IMO Measures to Prevent Accidents with Lifeboats

IMO Circular intended to draw the attention of manufacturers, shipowners, crews and classification societies to the personal injury and loss of life that may follow inadequate attention to the design, construction, maintenance and operation of lifeboats, davits and associated equipment and urged all concerned to take necessary action to prevent further accidents with lifeboats.

The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-first session (10 to 19 May 2006), recalled that at its seventy-fifth session (15 to 24 May 2002), it had considered the issue of the unacceptably high number of accidents with lifeboats in which crew were being injured, sometimes fatally, while participating in lifeboat drills and/or inspections, and noted that most accidents fell under the following categories:

1. failure of on-load release mechanism;
2. inadvertent operation of on-load release mechanism;
3. inadequate maintenance of lifeboats, davits and launching equipment;
4. communication failures;
5. lack of familiarity with lifeboats, davits, equipment and associated controls;
6. unsafe practices during lifeboat drills and inspections; and
7. design faults other than on-load release mechanisms.

Pending further consideration of the problem, the Committee approved MSC/Circ.1049 on Accidents with lifeboats, to draw the attention of manufacturers, shipowners, crews and classification societies to the personal injury and loss of life that may follow inadequate attention to the design, construction, maintenance and operation of lifeboats, davits and associated equipment and urged all concerned to take necessary action to prevent further accidents with lifeboats. It invited Member Governments to:

1. bring the circular to the attention of their maritime Administrations, relevant industry organizations, manufacturers, shipowners, crews and classification societies;
2. take the necessary action to prevent further accidents with lifeboats pending the development of appropriate IMO guidance;

And ensure that:

1. on-load release equipment used on ships flying their flag is in full compliance with the requirements of paragraphs 4.4.7.6.2.2 to 4.4.7.6.5 of the LSA Code;
2. all appropriate documentation for the maintenance and adjustment of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equipment is available on board.