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Failure of lifeboat wire fall – five fatalities on a passenger vessel

27 Φεβρουαρίου, 2013 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο Failure of lifeboat wire fall – five fatalities on a passenger vessel)

Failure of lifeboat wire fall due to corrosion that resulted in five fatalities on the Maltese registered passenger vessel Thomson Majesty.

The MSIU would be very grateful if the attached document is kindly brought to the attention of all safety managers of vessels. The scope behind this Safety Alert is to highlight the potential hazards related to failure of lifeboat wire falls.

Click here to read safety alert.

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Guidelines for evaluation and replacement of LB release and retrieval systems

21 Σεπτεμβρίου, 2012 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο Guidelines for evaluation and replacement of LB release and retrieval systems)

The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-ninth session (11 to 20 May 2011), approved the Guidelines for evaluation and replacement of lifeboatrelease and retrieval systems, set out in the annex, as per SOLAS regulation III/1.5.

New SOLAS regulation III/1.5, which will enter into force on 1 January 2013, requires that for all ships, on-load release mechanismsnot 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.

A flowchart of the lifeboat release and retrieval system evaluation process, is set out in appendix 2 of MSC.1/Circ. 1392.

In the new IMO texts the wording “on-load release” is not used, the term now being “Release and Retrieval System”, comprising the hook assembly and the operating mechanism. All existing Release and Retrieval Systems have to be reviewed and tested against the new requirements not later than 1 July 2013. Systems which do not comply with the new requirements will have to be replaced or modified not later than the first scheduled dry docking after 1 July2014, but not later than 1 July 2019.Amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention by a new Regulation III/1.5 will enter into force on 1 January 2013, as will amendments to the LSA Code, by a revised Chapter IV.

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PSC Deficiencies-Maintenance, servicing and inspection for lifeboats and launching appliances

17 Αυγούστου, 2012 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο PSC Deficiencies-Maintenance, servicing and inspection for lifeboats and launching appliances)

According to a statistic data of PSC inspections for ships classed with ClassNK in 2011, a frequency of PSC pointing-out deficiencies with the lifeboat arrangements had once decreased in 2010, however, it was increased again in 2011 to the top frequency. (277 deficiencies pointed out/ 78 detentions).Analysis of PCS inspection reports shows that the main items, with which deficiencies were pointed out, are as follows:

– Releasing gear: 32 deficiencies

-Engine (including fuel, lub., exh. and cooling systems, clutch and battery): 71 deficiencies,

– Battery for starter: 26 deficiencies

– Reflective tape: 15 deficiencies

These deficiencies themselves may be judged “to be rectified before departure” etc. However, if two or more deficiencies are found concurrently, these can be objective evidences for the judgement of non-conformity with ISM Code 10 “Maintenance of the Ship and Equipment”, and that often results ship detention. It is expected further attention to the condition of lifeboat arrangements will be paid.It seems that, usually, ship managers specify the SMS Procedure on check and maintenance of lifeboat arrangements, basing on the recommended plan and guidance by the makers.

According to a standardized check & maintenance plan prepared by the makers, in each opportunity of weekly, monthly and at drill, some check items with releasing gear, and engine & its surroundings are specified. Therefore, we would suggest you to carry out:

1. Confirmation whether the relevant SMS Procedure satisfies the maker-recommended plan, etc.

2. Instruction to the ships under your good management, in order for them to confirm the detailed check points (i.e., for releasing gear, weekly  check points are the sureness of resetting and cleanliness of the moving parts) & its guidance at each occasion when they carry out the check & maintenance specified in SMS Procedure.

Regarding reflective tapes (broken, scraped or paint-damaged), it might not be described in a maker-recommended plan. Please consider to describe this item into your own plan, as necessary.

Source : ClassNK

You may also like to read “Accidents at Sea: Falling Off a Lifeboat Causes Death”

and Life boat safety-fall preventer devices by BIMCO-a user guide

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