CIRCULAR 004-2012

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SERVICES AND MERCHANT SHIPPING

(ADOMS)
Ref MSC.325(90)
Maintenance and Operational Readiness of Life- MSC.1/Circ.1206/
saving Appliances Rev.1
MSC.1/Circ.1411

Companies operating ships under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda.

Seafarers serving in Antigua and Barbuda ships.
Recognised Organisations.

This Circular replaces the version previously numbered 02-004-2012

Background.
The IMO Maritime Safety Committee at its 90th Session in 2012 approved an amendment to
SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 20 which affects the testing of free-fall lifeboats. The amendment
adds a new .4 to Regulation 20.11 and enters into force on 1st January 2014. However the IMO
has recommended in MSC Circ.1411 that it should be voluntarily introduced as early as
possible.

From 1st January 2014 Regulation 20.11.2 will say:

11.2 Lifeboat or rescue boat on-load release gear, including free-fall lifeboat release systems,
shall be:

.1 maintained in accordance with instructions for on-board maintenance as required by

regulation 36;

.2 subject to a thorough examination and operational test during the annual surveys
required by regulations I/7 and I/8 by properly trained personnel familiar with the system;
and

.3 operationally tested under a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the boat when loaded
with its full complement of persons and equipment whenever the release gear is
overhauled. Such over-hauling and test shall be carried out at least once every five
years. *

.4 notwithstanding subparagraph .3 above, the operational testing of free-fall lifeboat

release systems shall be performed either by free-fall launch with only the operating crew
on board or by a simulated launching carried out based on guidelines developed by the
Organization*

* Refers to MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1

Actions.

It is recommended that in accordance with the IMO’s recommendations, Recognised

Organisations, Owners, and Managers should adopt the change with immediate effect when
planning and carrying out operational tests with free-fall lifeboats.

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Drills and exercises with Free-Fall lifeboats

Regulation 19 of Chapter III of SOLAS says in relation to drills in ships with free-fall lifeboats:

3.3.4 In the case of a lifeboat arranged for free-fall launching, at least once every three months
during an abandon ship drill the crew shall board the lifeboat, properly secure themselves in their
seats and commence launch procedures up to but not including the actual release of the lifeboat
(i.e., the release hook shall not be released). The lifeboat shall then either be free-fall launched
with only the required operating crew on board, or lowered into the water by means of the
secondary means of launching with or without the operating crew on board. In both cases the
lifeboat shall thereafter be manoeuvred in the water by the operating crew. At intervals of not
more than six months, the lifeboat shall either be launched by free-fall with only the operating
crew on board, or simulated launching shall be carried out in accordance with the guidelines
developed by the Organization*.

For Antigua and Barbuda ships it is confirmed that the 6 monthly test launches may be simulated
launches in accordance with the guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1206 /Rev.1

However ships are reminded that the 3 monthly operational test of the boat by manoeuvring in
the water is still required although the launch of the boat for this purpose may be by the
secondary means.

Preventing accidents with lifeboats.

The IMO published MSC.1/Circ 1206 in 2009. The guidance in it is valuable and it contains the
Organization’s guidance on the simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats. It is reproduced as
Appendix 1 to this Circular.

____________

August 2012

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APPENDIX 1
MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1

GUIDELINES FOR PERIODIC SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFEBOATS,

LAUNCHING APPLIANCES AND ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR

General
1 The objective of these Guidelines is to establish a uniform, safe and documented performance
of periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release
gear.

2 These Guidelines relate to the application of the ISM Code to periodic servicing and
maintenance of lifeboat arrangements and should therefore be reflected in procedures
developed for a ship under that Code.

3 The general principle in these Guidelines may also be applied for the periodic servicing and
maintenance of liferafts, rescue boats and fast rescue boats and their launching appliances and
release gear.

SOLAS regulations
5 These Guidelines relate to the requirements contained in:
.1 SOLAS regulation III/20 – Operational readiness, maintenance and inspections; and
.2 SOLAS regulation III/36 – Instructions for onboard maintenance.

Responsibility
6 The company is responsible for servicing and maintenance on board its ships in accordance
with SOLAS regulation III/20 and for the establishment and implementation of health, safety and
environment (HSE) procedures covering all activities during servicing and maintenance.

7 The personnel carrying out servicing and maintenance are responsible for the performance of
the work as authorized in accordance with the system specified in paragraph 10.

8 The above personnel are also responsible for complying with HSE instructions and
procedures.

9 Service providers carrying out the thorough examination, operational testing, repair and
overhaul of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear should be authorized in
accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1277.

Certification
10 Where these Guidelines call for certification of servicing personnel, such certification should
be issued in accordance with an established system for training and authorization in accordance
with MSC.1/Circ.1277.

Qualification levels
11 Weekly and monthly inspections, and routine maintenance as specified in the equipment
maintenance manual(s), should be conducted under the direct supervision of a senior ship’s
officer in accordance with the maintenance manual(s).

12 All other inspections, servicing and repair should be conducted by the manufacturer’s
representative or other person appropriately trained and certified for the work to be done in
accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1277.

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Reports and records

13 All reports and checklists should be correctly filled out and signed by the person who carries
out the inspection and maintenance work and should also be signed by the company’s
representative or the ship’s master.

14 Records of inspections, servicing, repairs and maintenance should be updated and filed on
board the ship.

15 When repairs, thorough examinations and annual servicing are completed, a statement
confirming that the lifeboat arrangements remain fit for purpose should be promptly issued by
the service provider who performed the work.

SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING

1 GENERAL
1.1 Any inspection, servicing and repair should be carried out according to the maintenance
manuals and associated technical documentation developed by the manufacturer or an
alternative body authorized in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1277.

1.2 A full set of maintenance manuals and associated technical documentation as specified in
1.1 should be available on board for use in all operations involved in the inspection,
maintenance, adjustment and re-setting of the lifeboat and associated equipment, such as davits
and release gear.

1.3 The maintenance manuals and associated technical documentation as specified in 1.1
should include the following items as a minimum and should be periodically reviewed and
updated as necessary.

2 ANNUAL THOROUGH EXAMINATION.

2.1 As items listed in checklists for the weekly/monthly inspections also form the first part of the
annual thorough examination, when carrying out this examination the inspection of these items
should be performed by the ship’s crew in the presence of the manufacturer’s representative or
other person appropriately trained and certified for the work to be done in accordance with
MSC.1/Circ.1277.

2.2 Inspection and maintenance records of inspections and routine maintenance carried out by
the ship’s crew and the applicable certificates for the launching appliances and equipment
should be available.

Lifeboats
2.3 The following items should be examined and checked for satisfactory condition and
operation:
.1 condition of lifeboat structure including fixed and loose equipment;
.2 engine and propulsion system;
.3 sprinkler system, where fitted;
.4 air supply system, where fitted;
.5 manoeuvring system;
.6 power supply system; and
.7 bailing system.

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Release gear
2.4 The following should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation after the annual
winch brake test with the empty boat, as required by 3.1:
.1 operation of devices for activation of release gear;
.2 excessive free play (tolerances);
.3 hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted;
.4 cables for control and release; and
.5 hook fastening.

Notes:
1 The setting and maintenance of release gear are critical operations with regard to maintaining
the safe operation of the lifeboat and the safety of personnel in the lifeboat. All inspection and
maintenance operations on this equipment should therefore be carried out with the utmost care.

2 No maintenance or adjustment of the release gear should be undertaken while the hooks are
under load.

3 Hanging-off pennants may be used for this purpose but should not remain connected at other
times, such as when the lifeboat is normally stowed and during training exercises.

4 The release gear is to be examined prior to its operational test. The release gear is to be re-
examined after its operational test and the dynamic winch brake test. Special consideration
should be given to ensure that no damage has occurred during the winch brake test, especially
the hook fastening

2.5 Operational test of on-load release function:

.1 position the lifeboat partially into the water such that the mass of the boat is
substantially supported by the falls and the hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted, is
not triggered;
.2 operate the on-load release gear;
.3 reset the on-load release gear; and
.4 examine the release gear and hook fastening to ensure that the hook is completely
reset and no damage has occurred.

2.6 Operational test of off-load release function:

.1 position the lifeboat fully waterborne;
.2 operate the off-load release gear;
.3 reset the on-load release gear; and
.4 recover the lifeboat to the stowed position and prepare for operational readiness.

Note:
Prior to hoisting, check that the release gear is completely and properly reset. The final turning-
in of the lifeboat should be done without any persons on board.

2.7 Operational test of free-fall lifeboat release function:

.1 engage the simulated launching arrangements as specified in the manufacturer’s
operating instructions;
.2 the operator should be properly seated and secured in the seat location from which
the release mechanism is to be operated;
.3 operate the release mechanism to release the lifeboat;
.4 reset the lifeboat in the stowed configuration;
.5 repeat procedures referred to in .2 to .4 above, using the back-up release mechanism,
when applicable;
.6 remove the simulated launching arrangements; and
.7 verify that the lifeboat is in the ready to launch stowed configuration.

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Davit
2.8 The following items should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation:
.1 davit structure, in particular with regard to corrosion, misalignments, deformations and
excessive free play;
.2 wires and sheaves, possible damages such as kinks and corrosion;
.3 lubrication of wires, sheaves and moving parts;
.4 functioning of limit switches;
.5 stored power systems; and
.6 hydraulic systems.

Winch
2.9 The following items should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation:
.1 open and inspect brake mechanism;
.2 replace brake pads, if necessary;
.3 remote control system;
.4 power supply system; and
.5 winch foundation.

3 DYNAMIC WINCH BRAKE TEST

3.1 Annual operational testing should preferably be done by lowering the empty boat. When the
boat has reached its maximum lowering speed and before the boat enters the water, the brake
should be abruptly applied.

3.2 The five-year operational test should be done by lowering the boat loaded to a proof load
equal to 1.1 times the weight of the survival craft or rescue boat and its full complement of
persons and equipment, or equivalent load. When the boat has reached its maximum lowering
speed and before the boat enters the water, the brake should be abruptly applied.

3.3 Following these tests, the brake pads and stressed structural parts should be re-inspected.

Note:
In loading the boat for this test, precautions should be taken to ensure that the stability of the
boat is not adversely affected by free surface effects or the raising of the centre of gravity.

4 OVERHAUL OF ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR

Overhaul of on-load release gear includes:
.1 dismantling of hook release units;
.2 examination with regard to tolerances and design requirements;
.3 adjustment of release gear system after assembly;
.4 operational test as per above and with a load according to SOLAS regulation
III/20.11.2.3; and
.5 examination of vital parts with regard to defects and cracks.

Note:
Non-destructive examination (NDE) techniques, such as dye penetrants (DPE), may be suitable.

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GUIDELINES ON SAFETY DURING ABANDON SHIP DRILLS USING LIFEBOATS

1 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 It is essential that seafarers are familiar with the life-saving systems on board their ships
and that they have confidence that the systems provided for their safety will work and will be
effective in an emergency. Frequent periodic shipboard drills are necessary to achieve this.

1.1.2 Crew training is an important component of drills. As a supplement to initial shore-side

training, onboard training will familiarize crew members with the ship systems and the
associated procedures for use, operation and drills. On these occasions, the objective is to
develop appropriate crew competencies, enabling effective and safe utilization of the equipment
required by the 1974 SOLAS Convention. The time limits set out in SOLAS for ship
abandonment should be considered as a secondary objective when conducting drills.

1.2 Drill frequency

Experience has shown that holding frequent drills furthers the goals of making the crew familiar
with the life-saving systems on board their ships and increasing their confidence that the
systems will work and will be effective in an emergency. Drills give the crew opportunity to gain
experience in the use of the safety equipment and in cooperation. The ability to cope with an
emergency and handle the situation, if the ship needs to be abandoned, needs to be well
rehearsed.
However, frequent crew changes sometimes make it difficult to assure that all on board have
had the opportunity to participate in drills if only the minimum required drills are conducted.
Therefore, consideration needs to be given to scheduling drills as necessary to ensure all on
board have an early opportunity to become familiar with the systems on board.

1.3 Drills must be safe

1.3.1 Abandon ship drills should be planned, organized and performed so that the recognized
risks are minimized and in accordance with relevant shipboard requirements of occupational
safety and health.

1.3.2 Drills provide an opportunity to verify that the life-saving system is working and that all
associated equipment is in place and in good working order, ready for use.

1.3.3 Before conducting drills, it should be checked that the lifeboat and its safety equipment
have been maintained in accordance with the ship’s maintenance manuals and any associated
technical documentation, as well as noting all the precautionary measures necessary. Abnormal
conditions of wear and tear or corrosion should be reported to the responsible officer
immediately.

1.4 Emphasis on learning

Drills should be conducted with an emphasis on learning and be viewed as a learning
experience, not just as a task to meet a regulatory requirement to conduct drills. Whether they
are emergency drills required by SOLAS or additional special drills conducted to enhance the
competence of the crew members, they should be carried out at safe speed. During drills, care
should be taken to ensure that everybody familiarizes themselves with their duties and with the
equipment. If necessary, pauses should be made during the drills to explain especially difficult
elements.

The experience of the crew is an important factor in determining how fast a drill or certain drill
elements should be carried out.

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1.5 Planning and organizing drills

1.5.1 The 1974 SOLAS Convention requires that drills shall, as far as practicable, be conducted
as if there was an actual emergency.* This means that the entire drill should, as far as possible,
be carried out. The point is that, at the same time, it should be ensured that the drill can be
carried out in such a way that it is safe in every respect. Consequently, elements of the drill that
may involve unnecessary risks need special attention or may be excluded from the drill.

1.5.2 In preparing for a drill, those responsible should review the manufacturer’s instruction
manual to assure that a planned drill is conducted properly. Those responsible for the drill
should assure that the crew is familiar with the guidance provided in the life-saving system
instruction manual.

1.5.3 Lessons learned in the course of a drill should be documented and made a part of follow-
up shipboard training discussions and planning the next drill session.

1.5.4 The lowering of a boat with its full complement of persons is an example of an element of a
drill that may, depending on the circumstances, involve an unnecessary risk. Such drills should
only be carried out if special precautions are observed.

2 ABANDON SHIP DRILLS

2.1 Introduction
It is important that the crew who operate safety equipment on board are familiar with the
functioning and operation of such equipment. The 1974 SOLAS Convention requires that
sufficiently detailed manufacturers’ training manuals and instructions be carried on board, which
should be easily understood by the crew. Such manufacturers’ manuals and instructions should
be accessible for everyone on board and observed and followed closely during drills.

2.2 Guidance to the shipowner

2.2.1 The shipowner should ensure that new safety equipment on board the company’s ships
has been approved and installed in accordance with the provisions of the 1974 SOLAS
Convention and the International Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code.

2.2.2 Procedures for holding safe drills should be included in the Safety Management System
(SMS) of the shipping companies. Detailed procedures for elements of drills that involve a
special risk should be evident from workplace assessments adjusted to the relevant life-saving
appliance.

2.2.3 Personnel carrying out maintenance and repair work on lifeboats should be qualified
accordingly.*

2.3 Lifeboats lowered by means of falls

2.3.1 During drills, those responsible should be alert for potentially dangerous conditions and
situations and should bring them to the attention of the responsible person for appropriate
action. Feedback and improvement recommendations to the shipowner, the Administration and
the system manufacturer are important elements of the marine safety system.

2.3.2 When performing drills with persons on board a lifeboat, it is recommended that the boat
first be lowered and recovered without persons on board to ascertain that the arrangement
functions correctly. In this case, the boat should then be lowered into the water with only the
number of persons on board necessary to operate the boat.

2.3.3 To prevent lashings or gripes from getting entangled, proper release should be checked
before swinging out the davit.

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2.4 Free-fall lifeboats
2.4.1 The monthly drills with free-fall lifeboats should be carried out according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, so that the persons who are to enter the boat in an emergency are
trained to embark the boat, to take their seats in a correct way and to use the safety belts; and
also are instructed on how to act during launching into the sea.

2.4.2 When the lifeboat is free-fall launched as part of a drill, this should be carried out with the
minimum personnel required to manoeuvre the boat in the water and to recover it. The recovery
operation should be carried out with special attention, bearing in mind the high risk level of this
operation. Where permitted by SOLAS, simulated launching should be carried out in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions, taking due note of the Guidelines for simulated launching of
free-fall lifeboats at appendix.

GUIDELINES FOR SIMULATED LAUNCHING OF FREE-FALL LIFEBOATS

1 Definition
Simulated launching is a means of training the crew in the free-fall release procedure of free-fall
lifeboats and in verifying the satisfactory function of the free-fall release system without allowing
the lifeboat to fall into the sea.

2 Purpose and scope

The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide a basic outline of essential steps to safely carry
out simulated launching. These Guidelines are general; the lifeboat manufacturer’s instruction
manual should always be consulted before conducting simulated launching. Simulated launching
should only be carried out with lifeboats and launching appliances designed to accommodate it,
and for which the manufacturer has provided instructions. Simulated launching should be carried
out under the supervision of a responsible person who should be an officer experienced in such
procedures.

3 Typical simulated launching sequence

3.1 Check equipment and documentation to ensure that all components of the lifeboat and
launching appliance are in good operational condition.

3.2 Ensure that the restraining device(s) provided by the manufacturer for simulated launching
are installed and secure and that the free-fall release mechanism is fully and correctly engaged.

3.3 Establish and maintain good communication between the assigned operating crew and the
responsible person.

3.4 Disengage lashings, gripes, etc., installed to secure the lifeboat for sea or for maintenance,
except those required for simulated free-fall.

3.5 Participating crew board the lifeboat and fasten their seatbelts under the supervision of the
responsible person.

3.6 All crew, except the assigned operating crew, disembark the lifeboat. The assigned
operating crew fully prepares the lifeboat for free-fall launch and secures themselves in their
seats for the release operation.

3.7 The assigned operating crew activates the release mechanism when instructed by the
responsible person. Ensure that the release mechanism operates satisfactorily and, if applicable,
the lifeboat travels down the ramp to the distance specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.

3.8 Re-secure the lifeboat to its stowed position, using the means provided by the manufacturer
and ensure that the free-fall release mechanism is fully and correctly engaged.

3.9 Repeat procedures from 3.7 above, using the back-up release mechanism when applicable.

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3.10 The assigned operating crew disembarks the lifeboat.

3.11 Ensure that the lifeboat is returned to its normal stowed condition. Remove any restraining
and/or recovery devices used only for the simulated launch procedure.
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