According to Loyd’s Register, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has adopted amendments to the SOLAS Convention, Resolution MSC.81(70) and the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, which come into force on 1 January 2024.
This news is relevant to all shipowners, ship operators, ship managers, ship masters, designers, shipbuilders, and manufacturers.
These amendments mean the installation survey requirement for carrying out a launch test of lifeboats, when the ship is making headway at not less than five knots, will only be applicable to davit-launched lifeboats and will no longer be required for free-fall lifeboats.
Possible early implementation
Flag Administrations may choose to adopt the amendments prior to the entry-into-force date of 1 January 2024 and allow early implementation, as permitted by MSC.8/Circular 2 and MSC.1/Circular 1565.