The US Coast Guard (USCG) issued a circular concerning the requirements for launching a lifeboat and guidance for ensuring compliance regarding emergency evacuation drills.
Specifically, the policy letter clarifies lifeboat launching requirements and provides guidance for verifying compliance with reference (a) regarding emergency evacuation drills on Fixed and Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities not subject to the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). While setting the minimum standard for the launching of lifeboats and rescue boats, it does not limit Operators from completing additional training.
In addition, the requirements included in the policy mean that all lifeboats aboard a facility, shall, at a minimum, be launched annually with the assigned lifeboat crew in order to fulfill the requirements of the annual emergency evacuation drill required by the unit’s Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP).
The policy letter highlights that
It is strongly recommended all persons on the facility be proficient in lifeboat loading procedures and be familiar with lifeboat equipment.
To learn more about the policy letter click herebelow
