Dated 13th December, 2006

ÃÖÓ./   Reference : Engineering Branch Circular No.26 dated 12.04.2004 

Recognizing the importance of proper maintenance and inspection of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear, Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems and Measures to Prevent Accidents with Lifeboats are enclosed. 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.

The guidelines are as per MSC Circular No.MSC.1/Circ.1205 and 1206.  The purpose of these guidelines is to encourage development of user friendly manuals for operation and maintenance of lifeboat systems including launching appliances. Personnel undertaking the inspection, maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equipment are required to be fully trained and familiar with the duties to be carried out, in accordance with approved established procedures and manufacturers’ manuals.                                                                      

The periodical servicing / maintenance / repair work and testing of lifeboats systems should be conducted by the  manufacturer’s  representative or a  person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer and attached to a DGS approved work shop for the work to be done in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1206.  In case the vessel is not in Indian port the servicing / maintenance is to be carried by the workshops approved by the Administration / Certified by the manufacturer.

All shipping companies are required to ensure that the following are addressed through its Safety Management System Manual.

1]      on-load release equipment used 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;

2]      all appropriate documentation for the maintenance and adjustment of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equipment is available on board;

3]      personnel undertaking inspections, maintenance and adjustment of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equipment are fully trained and familiar with these duties;

4]      maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equipment is carried out in accordance with approved established procedures;

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;

6]      the principles of safety and health at work apply to drills as well;

7]      personnel undertaking maintenance and repair activities are appropriately qualified;

8]      hanging-off pennants should only be used for maintenance purposes and not during training exercises.

      This issues with the approval of the Chief Surveyor with the Government of India.

Sd/-
(D.Mehrotra)
 Dy. Chief Surveyor cum Sr.DDG(Tech)
 

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