LSA Part 6: Inspections and Testing of lifeboats and rescue boats
Service, inspection and test schedules, and how to do these safely
Relevant documents and M-notices: MGN 560, LSA Code, SOLAS 2024 Chapter III, MSC.402(96), MSC Circular 1392, MGN 541, Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers
Weekly inspections are required by SOLAS III Regulation 6. These involve, as a minimum:
A visual check of the condition of hooks, their attachment to the lifeboat and the on-load release gear being properly and completely reset
All engines in lifeboats and rescue boats being run for a total period of not less than 3 min
Lifeboats except free-fall lifeboats, on cargo ships being moved from their stowed position, without any persons on board, to the extent necessary to demonstrate satisfactory operation of launching appliances, weather and sea conditions permitting
Monthly inspections are required by SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 7. These must be recorded in the official log-book. These must involve, at a minimum:
All lifeboats except free-fall lifeboats, being turned out from their stowed position, without any persons on board, if weather and sea conditions allow
Inspection of the life-saving appliances, including lifeboat equipment
3-monthly launch of lifeboats
This is required under SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 9, 3.4.3
each lifeboat shall be launched, and manoeuvred in the water by its assigned operating crew, at least once every three months during an abandon ship drill.
If lifeboat and rescue boat launching drills are carried out with the ship making headway, such drills shall, because of the dangers involved, be practised in sheltered waters only and under the supervision of an officer experienced in such drills
Doing it safely
There have been too many accidents during crewed launches of lifeboats for training purposes. The IMO brought in an interim solution to the problem of on-load release hooks releasing when lifeboats were in the air; fall-prevention devices were fitted until those hooks could be replaced with approved models. The current guidance for launching during drills is contained in MGN 560, Annex I, Part 4. See also COSWP Chapter 4.4.
Drills should be carried out at safe speed.
If necessary, pauses should be made during the drills to explain especially difficult elements.
In preparing for a drill, those responsible should review the manufacturer’s instruction manual, paying particular attention to the release gear, and the anti-fall measures (pins/strops).
Those responsible for the drill should ensure that the crew is familiar with the guidance provided in the life-saving system instruction manual.
Lessons learned in the course of a drill should be documented and made a part of follow-up shipboard training discussions and planning for the next drill session.
The lowering of a boat with its full complement of persons is an example of an element of a drill that may, depending on the circumstances, involve unnecessary risk. Such drills should only be carried out if special precautions are observed.
Lifeboats should be lowered with no crew onboard if possible. It may be necessary to have the operating crew onboard during lowering.
Periodical Thorough Examination and routine maintenance of lifeboats, rescue boats and fast rescue boats and release gear is required under SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 9. This must be carried out at intervals of not more than 12 months.
All items from the weekly and monthly inspections must be checked first
Records of weekly and monthly maintenance are checked
For lifeboats, rescue boats and fast rescue boats the following are checked:
condition of the boat structure including fixed and loose equipment
engine and propulsion system
sprinkler system, where fitted
air supply system, where fitted
manoeuvring system
power supply system
bailing system
fender/skate arrangements
righting systems, where fitted
For on-load and off-load release gear the gear is checked for the following:
operation of devices for activation of release gear
excessive free play
hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted
cables for control and release
hook fastening
This must be done by the manufacturer or an approved service technician.
On-load/off-load release gear normally consists of a Henriksen Hook or similar. Look for the SOLAS wheelmark, or a UKCA mark, on any release mechanisms. To learn more about how these work, see MSC Circular 1392. These hooks are refurbished or replaced every 5 years.
5-Yearly load tests of liferaft, lifeboat and rescue boat davits are covered in this article:
MCAQs
Describe the weekly, monthly, 3-monthly, yearly and 5-yearly schedule of checks, launches, load-testing, maintenance and servicing of lifeboats, lifeboat davits and on-load/off-load release gear.
How often should lifeboats be broken out from their stowed position?
What is the latest version of SOLAS?
Explain how you would safely carry out the 3-monthly launches of lifeboats as required under SOLAS Chapter III.