Need for close examination and non-destructively tests for possible fractures
The Republic of the Marshall Islands issued a Marine Safety Advisory to advise inspectors, masters and owners/ agents that fractures have been identified during routine maintenance on a freefall lifeboat lifting sling ring.
It is recommended that the lifting sling arrangement on all freefall lifeboats be closely examined and non-destructively tested for possible fractures.
If fractures are found, the lifting sling arrangement should immediately be taken out of service and the defective part renewed.
While the capability to retrieve the lifeboat is not available, additional safety measures should be put in place relative to operational readiness and drills and all should be properly recorded in the vessel log books.
Source & Image Credit: RMI
