Lifeboats and rescue boats play a crucial role in emergency situations, and their proper maintenance and inspection are essential for saving lives.
The amendments to SOLAS regulations III/3 and III/20, introducing mandatory new requirements for the maintenance and inspection of lifeboats and rescue boats, entered into force on 1 January 2020, to ensure safety of life-saving appliances and equipment. The amendments, which were adopted during the IMO MSC 96 back in May 2016, introduce mandatory new requirements for the maintenance and inspection of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear to be carried out by ‘certified personnel’ as per Resolution MSC.402(96)). The provisions aim to prevent accidents with survival craft and address longstanding issues, such as the need for uniform, safe and documented standards related to the servicing of these appliances.
The ‘Together in Safety’ initiative has come up with 10 Golden Safety Rules that can assist towards a zero accident industry, presenting best and worst practices during any operation onboard. Among others, the initiative tackles with ensuring own and others safety during maintenance and testing of lifeboats.
A quick glance at history
- Until 1912, safety rules surrounding lifeboats were out of date. It was not until after the sinking of Titanic that a broader movement began to require a sufficient number of lifeboats on passenger ships for all people onboard.
- The need for so many more lifeboats on the decks of passenger ships after 1912 led to the use of most of the deck space available even on the large ships, creating the problem of restricted passageways. This was resolved by the wider use of collapsible lifeboats.
For safe maintenance and testing of lifeboats, keep in mind:
ALWAYS
- Always ensure boat is fully secured (gripes; harbour pins; lashings) before entering for maintenance;
- Conduct toolbox talks covering dangers , release mechanisms, roles and operational procedures;
- Have fully trained staff conducting maintenance of boats, winches and brakes;
- Remove winch handles before launching;
- Ensure adequate supervision and means of communication;
- Avoid the unintended operation of on-load release mechanisms.
NEVER
- Have people on board during test launching/ recovery;
- Put crew in danger areas when boats/ davits are moving (crushing, etc.);
- Leave hanging off pennants or securing devices in place after maintenance/ testing.
To remind, The American P&I Club has issued a guidance that highlights the importance of indepth training, robust familiarity with the specific lifeboat onboard, and rigorous maintenance routines to ensure the safety and reliability of lifeboats.