- April 12, 2016
- 2016 , Circulars
- Comments : 0
Evaluation and replacement of lifeboat release and retrieval systems
12 April 2016 | C16008
We have noticed that a number of vessels have still not evaluated the lifeboat release and retrieval systems to ensure compliance with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code, as amended by resolution MSC.320(89).
NOTICE TO
Ship Owners / Managers / Operators | Surveyors | Flag Administrations | Service Suppliers
SOLAS regulation III/1.5, requires that for all ships of 500 GT and above, lifeboat release and retrieval system not complying with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code, as amended by resolution MSC.320(89), be replaced or modified not later than the next scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014, but not later than 1 July 2019.
Considering that paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code represent important safety improvements, manufacturers should carry out a self-assessment of their types of existing lifeboat release and retrieval systems in accordance with the IMO MSC.1/Circ.1392.
Stage 1 – Design Review
After a self-assessment of the existing equipment by the manufacturer, Dromon carries out a design review to check that the type of existing lifeboat release and retrieval systems comply with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code. In order to conduct design review the manufacturer shall submit to Dromon Engineering Department the following documentation:
- the approval certificate;
- all associated supporting design calculations;
- plans and testing documentation;
- specification and the installation instructions for the complete operating system; and
- safety instructions regarding the operating system and any interlocks provided.
Any submission for testing of a lifeboat release and retrieval system that cannot be supported with the above-mentioned information should not be eligible for testing against the requirements of the LSA Code.
Stage 2 – Performance Test
After a successful completion of the design review, a performance test should be conducted by the manufacturer for each type of lifeboat release and retrieval systems for compliance with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code. The performance test should be witnessed by Dromon surveyor. Should any part of the lifeboat release and retrieval system fail at any stage during the test, this type of lifeboat release and retrieval system should be deemed to be non-compliant and reported as such.
Stage 3 – Further actions based on the results of the performance test
Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, every lifeboat release and retrieval system should be categorized as being either compliant, compliant after modification or non-compliant. Thereafter:
- systems categorized as being compliant, or compliant after modification, may remain in service; and
- every system categorized as being non-compliant should be replaced with a new system or modified to be made compliant.
| The system complies with SOLAS III/1.5 | The system must be modified to
comply with SOLAS III/1.5 |
The system must be replaced to
comply with SOLAS III/1.5 |
| Stage 0 – Manufacturer
Inspect the lifeboat release and retrieval system according to MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 |
Stage 0 – Manufacturer
Inspect the lifeboat release and retrieval system and modify according to MSC.1/Circ.1392 & MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 |
Stage 0 – Manufacturer
Inspection of the lifeboat release and retrieval system and modify according to MSC.1/Circ.1392 & MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 |
| State 1 – Dromon
Conduct design review |
State 1 – Dromon
Conduct design review |
State 1 – Dromon
Conduct design review |
| Stage 2 – Dromon & Manufacturer
Test the lifeboat release and retrieval system according to SOLAS III/20.11.2.3. Test shall include: 1. Lifeboat 1.1 x load test |
Stage 2 – Dromon & Manufacturer
Test the lifeboat release and retrieval system according to SOLAS III/20.11.2.3. Test shall include: 1. Lifeboat 1.1 x load test |
Stage 2 – Dromon & Manufacturer
Replace of the lifeboat release and retrieval system |
| Stage 3 – Manufacturer
A statement confirming that the lifeboat arrangements remain fit for purpose should be issued by the manufacturer who performed the work as required MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 |
Stage 3 – Manufacturer
A statement confirming that the lifeboat arrangements remain fit for purpose should be issued by the manufacturer who performed the work as required MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 |
Stage 3 – Dromon & Manufacturer
Test of the lifeboat release and retrieval system accordingly to the MSC.1/Circ.1392. Tests shall include: 1. Hook 2 x load test 2. Lifeboat 1.1 x load test 3. 5 knots installation test (for vessels 20,000 GT or above) |
| Stage 4 – Dromon
Inform the Flag State Administration and submit all supporting documentation and the statement from the manufacturer |
Stage 4 – Dromon
Inform the Flag State Administration and submit all supporting documentation and the statement from the manufacturer |
Stage 4 – Dromon
Issue a statement of acceptance of the installation of replacement release and retrieval system to an existing lifeboat as per SWP21/Form 01 and inform the flag State Administration. |
One time follow-up overhaul examination
Not later than the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014, every lifeboat release and retrieval system of a type found to be compliant in respect of the existing lifeboat release and retrieval system evaluation should be subject to an overhaul examination according to Annex 1 to the MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 by the manufacturer or by one of their representatives. The examination also includes verification that the system examined is of the same type as the system that passed the evaluation and is suitable for the ship.
The scope of the overhaul examination should also include a detailed assessment of the condition of the components of the lifeboat release and retrieval system to observe the extent of wear, corrosion, erosion and other types of material degradation that may have occurred. Upon satisfactory completion of the overhaul examination, the manufacturer or one of their representatives should issue a factual statement to confirm this, for retention on board.
The follow-up overhaul examination must be witness by Dromon Surveyor as part of the SOLAS/SAFEQ schedule survey. A copy of the factual statement issued by the manufacturer or one of their representatives must be submitted to Dromon.
Act now
Ship owners / managers / operators are urge to request from manufacturer or one of their representatives to check the lifeboat release and retrieval system in accordance with the IMO MSC.1/Circ.1392 and MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1. After evaluation of the equipment, ship owners / managers / operators must submit to Dromon the results of the evaluation for design review and arranging the performance test. Based on the result of the design review, Dromon will advise steps to be followed for the replacement of the lifeboat release and retrieval system, if deemed necessary.
