Tag: lifeboats

As Transport Malta informs in its report on MV Leopold Staff, while the vessel was underwa to Durban, South Africa, the crew members decided to carry out maintenance and test the free-fall lifeboat launching arrangement. However, as the lifeboat was off the ramp, the hoisting slings started to slide out from their ferrules, until the lifting block recoiled and the lifeboat slid to the water.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) issued a circular concerning the requirements for launching a lifeboat and guidance for ensuring compliance regarding emergency evacuation drills.

RMI was recently notified of an incident involving the failure of a freefall lifeboat sling during lowering of the lifeboat to the water. The wire failed at a crimp while under load, causing the lifeboat to fall uncontrolled to the water.

Abandon ship is the top challenging situation a mariner could face in his or her career. The risky task is, not only to launch the lifeboat and complete safe embarkation, but also to safely navigate this lifeboat in the high seas until rescued.

Transport Malta's MSIU issued an investigation report on the inadvertent release of the Free Fall Lifeboat (FFLB) and subsequent injuries to the chief officer onboard the tanker Giovanni DP, in March 2019. The investigation revealed that the crew were not fully aware of the correct procedure for testing the release of the hook.

IMO’s SSE 7 took place in London on 2-6 March 2020. Highlights included agreement of draft new requirements for onboard lifting appliances, and on draft new interim guidelines for safe operation of shore power, as well as progressed work on ventilation of survival craft and on fire safety of ro-ro passenger ships.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) issued an investigation report on a lifeboat release hook failure during a drill on the passenger ferry 'Northern Ranger' in October 2017, which led to minor injuries. The failure was linked to poor compliance with SOLAS and operator's manual. 

Following the rough weather conditions of the Storm Ciara in the UK and Ireland, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crewmembers faced strong winds during their rescue operation upon a fishing boat that was stranded without power, on Sunday 9 February in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Bureau Veritas focuses on SOLAS Chapter III amendments, which will be applied on January 1, 2020, including requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear.

St.Vincent and the Grenadines Maritime Administration informs that from January 1, 2020, the examination, operational testing, repair and overhaul of the lifeboats has to be in line with SOLAS regulation III/20 by service providers authorized in accordance with section 7 of MSC.402(96).