Spotlight on Schat-Harding: Leading Lifeboat and Davit Manufacturer

•Lifeboat makers applaud GL service stance

The leading lifeboat and davit manufacturer Schat-Harding says that the German classification society Germanischer Lloyd is showing its IACS colleagues a sensible lead in the way it will apply the service provisions set out in IMO MSC1206.

“Coming ahead of an IMO meeting which will discuss how MSC1206 should be applied, GL has shown its colleagues in IACS the way forward,” says David Bradley, group after sales and service manager for Schat-Harding. “In its GL Infomail this month it tells owners that although MSC1206 is not mandatory for now, they should either use the manufacturer’s personnel or technicians approved by the manufacturer to service and test their lifeboats. If they choose to use non-approved service personnel, then GL will insist on having a surveyor present at all times during the work. This is a pragmatic approach which the other IACS classification societies and flag states would do well to follow, if they really care about seafarer safety.”

IMO MSC1206 sets down rules and guidance on safe servicing of lifeboat equipment. Those guidelines require owners to use correct spares and technicians approved by the original equipment manufacturer. All the major lifeboat manufacturers have geared up global networks to provide Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service, and correct spare parts. However, some administrations and classification societies are effectively ignoring the IMO guidelines and are allowing any service station to carry out the IMO-mandated service work.

“We are happy to include independent lifeboat service stations into our network, they are a key part of our provision of global service,” explains Bradley. “But those independents in our network are approved by us, their technicians are trained by us and they will carry out the servicing work according to our systems. That way seafarers and passengers get the protection which IMO intended, of having properly-serviced equipment. If service companies who are not approved or trained by the manufacturer are used, then owners are continuing to put the lives of their seafarers at risk and ignoring the IMO guidelines. Class has a massive responsibility to ensure that the guidelines are applied sensibly and globally, which is why we applaud the GL guidance, and we know other manufacturers share our sentiments.”

•Greece gains Schat-Harding service network

LEADING lifeboat and davit manufacturer Schat-Harding has expanded its network of approved lifeboat service stations to enable Greek owners and vessels calling in Greek ports to comply with IMO MSC1206 and use service engineers, trained and approved by the manufacturer, and use the correct spare parts.

Piraeus-based Technava has been appointed as Schat-Harding’s authorized sales and service partner in Greece. Technava has modern workshops and fifteen lifeboat service engineers who began training on Schat-Harding equipment in January of this year. Technava will provide OEM sales and service support across the whole range of Schat-Harding brands for the key Greek market. http://www.technava.gr

David Bradley, Schat-Harding’s group after sales and service manager, says, “IMO has set down rules and guidance on safe servicing of lifeboat equipment. Those guidelines require owners to use correct spares and technicians approved by the original equipment manufacturer. As the world’s largest lifeboat maker we are very aware of our responsibility to provide a high level of service globally, so we are glad to add this key partner to the network.”

In a separate move, Durban-based BOSSS Marine Services has been appointed as Schat-Harding’s authorized service partner in South Africa. With a fully-equipped workshop in Durban and training from Schat-Harding, BOSSS will provide service support in South African ports and East African countries in accordance with IMO MSC 1206. BOSSS will be supported by Schat-Harding service stations utilizing the SHIELD database and have access to genuine spare parts for all Schat-Harding brands. [email protected]

•Schat-Harding: Hooking on for the future

LEADING lifeboat and davit manufacturer Schat-Harding has completely re-engineered its range of on-load release hooks. The new hooks provide a safer solution and are less maintenance dependent than most of the hooks in use today. All Schat-Harding cruise tenders and lifeboats are already fitted with this new generation hook, complementing the second-generation hook designs fitted into the KISS and Freefall boat range. And starting May 2007 all remaining types of boats will leave the factory fitted with the new hooks.

The second generation of hooks has also been retrofitted for some owners, such as Celebrity Cruises.

“Current hooks all work to a design which has small safety tolerances, making them sensitive to lack of maintenance and with which it is hard to see if they are locked or not,” explains David Bradley, group after sales and service manager for Schat-Harding. “Schat-Harding’s second generation hooks solve those problems. The new design concepts have eliminated the need for strict tolerances and have used corrosion-resistant material on critical components, simplifying maintenance routines and improving reliability. The hook lock is either clearly visible or is fitted with a clear external indicator to show that the hook is closed correctly. There is no substitute for good maintenance by skilled personnel, but these hooks are as safe as it is possible to make an on-load release hook.”

Schat-Harding Freefall boats and KISS boats both have new hook designs based on the locked pipe system. In this system the tail of the hook is held in the locked position within a 3 - 5 cm deep steel pipe. It is clearly visible and can only be released by a 110 degree turn of the operating lever.

Conventional davit-launched boats are now fitted with variants of Schat-Harding’s LHR hook range, based on a wearless cam system. The tail of the hook engages with the cam in the locking shaft when the shaft is in the locked position, and has 3 cm of contact area. When the on-load release is activated by rotating the locking shaft, a roller in the tail of the hook contacts with the cam area, ensuring no need for tolerances and no wear on the assembly. This hook does not depend on close tolerances either during manufacture or use, and is also visibly safe because the open/close indicator is external and is integral to the locking shaft.

“Full Failure Mode Effect Analysis was carried out on the hook designs and both have now been in service without incident for some time. Schat-Harding’s new hooks have been designed to be as safe as possible,” says Bradley. “We want the authorities to step up to the plate and begin strictly applying IMO MSC1206, which obliges owners to have their lifeboats and davits serviced properly by approved technicians. That will save a lot of lives. They can stop hiding behind the idea that some future technology can solve the problem of lifeboat accidents, that technology is here and in service. What we need now is authorities to oblige owners to have systems properly serviced and maintained in accordance with IMO Guidelines.”

•About Schat-Harding

Schat-Harding is the world’s leading supplier of lifeboat and evacuation systems for the cruise, offshore and shipping industries. It aims to be a FIRST in safety for all its customers. With factories and offices in Norway, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, Spain, Canada, the Czech Republic, the USA and China, and agents in thirty other countries, Schat-Harding provides a global service and supply network. Brands now supported by Schat-Harding include Watercraft, Waterman, Fiskars, Davit-Company, William Mills Marine, Schat, Harding, Mulder & Rijke and the Beiyang Boatbuilding Co.

Contact David Bradley
Schat-Harding
+44 (0) 2392 581331
[email protected]