"SOLAS III/1.5".
New SOLAS regulation is applicable to all cargo ship more or equal to 500 GT (New or Existing) and to all passenger ships. The requirements of the new regulation apply to davit launched life boats with On-Load Release Mechanisms (OLRM) not complying with the new paragraph 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA code.
OLRM shall be replaced or modified not later than the first dry-dock after 01 July 2014 but not later than 01 July 2019 and for New Buildings, MSC. 1Circ. 1393 state ships constructed on or after 01/07/14 shall comply with revised LSA code..
The new modifications introduced to LSA code is:
4.4.7.6.4: The release mechanisms shall be so designed and installed that crew members from inside the life boat can clearly determine when the system is ready for lifting
by:
4.1: by observing the movable parts of the mechanism and there fore being capable to sate is completely reset.
or
4.2: Observing a non adjustable indicator showing the the mechanism is reset
or
4.3: easily operating a mechanical indicator that confirms that the mechanism is reset.
4.4.7.6.5: Clear operating instructions shall be provided with a suitable worded warning notice using colour, pictogram, and / or symbols as necessary for clarity.
4.4.7.6.6: The release control shall be clearly marked in a colour that contrasts with its surroundings.
Replacement or Modification of On Load Release Mechanism:
To confirm compliance with LSA code, existing OLRM shall be reviewed as follow:
1.- Self Assessment, design verification and Factory test:
Manufacturers are to carry out and evaluation of their current OLRM in the market, the results to such evaluation and the support documentation are going to be submitted to the flag for a design review against new LSA code requirements. On satisfactory completion of the review, the manufacturer is to carry out a performance test in accordance with MSC.1/Circ 1392 and the test shall be witnessed by the flag administration. Prior any test is achieved, it should be established that a satisfactory manufacturer self assessment and design review has been carried out for the specific OLRM to be tested. On satisfactory completion of the test a test certificate shall be issued.
2.- Notifications:
On completion of the test the flag administration is obliged to report to the IMO the results of the test as Non- compliant, Compliant and/or compliant after modification
3.- Examination of existing OLRM:
When the OLRM has been reported as in compliant, users shall arrange for an examination of any such OLRM installed in their life boats. This examination shall be done by the manufacturer in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1206, this after 14 July 2014 but before 01 July 2019. Prior to witnessing any examination on board should be established that the type of OLRM has been reported to IMO as in compliant by contacting the flag administration. The manufacturer maintenance report then will be reviewed by the flag inspector and a factual statement, issued by the manufacturer should be sighted on board. Operational test then shall be carried out and witnessed.
If the OLRM is reported as non-compliant this mechanism shall be replaced and after replacement tested as required by MSC.1/Circ.1392, it should be first stated whether or not the replacement has been reported to IMO as a compliant type or by simply verifying type approval certificate in accordance with revised LSA Code.
Mean while, Fall Preventer Devices (FPDs) for life boat OLRM shall be provided unless otherwise instructed by the vessel's flag until modification/replacement is carried out.
As per MSC 1/Circ. 1327 "Guide lines for the fitting and use of FPD", FDPs can be Locking pins, Strops and sling (Wire and chains should not be use) issued with appropriate certificate documenting tensile strength, crew shall be made aware of the operation with FPD and the shipowner or manufacture of the OLRM shall contact administration for approval before any modification is done in the OLRM to fix the FPD.
New SOLAS regulation is applicable to all cargo ship more or equal to 500 GT (New or Existing) and to all passenger ships. The requirements of the new regulation apply to davit launched life boats with On-Load Release Mechanisms (OLRM) not complying with the new paragraph 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA code.
OLRM shall be replaced or modified not later than the first dry-dock after 01 July 2014 but not later than 01 July 2019 and for New Buildings, MSC. 1Circ. 1393 state ships constructed on or after 01/07/14 shall comply with revised LSA code..
The new modifications introduced to LSA code is:
4.4.7.6.4: The release mechanisms shall be so designed and installed that crew members from inside the life boat can clearly determine when the system is ready for lifting
by:
4.1: by observing the movable parts of the mechanism and there fore being capable to sate is completely reset.
or
4.2: Observing a non adjustable indicator showing the the mechanism is reset
or
4.3: easily operating a mechanical indicator that confirms that the mechanism is reset.
4.4.7.6.5: Clear operating instructions shall be provided with a suitable worded warning notice using colour, pictogram, and / or symbols as necessary for clarity.
4.4.7.6.6: The release control shall be clearly marked in a colour that contrasts with its surroundings.
Replacement or Modification of On Load Release Mechanism:
To confirm compliance with LSA code, existing OLRM shall be reviewed as follow:
1.- Self Assessment, design verification and Factory test:
Manufacturers are to carry out and evaluation of their current OLRM in the market, the results to such evaluation and the support documentation are going to be submitted to the flag for a design review against new LSA code requirements. On satisfactory completion of the review, the manufacturer is to carry out a performance test in accordance with MSC.1/Circ 1392 and the test shall be witnessed by the flag administration. Prior any test is achieved, it should be established that a satisfactory manufacturer self assessment and design review has been carried out for the specific OLRM to be tested. On satisfactory completion of the test a test certificate shall be issued.
2.- Notifications:
On completion of the test the flag administration is obliged to report to the IMO the results of the test as Non- compliant, Compliant and/or compliant after modification
3.- Examination of existing OLRM:
When the OLRM has been reported as in compliant, users shall arrange for an examination of any such OLRM installed in their life boats. This examination shall be done by the manufacturer in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1206, this after 14 July 2014 but before 01 July 2019. Prior to witnessing any examination on board should be established that the type of OLRM has been reported to IMO as in compliant by contacting the flag administration. The manufacturer maintenance report then will be reviewed by the flag inspector and a factual statement, issued by the manufacturer should be sighted on board. Operational test then shall be carried out and witnessed.
If the OLRM is reported as non-compliant this mechanism shall be replaced and after replacement tested as required by MSC.1/Circ.1392, it should be first stated whether or not the replacement has been reported to IMO as a compliant type or by simply verifying type approval certificate in accordance with revised LSA Code.
Mean while, Fall Preventer Devices (FPDs) for life boat OLRM shall be provided unless otherwise instructed by the vessel's flag until modification/replacement is carried out.
As per MSC 1/Circ. 1327 "Guide lines for the fitting and use of FPD", FDPs can be Locking pins, Strops and sling (Wire and chains should not be use) issued with appropriate certificate documenting tensile strength, crew shall be made aware of the operation with FPD and the shipowner or manufacture of the OLRM shall contact administration for approval before any modification is done in the OLRM to fix the FPD.
