LSA and Port State Control Inspections

PSCO’s checklists have a dedicated LSA section with specific items to be checked. Some PSC authorities issue specific information and PSC findings on LSA equipment (eg AMSA). This a practice to declare the importance of such items and systems. After all, LSA is the type of equipment which aims to provide seafarers protection in case of emergency.

The results of Last 5 Years (2016-2020) in Table 1 show the importance of LSA in PSC inspections:

Table 1: Results of PSC Inspections during 2016-2020 / Source RISK4SEA

Taking into consideration the Deficiency Code Lists in all PSC Regimes (as more or less it is similar), the section 11 is dedicated to Life Saving Appliances. There are 36 Deficiency Codes used to describe items found on board related to LSA (Table 2)

Table 2: Deficiency Codes related to LSA

Reviewing the results of PSC findings for the last 5 years (2016-2020), the most common deficiencies marked on LSA are shown in Table 3

Global PSC Findings (2016-2020)

Table 3: Most Common Deficiencies (2016-2020)/ Source RISK4SEA

According to data, the most findings are related to boats (Lifeboats and Rescue Boats). A high number of findings also include the inventories related to boats, however these findings usually do not lead to detentions. Following the above most common findings and having grouped what PSCOs have marked for each code critical issues can be identified, shown in table 4

Table 4 / Source RISK4SEA

Life Saving Appliances are not only related to boats. As the number of standard Deficiency codes indicates, many items are related with seafarers survival equipment (lifejackets, lifebuoys, immersion suits etc.). There are some items of high importance that are related to such codes. For example, the condition and use of lifejackets is of most importance for preserving seafarers’ life at sea. Items related to such “personal” survival equipment, have usually to do with condition, size, components and familiarization of crew on how to use them.

AMSA guidance on Lifeboats

AMSA notes that lifeboats may be found deficient if any of below items cannot be properly demonstrated. If this happens, the ship will be detained until a lifeboat technician can fix it. Guidance can be summed up to the following:

• Check the release system and interlock is set correctly.
• If fitted, check the indicators are clear and in correct position.
• Keep the instructions secured in the boat.
• Check the lifeboat’s painter release is operable.
• Check the engine has enough fuel and is de-watered as necessary.
• Turn the lifeboat on and make sure there is no start delay.
• Test the propulsion allows it to go ahead and astern and that it can be steered in all directions.
• Keep the engine starting batteries maintained and in good condition.

USCG Alerts

UCSG has issued a number of alerts in order to notify operators on items related to LSA.

Safety Alert 13-16: Guidance on air inflatable life jackets

Safety Alert 09-17: Provides alert for inspection of lights of life jackets

Safety Alert 03-18: Includes comments on deficiencies found related to immersion suits’ condition and provides guidance on adequate inspections

Safety Alert 03-20: Addresses the importance of checking for and replacing damaged control cables that operate between the release handle and hook in a lifeboat hook release system

Best Practices

Equipment Availability and Condition, Maintenance, and Familiarization / training are the three key issues for all operators to focus on.

#1 Equipment availability & Condition

LSA on board should follow the specifications included in SOLAS and LSA code. Special care should be given to the type of ship in order to have additional equipment if required (eg. Passenger ships)

#2 Maintenance

The LSA equipment following SOLAS Maintenance and manufacturers’ maintenance requirements, is to be checked in the specific intervals (generally divided in weekly, monthly, annually and 5yearly intervals). As included in the new amendments of SOLAS (January 2020), authorized and certified personnel, are assigned with the responsibility for inspection & maintenance.

#3 Familiarization & Training.

All crew members are certified on STCW Sections A-VI/1-1; A-VI/1-2; A-VI/1-3; A-VI/1-4, however this a generic approach. Additional specific familiarization is to be provided on LSA equipment on board following training session aiming to individual training (personal familiarization) or team training (drills).