Jan 11,2007

MALTA - PERIODIC SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFEBOATS, LAUNCHING APPLIANCES AND ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR

Convention : SOLAS CH III Life-Saving Appliances

Flag :Malta

Ship type : ALL TYPES

Reference is made to SOLAS 74 Chapter III Regulation 20.3.1 and Regulation 20.11 as amended by Resolution MSC.152(78), and MSC.1/Circ.1206.

Summary

This instruction apply to vessels flying the Malta Flag MSC.1 / Circ 1206 apply Examination, repair and testing be carried out by the Manufacturer or Manufacturer certified personnel Special consideration may be given, on a case- by- case basis, in instances where manufacturer certified facilities or personnel are not available - The request should be made by the owner. Annual thorough examinations and relevant tests are carried out under the direct supervision of the attending Classification Society Surveyor

The examination, repair and testing of launching appliances and on-load release gear for lifeboats and for davit-launched liferafts, rescue boats and fast rescue boats shall be based on the guidance contained in MSC.1/Circ.1206 as required by amended Regulation 20.3 of Chapter III of SOLAS 74.

MSC.1/Circ 1206 requires that the examination, repair and testing be carried out by the Manufacturer or Manufacturer certified personnel and consequently the Company, who is responsible for servicing and maintenance onboard its ships, shall satisfy this requirement.

However, in instances where manufacturer certified facilities or personnel are not available then this Administration may consider acceptance of an Organization and its personnel when in possession of approval/acceptance by a Contracting Government to SOLAS

In the absence of the aforementioned approval/acceptance, this Administration may also contemplate acceptance if the Organization and its personnel is approved/accepted by an IACS Member Society recognized by this Administration.

In line with the above, this Administration, in accordance with the provision contained in Paragraph 9 of Annex 1 to MSC.1/Circ.l206, will accept on a case- by- case basis, an Organization or its personnel to carry out the functions of the Manufacturer and Manufacturer’s certified personnel, as assigned under MSC.1/Circ 1206, subject to:
- declaration by the vessel’s Company that Manufacturer certified facilities or personnel are not available at the port of survey.
- confirmation by the Company that the full set of maintenance manuals and associated documentation issued by the Manufacturer are readily available onboard.
- confirmation by the Company that shipboard inspection and maintenance records are readily available onboard.
- declaration by the proposed Organization or its authorised representative that the Organization:

- is experienced in such activities,
- operates a quality management system and is duly certificated
- maintains records ensuring traceability of parts supplied,
- maintains records off training program for its personnel.

- confirmation by the Classification Society that it is satisfied with the Organization’s ability to undertake the examination, repair and testing of the launching appliances and on-load release gear.

The annual thorough examination of launching appliances, dynamic test of winch brake, annual thorough examination of the on-load release gear and operational test shall be credited provided that:
- Annual thorough examinations and relevant tests are carried out in accordance with the Manufacturer’s instructions and under the direct supervision of the attending Classification Society Surveyor.
- Reports and checklist are duly completed and signed by the Organization or Organization’s personnel that carried out the thorough examination and relevant testing. Reports and checklists shall be counter-signed by the Company representative or ship’s Master.
- The Organization or Organization’s personnel that carried out the thorough examination repair and testing, shall issue a statement confirming that the launching appliances and on-load release gear for the lifeboat, liferafts, rescue boat and fast rescue boats, as applicable, remain fit for purpose.