The LSA Code, as amended, requires every lifeboat, including lifeboats which are also rescue boats, to be fitted with hooks that have on-load release capability. Exempted are free-fall lifeboats.

Paragraphs 4.4.7.6.7.2 and 4.4.7.6.17 contain these specific requirements (see IMO Resolution 320(89) for details).

SOLAS and the LSA Code do not require boats used solely for rescue purposes to be fitted with on-load release mechanisms. However, many dedicated rescue boats are fitted with these devices and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator (the “Administrator”) believes that all on-load release mechanisms should meet the same standards regardless of whether installed on a life boat or rescue boat.

Accordingly, the Administrator requires that all on-load release mechanisms shall be in accordance with LSA Code 4.4.7.6 and shall be evaluated in accordance with IMO MSC.1/Circ.1392.

Although the SOLAS timeframe for such replacement for lifeboats is the first scheduled dry-docking after 01 July 2014, but not later than 01 July 2019, as 01 July 2014 has passed and some vessels have already completed dry-docking and are now required to evaluate their rescue boat on-load release mechanisms, the Administrator will allow a grace period on a case-by-case basis for vessels to complete the replacement on rescue boats, as necessary

Source: http://www.register-iri.com/forms/upload/TechCirc-20-Rev-1.pdf