Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Information Note
The Hong Kong Marine Department issues Merchant Shipping Information Note regarding Servicing of Life- Saving Equipment as follows:
The purpose of this Note is to inform shipowners, ship managers, ship masters, shipping agents and classification societies, of service stations in Hong Kong which have been approved by the Director of Marine for the servicing of life-saving equipment.
1. This Note supersedes Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Information Note No. 62/2006.
2. Various cases have been drawn to Marine Department’s attention in the past which have identified the unapproved servicing of inflatable liferafts at certain overseas service stations.
In some instances, the servicing was so poor that the liferaft would not have functioned properly when launched and would have been ineffective as a life-saving appliance.
3. It is imperative for the safety of life at sea that all inflatable liferafts are regularly serviced at stations which have been approved by both the Administration of the State concerned and by the manufacturer of the equipment to be serviced. Shipowners are also advised to ensure wide availability of authorised servicing agents before purchasing inflatable liferafts. The above advice also applies to inflatable lifejackets, inflated rescue boats, marine evacuation systems, hydrostatic release units (HRUs) and other life-saving appliances.
4. In respect of HRUs, ship masters are reminded to ensure that these items are correctly installed on board ship, strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Details of the correct installation of the HRU to the liferaft must be provided with each unit supplied.
5. Shipowners, ship managers and ship masters are further reminded that it is an offence to carry any life-saving appliance which is known to be defective, or which has not been serviced at the intervals prescribed in accordance with Chapter III / Regulation 20.8-20.9 of SOLAS 1974 (as amended).
6. For reference, a table of approved service stations for the most commonly used inflatable liferafts, inflated rescue boats and inflatable lifejackets in Hong Kong is now obtainable on Marine Department’s Web Site and will regularly be updated.
7. If you require any further information on this subject, please contact the Senior Surveyor/Passenger Ships Safety Section at telephone number (+852) 2852 4500.
Source: Hong Kong Marine Department
