Published: August 2017
Accidents involving survival craft are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities at sea. This publication raises awareness of the hazards associated with survival craft and release systems and provides guidance on their safe operation.
The book summarises the major regulatory requirements for survival craft release and retrieval systems and looks at the causes of a number of lifeboat accidents. It sets out best practice for lifeboat operations and for maintenance and repair of lifeboats and related appliances.
The lifeboat launch and recovery checklist is based on an analysis of common faults in accidents and is derived from multiple guidance sources within the industry. It leads the operator through every step of lifeboat operation, including planning, equipment checks, operational checks and recovery procedure. It should be used in conjunction with manufacturer’s recommendations and company procedures.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Chapter 2 – Lifeboat Accidents
2.1 ‘Hoegh Duke’ – 20 August 1992
2.2 ‘Kayax’ – 9 August 1994
2.3 ‘Iolcos Grave’ – 9 November 1998
2.4 ‘European Highway’ – 1 December 2000
2.5 ‘Gulser Ana’ – 17 October 2001
2.6 ‘Galateia’ – 26 January 2002
2.7 ‘Lowlands Grace’ – 7 October 2004
2.8 ‘Sea Urchin’ – 22 May 2006
2.9 ‘Valparaiso Star’ – 28 August 2007
2.10 ‘Louise Russ’ – 3 January 2011
2.11 ‘CMA CGM Christophe Colomb’ – 15 April 2011
2.12 ‘Anna Maersk’ – 27 March 2012
2.13 ‘Thomson Majesty’ – 10 February 2013
2.14 ‘Aquarosa’ – 1 March 2014
2.15 ‘Nagato Reefer’ – 9 April 2014
2.16 ‘Westport’ – 21 November 2014
2.17 ‘Thomson Celebration’ – 10 June 2015
2.18 ‘Dorikos’ – 27 August 2015
2.19 IMCA Safety Flash – October 2015
2.20 MV ‘Amazon’ – 12 April 2016
2.21 ‘Harmony of the Seas’ – September 2016
Chapter 3 – Regulations
3.1 Origins of Lifeboat Release Regulations
3.2 1980 – On-Load Release Hooks
3.3 2001 – Investigation into Accidents involving Lifeboats and their Launching Systems
3.4 2002 – High Number of Accidents with Lifeboats Discussed at MSC
3.5 2006 – Improvement to Manuals Required to Address Lifeboat Release Gear Concerns
3.6 2008 – ‘Survival Craft’ Booklet
3.7 2009 – Use of Fall Preventer Devices (FPDs)
3.8 2009 – Port State Control (PSC)
3.9 2010 – Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE) Agrees Guidelines to Replace Unsafe Lifeboat Release Mechanisms
3.10 2011 – Amendments to SOLAS, LSA Code and New Guidance
3.11 2013 to 2016 – IMO Regulations as Now Applicable
Chapter 4 – Guidance
4.1 Common Problems with Hook Systems
4.2 Measures to Prevent Accidents with Lifeboats (MSC.1/Circ.1206)
4.3 Guidelines for the Fitting and Use of Fall Preventer Devices (FPDs) (MSC.1/Circ.1327)
4.4 Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear (Resolution MSC.402(96))
4.5 Summary of the Guidance
Chapter 5 – Lifeboat Launch and Recovery Checklist
