Circular Letter
MSC/Circ.1161

GUIDANCE ON TRAINING FAST RESCUE BOATS LAUNCH AND RECOVERY TEAMS AND BOAT CREWS

(adopted on 20 May 2005)

1. The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eightieth session (11 to 20 May 2005), approved amendments to Part A of the Seafarer’s Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code for launching/recovery operations of fast rescue boats.

2. The Committee agreed that there is a need for seafarers involved with launching and recovering fast rescue boats to be appropriately trained in the use of the equipment on board. The initial onboard training requirements of seafarers involved with the launching and recovery of fast rescue boats are set out at annex 1.

3. The Committee also agreed that limitations of shore-based training should be supplemented by regular onboard training. This training would include, but not be limited to, drills when weather conditions permit such exercises to be carried out safely. The ongoing training requirements for fast rescue boat launch and recovery teams and boat crews are set out at annex 2.

4. Member Governments are invited to bring this guidance to the attention of shipping companies, shipowners, ship operators, shipmasters and all parties concerned.

Annex 1.

GUIDANCE ON TRAINING FOR FAST RESCUE BOATS LAUNCH AND RECOVERY TEAMS AND BOAT CREW

Initial onboard training of seafarers involved with the launching and recovery of fast rescue boats

1. Every person involved in the operation of launching and recovery equipment and appliances of fast rescue boats should be required to demonstrate competence to undertake the tasks and responsibilities which should include but not be limited to:

.1 assessment of the readiness of fast rescue boats, related launch equipment and launch appliance as fitted, for immediate launch and operation;

.2 understand the operation of the winch, brakes, falls, painters, motion compensation and other equipment as fitted;

.3 safety precautions during launching and recovery of a fast rescue boat; and

.4 procedures for launching and recovery of fast rescue boat in varying conditions.

2. The level of knowledge of the tasks and responsibilities detailed above should be sufficient to enable the seafarer to perform launching and recovering duties in emergency situations.

3. Records should be kept on the ship to show which crew members are proficient in the launch and recovery of fast rescue boats.

Annex 2.

GUIDANCE ON TRAINING FOR FAST RESCUE BOATS LAUNCH AND RECOVERY TEAMS AND BOAT CREW

Ongoing training for fast rescue boat launch and recovery teams and boat crews

1. Every person involved in the operation of launching and recovery equipment and appliances of fast rescue boats or is a member of a fast rescue boat team should participate in regular onboard training which would include, but not be limited to, drills when weather conditions permit such exercises to be carried out safely.

2. The factors listed below are to be taken into account when conducting drills:

.1 The frequency and regularity of training is important and as far as is reasonable and practicable, fast rescue boat systems and crews should be exercised weekly. The interval between a complete launch and recovery drill should not exceed 3 months.

.2 To achieve maximum effectiveness it is important that both the launch and recovery team, and the boat crew are aware of the limitations of the equipment as fitted and are confident in its use. This can only be achieved by ongoing training in varying conditions.