According to amendments of Chapter III to SOLAS which enter into force on 1st of July 2006, to prevent unacceptably high number of accidents with lifeboats in which crew were being injured, sometimes fatally, while participating in lifeboat drills and/or inspection - the lifeboat launching appliances and on-load release gear is to be examined annually and every five-year by approved company.

You can find certificate of approval by Lloyd's Register here.

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 [ download .pdf file ] as required by amended Regulation 20.3 of Chapter III of SOLAS 74.

MSC.1/Circ.1206 [ download .pdf file ] 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.



Request to Flag Administration:

Due to the fact the amended Chapter III to SOLAS comes into force on 1st of July 2006 and introduces new international regime for the inspection and maintenance of life saving appliances and as new rules require regular tests and inspections of lifeboats, release gear and davit winches on all SOLAS ships and specify what these annual and five year tests should be done by personnel trained and authorized by the manufacturer. As original manufacturer presently did not exist or can't offer such kind of services, also as per Class recommendation, we would like to ask your permission to full fill annual survey by Sigo-Marine company, which certificates you already has.

Presently mt (Name of the Vessel) proceed to (Port) for discharging. We prefer this company as they know very well this sister vessels and life boats equipment as well.