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Technical Notices
New requirements for authorized service providers regarding life-saving appliances
The IMO has introduced new requirements for the maintenance, examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats.
From 1 January 2020, personnel carrying out maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing overhaul and repair of the following items shall be certified by an authorized service provider:
- Lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats
- Launching appliances as well as on-load and off-load release gear for lifeboats, rescue boats, fast rescue boats and davit-launched life rafts
The following inspection intervals are described:
WEEKLY and MONTHLY inspections
shall be conducted by authorized service providers, or by shipboard personnel under the direction of a senior ship’s officer in accordance with the maintenance manual(s).
For that reason ensure always that the makers’ manuals for above mentioned life saving equipment, as existed on board, are kept on board intact and ready for reference assistance.
ANNUAL thorough examinations and operational tests
shall be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorized service provider. The service provider may be the ship operator, provided they are authorized.
FIVE-YEAR thorough examination, any overhaul, overload operational tests and repairs
shall be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorized service provider. This shall be done in the presence of Class surveyor, in the most of the cases.
The scope is further described in the IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), sections 6.1 (general), 6.2 (annual maintenance) and 6.3 (five yearly maintenance), as attached herewith.
An authorized service provider is an entity authorized by the flag administration in accordance with the requirements given in this resolution. The certification programme requires authorization for each make and type of equipment to be provided. It is important to note that the authorization as service provider equally applies to manufacturers when they are acting as authorized service providers. In other words, a service branch of a manufacturer needs to obtain authorization. The authorized service provider will certify their personnel for each make and type of equipment.
Flag administrations will issue the authorization document and ensure that information regarding authorized service providers is made available. Flag administrations may also accept or recognize service providers authorized by other administrations or by their Recognized Organizations (Classification Societies).
In cases where a manufacturer is no longer in business or no longer provides technical support, administrations may authorize other service providers for the equipment based on prior authorization for the equipment and/or long-term experience and demonstrated expertise as an authorized service provider.
Applicable SMS procedures and forms as well as in Risk Assessment should be updated accordingly.