Circular Letter
MSC.1/Circ.1206
MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS WITH LIFEBOATS
(26 May 2006)
1.
The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-first session 10 to 19 May 2006,
recalled that at its seventy-fifth session (15 to 24 May 2002), it had considered
the issue of the unacceptably high number of accidents with lifeboats in which
crew were being injured, sometimes fatally, while participating in lifeboat
drills and/or inspections, and noted that most accidents fell under the
following categories:
.1 failure of
on-load release mechanism;
.2 inadvertent
operation of on-load release mechanism;
.3 inadequate
maintenance of lifeboats, davits and launching equipment;
.4 communication
failures;
.5 lack of
familiarity with lifeboats, davits, equipment and associated controls;
.6 unsafe
practices during lifeboat drills and inspections; and
.7 design faults
other than on-load release mechanisms.
2.
Pending further consideration of the problem, the Committee approved
MSC/Circ.1049 on Accidents with lifeboats, to draw the attention of
manufacturers, shipowners, crews and classification societies to the personal
injury and loss of life that may follow inadequate attention to the design,
construction, maintenance and operation of lifeboats, davits and associated
equipment and urged all concerned to take necessary action to prevent further
accidents with lifeboats. It invited Member Governments to:
.1 bring the
circular to the attention of their maritime Administrations, relevant industry
organizations, manufacturers, shipowners, crews and classification societies;
.2 take the
necessary action to prevent further accidents with lifeboats pending the
development of appropriate IMO guidance;
.3 ensure that:
.3.1 on-load
release equipment used on ships flying their flag is in full compliance with
the requirements of paragraphs 4.4.7.6.2.2 to 4.4.7.6.5 of the LSA Code;
.3.2 all
appropriate documentation for the maintenance and adjustment of lifeboats,
launching appliances and associated equipment is available on board;
.3.3 personnel
undertaking inspections, maintenance and adjustment of lifeboats, launching
appliances and associated equipment are fully trained and familiar with these
duties;
.3.4 maintenance
of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equipment is carried out in
accordance with approved established procedures;
.3.5 lifeboat
drills are conducted in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3 for the
purpose of ensuring that ship’s personnel will be able to safely embark and
launch the lifeboats in an emergency;
.3.6 the
principles of safety and health at work apply to drills as well;
.3.7 personnel
undertaking maintenance and repair activities are appropriately qualified;
.3.8 hanging-off
pennants should only be used for maintenance purposes and not during training
exercises;
.3.9 all tests
required for the design and approval of life-saving appliances are conducted
rigorously, according to the guidelines developed by the Organization, in order
to identify and rectify any design faults at an early stage;
.3.10 the
equipment is easily accessible for inspections and maintenance and is proven
durable in harsh operational conditions, in addition to withstanding prototype
tests; and
.3.11 the
approving authorities or bodies pay close attention to proper workmanship and
state-of-the-art possibilities when assessing equipment for approval; and
.4 encourage
shipowners, when undertaking maintenance and repair activities, to employ
qualified personnel, preferably certified by the manufacturer.
3.
Member Governments were further invited, while enforcing the provisions of
SOLAS regulation IX/4.3, to ensure that the above issues are addressed through
the Safety Management System of the company, as appropriate.
4.
The Committee further recalled that, at its seventy-seventh session (28 May to
6 June 2003), recognizing the experience gained since the approval of the
Guidelines on inspection and maintenance of lifeboat on-load release gear
(MSC/Circ.614) at its sixty-second session (24 to 28 May 1993), and that the
implementation of expanded and improved guidelines could contribute towards a
reduction of the incidence of accidents with lifeboats, it had approved the
Guidelines for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching
appliances and on-load release gear (MSC/Circ.1093), superseding MSC/Circ.614.
Taking into account subsequent amendments to SOLAS chapter III and the LSA
Code, and having considered proposals by the fiftieth session of the
Sub-Committee on Fire Protection, the Committee approved amendments to the
Guidelines as set out in annex 1. The Committee further noted that the guidance
developed for lifeboats could also apply to the periodic servicing and
maintenance of liferafts, rescue boats and fast rescue boats and their launching
appliances and on-load release gear.
5.
The Committee further recalled that, at its seventy-ninth session (1 to 10
December 2004), it had endorsed the intention of the Sub-Committee on Ship
Design and Equipment, in co-operation with the Sub-Committee on Standards of
Training and Watchkeeping, to develop further IMO guidance as envisioned in
MSC/Circ.1049, and accordingly, approved the Guidance on safety during abandon
ship drills using lifeboats (MSC/Circ.1136), as set out in annex 2. The
Committee further recalled that the Guidance developed for lifeboats has
relevance, in general, for emergency drills with other life-saving systems and
should be taken into account when such drills are conducted. In connection with
MSC/Circ.1136, and recognizing the need to provide a basic outline of essential
steps to safely carry out simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats in
accordance with SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3.4, and having considered proposals
by the forty-seventh session of the Sub-Committee on Design and Equipment, the
Committee further approved the Guidelines for simulated launching of free-fall
lifeboats (MSC/Circ.1137), as set out in the appendix to annex 2.
6.
Having considered the need to update several of the circulars discussed above,
and having considered proposals by the fiftieth session of the Sub-Committee on
Fire Protection to consolidate the numerous circulars on the subject of
measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats in order to better serve the
mariner, the Committee approved the annexed Guidelines for periodic servicing
and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear
(annex 1) and Guidelines on safety during abandon ship drills using lifeboats
(annex 2).
7.
Member Governments are invited to give effect to the annexed Guidelines as soon
as possible and to bring them to the attention of shipowners, ship operators,
ship-vetting organizations, ship personnel, surveyors, manufacturers and all
others concerned with the inspection and maintenance of lifeboats, liferafts,
rescue boats and fast rescue boats and their launching appliances and on-load
release gear.
8.
This circular supersedes MSC/Circ.1049, MSC/Circ.1093, MSC/Circ.1136 and
MSC/Circ.1137.
Annex 1.
GUIDELINES FOR PERIODIC SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFEBOATS, LAUNCHING
APPLIANCES AND ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR
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.
4.
Detailed guidance regarding some procedures covered by these Guidelines is
provided in the appendix.
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 on-board maintenance.
6.
The company* is responsible for servicing and maintenance onboard 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.
______________
*For the purpose of these
Guidelines, company is as defined in SOLAS regulation IX/1.2.
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.
Where satisfied with an organization’s ability to carry out these functions,
the Administration may authorize such organization and its personnel to perform
the functions of the manufacturer and manufacturer’s certified personnel as
assigned under these Guidelines, if manufacturer certified facilities are not
available.
10.
Where these Guidelines require certification of servicing personnel, such
certification should be issued by the manufacturer in accordance with an
established system for training and authorization.
11.
Weekly and monthly inspections, and routine maintenance as defined by the
manufacturer, should be conducted under the direct supervision of a senior
ship’s officer in accordance with the instructions provided by the
manufacturer.
12.
All other inspections, servicing and repair should be conducted by the
manufacturer’s representative or a person appropriately trained and certified
by the manufacturer for the work to be done.
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 onboard the ship.
15.
When repairs, thorough servicing and annual servicing are completed, a
statement confirming that the lifeboat arrangements remain fit for purpose
should be issued by the manufacturer’s representative or by the person
certified by the manufacturer for the work.
Appendix.
SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
1.1
Any inspection, servicing and repair should be carried out according to the
system for inspection and services developed by the manufacturer.
1.2
A full set of maintenance manuals and associated documentation issued by the
manufacturer 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 manufacturer’s system for inspection and services should include the
following items as a minimum.
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 a person
appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer for the work to be
done.
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.
2.3
Repairs and replacement of parts should be carried out in accordance with the
manufacturer’s requirements and standards.
2.4
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.
2.5
The following should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation after
the annual winch brake test with the empty boat, as required by paragraph 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.
2.6
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.
2.7
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.
2.8
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 .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.
2.9
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.
2.10
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.
3.1
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.
Annex 2.
GUIDELINES ON SAFETY DURING ABANDON SHIP DRILLS USING LIFEBOATS
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, on board 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.
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 co-operation. 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.
1.3.1
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 manufacturer’s
instructions, 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.
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.
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.
______________
*Refer to SOLAS regulation
III/19.3.1.
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.