to similar survival craft or rescue boats on board a ship.

2. Each release hook and its mechanism is to be designed to have a minimum safety factor in accordance with Table 3.1.1 Minimum safety factors, with respect to the minimum ultimate tensile stress of the materials used when the maximum safe working load of the hook is applied.

3. The release mechanism is to be capable of releasing the craft in either the ‘off-load’ condition, i.e. when it is waterborne or when there is no load on the hooks, or, in the ‘on-load’ condition (however, this capability is to be adequately protected against accidental or inadvertent use).

4. Release hooks are to be designed and maintained such that they remain fully effective under conditions of icing.

5. A prototype release hook and its mechanism is to be proof loaded to 6 times its SWL, holding this load for at least 5 minutes. After removal of the load, the release mechanism is to be dismantled and examined for damage.

6. A prototype release hook and its mechanism is to be proof-load tested by subjecting it to a steadily increasing load until failure occurs. This breaking load is to be recorded.

7. Additionally, each release hook and its mechanism is to be ‘dynamically’ tested by lowering a proof-load of 1,1 times its SWL and abruptly applying the brakes when the lowering speed has been reached.

1.10.3 Release hooks for lifeboats, combined liferaft/rescue boats and rigid rescue boats are to comply with the requirements of Ch 3, 1.10 Release hooks 1.10.2 and, in addition, a mechanism is to be fitted to each lifeboat or rescue boat to ensure that each hook is released simultaneously. The effectiveness of this is to be demonstrated to the Surveyor’s satisfaction.

1.11.1 Davits, winches and loose gear are to be constructed of steel which complies with the requirements Ch 1, 1.6 Materials and fabrication and Ch 11 Materials and Fabrication. Proposals to use materials other than steel will be specially considered. The fabrication is to be in compliance with Ch 11, 2 Fabrication of classed lifting appliances or Ch 11, 3 Fabrication of certified lifting appliances.

1.11.2 The selected steel grade is to provide adequate protection against brittle fracture. The steel is to comply with the Charpy V-notch impact test requirements given in Ch 11, 1.2 General material requirements 1.2.2, with the operating temperature chosen as being the lesser of either that from an assigned winterisation notation or the lowest temperature of operation for the derrick system (see Ch 11, 1.2 General material requirements 1.2.4) .

1.11.3 Where a ship is intended for service in more severe environments (e.g. ice breakers in polar waters) the Charpy V-notch impact test requirements will be specially considered based on the minimum service temperature specified.

1.11.4 The required documentation for materials used for the construction of launch and recovery appliances for survival craft and rescue boats is defined in Ch 11, 4 Material documentation for certified and classed lifting appliances.

1.11.5 Steel or spheroidal graphite iron materials may be accepted for cast components. Grey cast iron is not a suitable material and may only be accepted for components after special consideration of the proposed application.

1.12.1 For the testing of loose gear and release hooks, see Ch 3, 1.9 Loose gear and Ch 3, 1.10 Release hooks.

1.12.2 Prototype testing of survival craft (excluding free-fall) and rescue boat davits and winches is to comply with the following requirements:

1. The davit with the arm in the outboard position is to be statically tested to 2,2 times the SWL. This test load is to be applied 10° either side of the vertical in the fore and aft direction, first with 0° list and then with both 20° HSL and 20° LSL conditions simulated.

2. The davit is to be dynamically tested to 1,1 times the maximum load appropriate to the part of the operating cycle concerned, over the full operating range with the ship at 0° list. This test is to be repeated with a 20° HSL and 10° trim condition simulated e.g. for a lifeboat/rescue boat davit fitted to a passenger ship where embarkation occurs with the davit arm in the turned-out position, the tests are to be conducted with the loads indicated in Table 3.1.2 Prototype: Dynamic test factors.

3. The dynamic tests in Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.2.(b) are to be repeated with a test load equal to the weight of the fully equipped lightest craft, without persons, through at least one complete operating cycle in order to demonstrate satisfactory functioning of the davit under light conditions.

4. For davits intended for installation on oil tankers, chemical tankers or gas carriers, all the foregoing tests are to be carried out at the final list angle (LSL only) where this is found to exceed 20°.

5. A ‘static’ test load of 1,5 times safe working moment (SWM) is to be held on the winch brakes with the maximum number of turns of rope on the winch drum. This is to be demonstrated through at least one revolution of the winch drum.

6. A ‘dynamic’ load test of 1,1 times SWL is to be lowered at maximum speed for at least three metres and stopped by abruptly applying the winch brakes. This test load should not drop more than one metre after the brake is applied and is to be repeated several times to achieve a cumulative lowering distance of at least 150 m.

7. A ‘recovery’ test is to be performed if the winch is to be used with a rescue boat to demonstrate that the fully loaded rescue boat can be recovered at a rate not less than 0,3 m/sec. It should be demonstrated that the winch hand recovery gear can recover a maximum load equivalent to a fully loaded boat.

8. After completion of the tests, the winch should be stripped for inspection.

1.12.3 Production testing of survival craft (excluding free-fall) and rescue boat davits and winches is to comply with the following requirements:

1. A ‘static’ load test of 2,2 times SWL is to be held by the davit in its fully outboard position at 0° list (2,5 times SWL for use offshore).

2. A ‘static’ load test of 1,5 times SWL is to be held on the winch brakes.

3. Each block and shackle supplied with the davit is to be tested to 2,2 times their individual SWL (2,5 times SWL for use offshore). When they are not supplied with a manufacturer’s certificate, tests are to be witnessed and LR’s certificate issued.

4. All fall ropes should be supplied with a manufacturer’s certificate of test indicating the breaking strength of the rope, which is to be not less than 6 times the maximum tension.

1.12.4 On board (installation) testing of survival craft (excluding free-fall) and rescue boat davits and winches is to comply with the following requirements:

1. A ’dynamic’ lowering test of 1,1 times SWL is to be carried out with the davit in the outboard position. When the maximum lowering speed is reached, the brakes are to be abruptly applied to demonstrate the adequacy of both the attachment to the supporting structure in way of the winch and to the davits. For ships with inboard embarkation, the test is to be conducted from this position.

2. A ’dynamic’ lowering test is to be performed with the lifeboat or rescue boat in the fully loaded condition to demonstrate that its entry into the water is not less than the figure calculated from the expression in Ch 3, 1.2 Survival craft davits 1.2.16 and is within the limit detailed in Ch 3, 1.2 Survival craft davits 1.2.18.

3. The above test is to be repeated with the lifeboat or rescue boat in the ’light’ condition (i.e. equipped but without personnel) to ensure that the frictional resistance of the winch, fall, blocks, etc. can be overcome. In this condition, the minimum entry speed of the boat is to comply with the requirements of Ch 3, 1.2 Survival craft davits 1.2.17.

4. For a life raft in the ‘light’ condition, it is generally only necessary to demonstrate that it has sufficient weight to overcome the friction in the davit reeving system.

5. It is to be demonstrated to the Surveyor’s satisfaction that the davits and winches are able to recover and return the survival craft to its stowage position, with satisfactory operation of limit switches, and be properly secured. Additionally, it is to be demonstrated that the survival craft can be recovered and returned to its stowage position using the emergency hand gear.

6. For rescue boat launching appliances, it is to be demonstrated that the rescue boat, with weight equal to its rescue complement, can be recovered using the davit winch at a rate not less than 0,3 m/s.

7. It is to be demonstrated to the Surveyor’s satisfaction that the remote control release mechanism inside the survival craft operates correctly.

1.12.5 Prototype testing of free-fall launching ramps and associated controlled launch auxiliary davits is to be carried out as follows:

1. The ramp structure is to be tested in applying a static load of 2,2 times SWL in positions along the ramp which gives maximum stress in the ramp structure with simulated shipboard 20° HSL and LSL and 10° fore and aft trim.

2. The auxiliary davit arm is to be statically tested on the ramp and in its outboard position to 2,2 times SWL, with simulated shipboard 20° HSL and LSL and 10° fore and aft trim.

3. Additionally, the auxiliary davit arm is to be dynamically tested on the ramp to 1,1 times the maximum load appropriate to the part of the operating cycle concerned, over the full operating range with the ship at 0° list.

4. The tests indicated in Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.2.(c), Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.2.(d), Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.2.(e), Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.2.(f) and Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.2.(h) are also to be conducted for free-fall systems.

5. The pressure parts of the hydraulically operated lifting system are to be hydrostatically tested to 1,5 times design pressure.

6. If the ramp is an adjustable type, it is to be demonstrated that it may be satisfactorily adjusted with the free-fall lifeboat loaded to 1,2 times its fully laden weight.

1.12.6 Production and installation testing of a free-fall system is to be carried out in accordance with Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.3 and Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.4 except as follows:

1. During a free-fall launch of the lifeboat, the water entry speed is to be such that no harmful forces are experienced by the lifeboat occupants.

2. Each new free-fall lifeboat is to be loaded to 1,1 times its fully laden weight and launched by free fall with the ship on an even keel and in its lightest sea-going condition.

3. During the ‘controlled’ mode of launching, the free-fall lifeboat is to be loaded to 1,1 times SWL and released by the operation of the launching controls on deck. When the lifeboat has reached its maximum lowering speed of not greater than 1,3 m/s, the brake is to be applied abruptly in order to demonstrate the attachment and adequacy of the support structure in way of the davit and winch.

4. It is to be demonstrated that the lifeboat may be recovered to its stowage position and can be safely and properly secured.

1.12.7 Periodical re-testing in accordance with the installation testing described in Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.4 and Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.6 is to be carried out every five years. Attention is drawn to the applicable requirements in the IMO Life Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, as amended.

1.12.8 After any repair affecting the strength of the davit or winch, the appliance is to be subject to the ‘dynamic’ loaded lowering test described in Ch 3, 1.12 Testing 1.12.4.

1.13.1 Every survival craft or rescue boat davit is to be visually inspected once a week by the crew to ensure they are at all times ready for immediate use.

1.13.2 It is recommended that rescue boats, including lifeboats which double as rescue boats, are to be launched using their davits at least once every month. In all cases, this recommendation is to be complied with at least once every three months for both lifeboats and rescue boats. For lifeboats installed on offshore platforms, this recommendation is to be complied with at least once every two months.

1.13.3 Every davit and winch is to be constructed so as to reduce routine maintenance to a minimum. Those parts requiring regular maintenance are to be readily accessible and easily maintained by the ship’s crew. Where possible, the use of maintenance free sealed bearings is to be adopted.

1.13.4 All parts subject to wear should be examined with respect to the manufacturer’s recommendations and repaired or replaced as necessary.

1.13.5 All davits and winches are to be adequately protected against corrosion and are to be constructed so as to prevent incendive friction or impact sparking during launching.

1.13.6 Davit falls are to be inspected periodically and must be renewed every five years or sooner should their condition deteriorate.

1.13.7 A record of maintenance, repair and test should be kept for each davit.

1.14.1 The minimum requirements for the issue of LR certification for life-saving launch and recovery appliances are as indicated in Ch 1, 1.2 Certification 1.2.5.

1.14.2 Testing of the appliance is to be in accordance with Ch 3, 1.12 Testing.

1.14.3 When LR is authorised by Governments or National Administrations to issue, on their behalf, statutory Safety Equipment Certificates on LR classed ships, all tests are required to be witnessed by LR.

1.14.4 Life-saving launch and recovery appliances are an integral aspect of a ship’s list of safety equipment which is to satisfy LR’s requirements prior to the issue of Safety Equipment Certification and Record of Safety Equipment (Report S.E.1).