IMO: Industry representatives express concern over lifeboat maintenance guidelines

Source: NE

A joint submission from INTERTANKO and it's industry partners to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) expresses concern at the difficulties in implementing the provisions of MSC.1/Circ. 1206 Annex 1. Guidelines for Periodic Servicing and Maintenance of Lifeboats, Launching Appliances and On-load Release Gear.
Problems encountered include:
□ difficulties in establishing an appropriate level of service cover around the world with original manufacturers reluctant to approve independent service agencies
□ availability of original spare parts
□ transparency of some inspectors
□ delays in the completion of inspections

Those behind the submission express further concern that to make the requirements of MSC.1/Circ. 1206 mandatory in their current form would be premature and inappropriate.

Proposals within the paper include an amendment which would allow Administrations or their Recognized Organizations to authorize independent service providers to carry out inspections and maintenance without authorization from the original equipment manufacturer.