Canada: New policy for Authorized Service Providers of life-saving appliances

Transport Canada issued a bulletin to advise the marine industry of the Policy on Authorized Service Providers. This applies to the equipment carried on SOLAS vessels and any vessels that are required to meet Chapter III of the SOLAS Convention. It applies also to the service provider who carries out their maintenance.

This policy implements requirements from the IMO Resolution A.761(18) (Recommendation on conditions for the approval of servicing stations for inflatable life rafts), as amended, and Resolution MSC.404(96) (Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended), relating to the maintenance, testing and servicing of life-saving appliances. This policy also sets parameters for authorizing service providers.

In order to address incidents involving life-saving equipment, the IMO developed guidelines for the periodic servicing and maintenance of survival craft and their launching appliances, as well as recommendations to Administrations for the authorization of service providers.

IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) incorporated both past and new IMO recommendations, including those previously covered under MSC.1/Circ.1206 and 1277. These requirements were adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) through amendments to SOLAS Chapter III -Resolution MSC.404(96).

See also: USCG: How to comply with SOLAS amendments on life-saving appliances

The policy by Transport Canada covers weekly and monthly inspections that must be done by the crew, how to service inflatable equipment, how authorized service provider must service, carry maintenance or repair survival craft, rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear, and authorization of service providers.

The policy came into force on August 17, 2020 and will be reviewed when the Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations enter into force.

Authorized representatives, services providers and Transport Canada Recognized Organizations must follow this new policy.