4 Απριλίου, 2016 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο On-Load Release Mechanisms for Rescue Boats (LSA Code, as amended, §4.4.7.6))
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
14 Σεπτεμβρίου, 2013 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο On load release hooks)
IMO has adopted new rules in order to enhance lifeboat safety, and new requirements for on-load release hooks entered into force on 1 January 2013.
For newbuildings, the requirements apply to ships keel laid after 1 January 2013. The new requirements are set out in the LSA Code, paragraphs 4.4.7.6.2 to 4.4.7.6.6. (Res. MSC.320(89), and the prototype test requirements are stated in Res. MSC.321(89)).
Vessels in operation shall comply with the retroactive requirement given in the amended SOLAS Reg. III/1.5 (Res. MSC.317(89)) by their first dry docking after 1 July 2014, and at the latest by 1 July 2019. This means that all existing on-load release hooks need to be evaluated for compliance with the LSA Code paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6. This is to be initiated by the hook manufacturer and compliant hooks are to be added to a “white list” kept by IMO. Applications for whitelisting must be submitted by 1 July 2013.
Whitelisted hooks on ships must have a one-time follow-up overhaul examination carried out by the hook manufacturer. The manufacturer shall then issue a factual statement that shall be kept on board.
If the hook is not on the white list, it needs to be replaced. The replacement of on-load release hooks requires the approval of DNV’s Fire Safety and Lifesaving Section at Høvik. Please be aware that, for hook replacements, full compliance with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.2 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code is required, and whitelisted hooks are not acceptable. (The replacement hooks must have documentation of full compliance with IMO Res.MSC.320(89) and 321(89).)
Please be aware that a number of flags require fall preventer devices to be installed until compliance with SOLAS III/1.5 is verified.
In order to provide clear information to ship managers and surveyors through this process, a retroactive requirement (RR) will be displayed in the ship status for vessels where DNV is following up the safety equipment issues on behalf of the flag administration.
For further information, refer to MSC.1/Circ.1392 Guidelines for Evaluation and Replacement of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems.
Useful references/links IMO Res. MSC.317(89) – Amended SOLAS III/1.5
IMO Res.MSC 320(89) – LSA Code paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6
IMO Res.MSC 321(89) – Prototype test requirements MSC.1/Circ.1392 – Guidelines for Evaluation and Replacement of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems
Whitelisted hooks: http://gisis.imo.org/Public/HOOKS/Default.aspx. (Public access, but requires the establishment of an account)
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.
3 Σεπτεμβρίου, 2012 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο UK-MCA Safety Alert No.44 – LSA/Lifejackets recall)
Attention is drawn to the the Safety Alert No. 44 released by the UK MCA in July 2012, related to lifejackets type ,Mullion manufacturer of Lifejacket COMPACT 150N ISO 12402 for which it was discovered that a problem may occur during the inflation of the above mentioned lifejacket.
MCA was informed that in order to avoid any potential safety issue, Mullion is recalling COMPACT 150N ISO 12402 lifejackets if they have a yellow valve in the oral tube (see attached Mullion Technical Safety Alert). The affected lifejackets are being recalled as a precaution for inspection and, where appropriate, repair or replacement.
Owners of lifejackets as described above should:
Not use them.Return them to the nearest Mullion Lifejacket Service Station or to Sioen Ireland factory in Donegal to have the oral tube valve checked for stability or lifejacket replacement if necessary.
Owners of these lifejackets seeking further information on the recall process can call the Mullion Helpline on UK/Ireland +44 (797) 11 03 798 between 0800 and1600 (UK local time)
International calls outside of the UK/Ireland +32 (51) 74 15 21
Owners can also make contact by email mullion@sioen.com
14 Αυγούστου, 2012 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Life Jackets on Ships)
Highest consideration factor is given to human life at sea while dealing with any type of emergency and life saving appliances plays an important role in saving lives in all types of emergency situation.
A ship is assigned with different types of life saving appliances for various emergency situations and their operating and maintenance procedures must be well known to the ship’s staff.One such life saving appliance which is used in almost all kinds of emergencies is the Life jacket or life vest. The details for construction and operating requirements are given in SOLAS chapter II under LSA code which was amended in July 2010.
What is life jacket?
Life jacket is a sleeveless jacket made up of buoyant or inflatable material used to keep human body afloat in water.
Two popular types of life jackets used onboard are:
–Inflatable life jacket: This jacket needs inflation for buoyancy and is automatically inflated when immersed in water. It normally consists of two different buoyancy compartments.
–Non inflatable life jacket: These jackets are fitted with buoyant materials and they don’t need to inflate.
How many life jackets should be there on a ship?
On Passenger Ships
–There must be a life jacket for every person onboard ship.
–Life jacket for each child or 10 % of the total number of passenger which ever is higher.
On Cargo ships
–There must be a life jacket for all the crew and their families, if onboard.
–Since officers carry their family with them, infant life jacket must be provided in cargo ships.
The number of life jackets must be carried in excess as in case of damage to any, it can be replaced with spare one.
What are the requirements (including 2010 amendments) as per SOLAS?
Each life jacket shall be fitted with a whistle firmly secured by a lanyard.
Life jacket lights and whistles shall be selected and secured to the lifejacket in such a way that their performance in combination is not degraded.
Each life jacket shall be provided with a releasable buoyant line or other means to secure it to a lifejacket worn by another person in the water.
Each life jacket shall be provided with a suitable means to allow a rescuer to lift the wearer from the water into a survival craft or rescue boat.
Jacket must not sustain burning or melting when exposed to fire for a period of 2 seconds.
It is clearly capable of being worn in only one way or, as far as is practicable, cannot be donned incorrectly.
When jumped from a height of at least 4.5 m into the water no injury and dislodging or damaging the lifejacket.
Should have buoyancy which is not reduced by more than 5% after 24 hour submersion in fresh water.
Life jacket is one of the most important personal protective equipment available on board ships. According to ship safety regulations, every seafarer on board ship is provided with a life jacket and he or she must know how to use it in case of emergencies.
Though the procedure of putting on a life jacket might seem an easy task, seafarers have often been found making mistakes in doing so, especially in case of emergency situations.
Not wearing the life jacket properly can hurt the seafarer while jumping in the water or it can even loosen and come off because of the forces of water.
It is therefore not only important that every seafarer knows how to wear a life jacket but also necessary that he or she understands how to put it on quickly and properly.
Watch the video below to understand and remember the procedure to wear a life jacket.
How to wear a life jacket?
How to wear a life jacket in water?
Also, sometimes it so happen that because of dearth of time during emergencies or due to unfavourable circumstances, seafarer might have to wear the life jacket after jumping in the water.
Note that wearing the life jacket while in water is not an easy task. Putting on the life jacket in the right manner, while in water, requires good practice and training.
Watch the video below to find out how to wear a life jacket while in water.