BMA warns of change in launching procedures

The Bahamas Maritime Authority issued an alert, to draw attention on a change in the launching procedure for HLB Co. Ltd. TALON II 4.0, TALON II 6.0 and TALON 9.0 lifeboat on load release systems, as described in Revision 10 of the “Operation and Maintenance Manual for Release Mechanism”.

Revision 9 of the Operation and Maintenance Manual, dated 05 November 2013, indicates that the locking devices (safety pins) are to remain in the fore and aft hooks until the boat is in the water in all conditions.

Revision 10 of the Operation and Maintenance Manual, dated 23 September 2014, indicates that the locking devices (safety pins) are to remain in the
fore and aft hooks until the boat is in the water only for training/drill/maintenance launching.

The BMA has contacted HLB Co Ltd who have confirmed that Revision 10 is the correct version of the procedure to be used. 

Therefore, BMA stresses:

• Companies operating ships fitted with these on load release hooks should ensure that the correct revision of the manufacturer’s instructions is available on board.
• Companies should ensure that all persons involved in launching lifeboats are fully trained and familiar with the launching system.
• The hook locking devices (safety pins) should be used for all training/drills/maintenance launches, as described in the Manual.