Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems Requirements New IMO Requirements Guidance for Ship Owners

Transcription

1 Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems Requirements New IMO Requirements Guidance for Ship Owners

2 Background The number of failures during drills and inspections that result in casualties or injured crew members has been unacceptably high At MSC 89, the IMO adopted amendments to SOLAS Ch III and the LSA Code as well as related guidelines for the evaluation of Existing On-load Release and Retrieval Systems (RRS) This presentation summarizes the new requirements, explain their implication for Ship owners and describes the actions that need to be taken.

3 New Requirements SOLAS regulation III/1.5 as amended requires all ships fitted with lifeboat onload release mechanisms to be evaluated to ensure compliance with the new LSA requirements. This evaluation requires: An initial design assessment of each release mechanism type by the manufacturer A design review of each release mechanism before 1 July 2013 to be carried out by the Administration and/or Recognized Organisation and an onboard one time follow-up verification on each ship by not later than the first scheduled dry-docking* after 1 July 2014 (but no later than 1 July 2019). Reporting of the evaluation results to the IMO * this is the first scheduled out of water survey of the ship s outer bottom

4 New Requirements continued. For vessels/installations constructed (keel laid) on or after 20 May 2011, but before 1 July 2014, it is encouraged by IMO - MSC.1/Circular that RRS comply with the LSA Code as amended. Flag to be contacted for further guidance. For vessels/installations constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 July 2014, it is required by IMO - MSC.1/Circular that RRS are to comply with the LSA Code as amended. For vessels/installations constructed (keel laid) before 20 May 2011, RRS not complying with the LSA Code, Ch IV, to , as amended by IMO - Resolution MSC.320(89) - may continue to be fitted prior to delivery but will have to be replaced (i.e., where `noncompliant ) or modified (i.e., where `compliant after modification ) not later than the first scheduled dry docking (i.e., out of water survey of the underwater portion of the hull) after 1 July 2014, but not later than 1 July However Flag to be contacted for further guidance.

5 Implications Significant capital cost to purchase. Loss revenue from reduce passenger carriage capacity if a lifeboat is taken out of service and landed ashore for retrofitting Due to the large number of ships that are expected to have to retrofit noncompliant RRS, it is strongly recommended that Shipowners contact RRS manufacturers promptly to determine the availability of replacement equipment to if needed and ensure compliance by the due date.

6 Steps to ensure compliance. Identify the types of RRS installed onboard. Fall Preventer Devices (FPD) are to be fitted to any existing RRS which are pending evaluation. FPDs should be fitted in accordance with the MSC.1/Circ Contact the RRS manufacturer and confirm that the OEM is taking the necessary steps for compliance. NB: It is expected that a large number of RRS installed onboard will not satisfy the new design criteria without modification. All modifications needs to undergo satisfactory design review and testing by the Administration or Lloyd s Register acting on its behalf.

7 Step to ensure compliance continued Contact Lloyd s Register LDSO ( Fire and Safety section ) for guidance. Lloyd s Register is actively involved in RRS design reviews and is ready to assist OEM s and owners in ensuring compliance. Lloyd s Register has significant experience with surveying retrofitted release gear systems and can assist owners in preparing a procedure for the replacement of non-compliant RRS. This will ensure minimal impact to a ship operations. Consultation with flag at an early stage is strongly advised.

8 Things to consider Where will the retrofit take place in dry-dock or while the ship continues in operation? How long will it take to complete the retrofits. Cargo ships rescue/life boats can generally be retrofitted while the ship is in dry-dock. Passenger ships typically carry a large number of rescue boats/lifeboats and tenders that may require retrofitting. It is likely that the retrofit will take place while the ship continues to operate.

9 Things to consider continued Are there adequate facilities where the ship operates to properly complete the repairs e.g. acceptable quality control system in place? Is there an agreement between the Lifeboat manufacturer and the manufacturer of the RRS for the retrofitting? Does the new RRS comply with the new IMO requirements? Who can carry out the installation of the new RRS? Have the Administration/RO been advised of the retrofit?

10 Things to consider continued Lloyd s Register has identified manufacturing and installation processes as two vital steps. Both processes are equally as important as the design review. Manufacturing Processes: Significant lead time for new RRS and consequently some OEM may manufacturer RRS Production control techniques Quality of material NB: If OEM source other production facilities there may be a risk of poor quality materials used for production. Installation Process: OEMs may subcontract this work and the workmanship may be questionable. Installation test have to be performed in accordance with the IMO requirements.

11 Things to consider continued Who pays for Lloyd's Registers services? It is expected that this concern will be resolved directly between the Ship owners and the OEM. Generally, the party that submits the application or signs the contract for Lloyd s Register services will be responsible for Lloyd s Registers fees. An estimate of fees can be obtained from the LR local office and is dependant on the service required. OEM s are urged to evaluate existing lifeboat RRS at the earliest available opportunity, however they are not obligated to support an existing RRS and may opt to only provide a next generation of a previous RRS

12 LR tools available LR procedure for replacement of lifeboat release mechanisms LR Class News 09/11 LR guidance notes Ad hoc consultancy

13 Conclusion Identify RRS installed onboard Contact the OEM and determine if the installed RRS comply with the latest requirements. Contact LR LDSO ( Fire and Safety section ) for further guidance. Agree a retrofit program for submission to flag/ro. It is important that Lloyd s Register is involved at key milestones, e.g. design review, manufacturing, factory testing, outfitting and production testing of the new RRS.

14 Any questions?

15 For further information please contact your local LR office or Capt.. Antonio Prestigiacomo Master Mariner, CMarTech MIMarEST Senior Specialist, Fire & Safety Lloyd's Register Mountbatten House,1 Grosvenor Square Southampton,SO15 2JU T. +44 ( 0 ) E. Antonio.Prestigiacomo@lr.org