Lifeboat Safety Under Scrutiny in PSC Inspections

By
Mfame Editor
-
6

  • Eighteen Deficiency Codes Highlight High-Risk LSA Areas.
  • Lifeboat Code 11101 Drives Global Detentions.
  • Recurrent Findings Expose Gaps in LSA Maintenance.

The Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) safety category is absolutely vital during any Port State Control (PSC) inspection. Inspectors pay close attention not just to the physical state of the LSA, but also to how ready they are for action and whether the crew knows how to use them effectively. Lifeboats and rescue boats, in particular, are under intense scrutiny because of their complexity and the many potential issues that can arise, reports Safety4Sea.

Lifeboat and Rescue Boat Deficiency Codes

There are 18 different codes, more than any other equipment category on the ship. While some of these deficiencies overlap with other LSAs, eleven codes apply specifically to lifeboats and rescue boats. These include:

  1. 11101 – Lifeboats
  2. 11102 – Lifeboat inventory
  3. 11103 – Stowage and provision of lifeboats
  4. 11104 – Rescue boats
  5. 11105 – Rescue boat inventory
  6. 11106 – Fast rescue boats
  7. 11107 – Stowage of rescue boats
  8. 11112 – Launching arrangements for survival craft
  9. 11113 – Launching arrangements for rescue boats
  10. 11124 – Embarkation arrangement survival craft
  11. 11125 – Embarkation arrangements rescue boats
  12. 11126 – Means of recovery of life-saving appliances
  13. 11129 – Operational readiness of life-saving appliances
  14. 11130 – Evaluation, testing and approval
  15. 11131 – Onboard training and instructions
  16. 11132 – Maintenance and inspections
  17. 11134 – Operation of life-saving appliances
  18. 11135 – Maintenance of life-saving appliances

Code 11101 – A Leading Cause of Detentions

Worldwide PSC data from the past 36 months shows that 11101 – Lifeboats is among the most frequent causes of vessel detentions (excluding ISM-related 15150).
Frequent findings under this code include:

  1. Poor overall lifeboat condition
  2. Missing markings and labels
  3. Improper securing arrangements
  4. Launching equipment not tested
  5. Safe Working Load (SWL) not marked
  6. Lifeboat engine failing to start
  7. Battery charger disconnected
  8. Steering gear not functioning
  9. Missing launching instructions
  10. Defective navigation lights
  11. Damaged windows or coxswain glass
  12. Low fuel in tank
  13. Incorrect lubricating oil
  14. Seized pins and fittings
  15. Seat belts taped or restricted
  16. Release and interlock not reset properly
  17. Securing painter missing

These issues highlight systemic gaps in maintenance, testing, and crew preparation.

Need for Renewed PSC Focus

Even though there are a lot of lifeboat-related deficiencies and incidents keep happening, the last PSC MoU Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on LSA was back in 2009. With the ongoing risks and frequent detentions, it’s clear that we need a fresh, industry-wide focus to ensure that lifeboats, rescue boats, and their launching systems are safe, functional, and well-maintained.

“Shipowners and managers should prioritize the condition of lifeboats, rescue boats, and their supporting arrangements, ensuring that all equipment is fully inspected, properly maintained, and operational to safeguard the crew.” Improving onboard training and making better use of modern simulators can really boost crew skills and help lower the operational risks tied to launching and recovering survival craft.

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Source: Safety4Sea