ItoRO no. 9 - Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear
Amendments to SOLAS regulations III/3 and III/20 for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear were adopted through Resolution MSC.404(96). The requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear were adopted through Resolution MSC.402(96). Resolution MSC.404(96) and Resolution MSC.402(96) took effect on 1 January 2020 and both are transposed into Dutch legislation by means of a dynamic reference. Resolution MSC.402(96) amalgamates Annex 1 of MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 , guidelines for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear, and MSC.1/Circ.1277, the interim recommendation on conditions for authorization of service providers for lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear.
Annual thorough examinations and operational tests described in section 6.2 of Resolution MSC.402(96) shall be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorized service provider in accordance with the requirements of Resolution MSC.402(96). The service provider may be the ship operator if the operator is authorized in accordance with Resolution MSC.402(96).
Five-year thorough examination, overhaul and overload operational tests, as described in section 6.3 of Resolution MSC.402(96) shall be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorized service provider, not being the ship operator, in accordance with the requirements of Resolution MSC.402(96).
Based on the wording of Resolution MSC.402(96), including the definition of an authorized service provider (an entity authorized by the Administration in accordance with section 3 and section 7), the initial responsibility for the authorization of service providers lies with the national Maritime Administrations.
The Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate has formally authorized a number of service providers in the Netherlands, this information can be found here.
In accordance with par. 7.4.3 of Resolution MSC.402(96) the Administration may accept or recognize service providers authorized by other Administrations or by their Recognized Organizations. (ROs)
In this respect the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate will accept service providers authorized by ROs which have been recognized by the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate to perform survey and certification. The RO authorization certification shall clearly refer to Resolution MSC.402(96) or IACS UR Z17 Rev.14 (as amended if applicable).
Find the concerned ROs here.
The attending service personnel, certified by either an authorized service provider or the manufacturer as defined in par.2.2.3 of Resolution MSC.402(96), on board vessels under Dutch Flag, shall provide evidence indicating certification in accordance with par. 8.1 of Resolution MSC.402(96) for the make(s) and type(s) of equipment to be worked on.
Depending on the configuration of the relevant equipment on board the above may result in more than one authorized service supplier or manufacturer being necessary.
In cases where the manufacturer as defined in par. 2.2.3 of Resolution MSC.402(96) is no longer in business or no longer provides technical support, NSI accepts service providers for the equipment on the basis of prior authorization for the equipment and/or long-term experience and demonstrated expertise as an authorized service provider, provided that the RO operating on behalf of the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate is satisfied that:
- the quality system of the service provider is certified and complies with quality standard ISO 9001 or equivalent. Sufficient spare parts and technical documentation (maintenance manuals, tolerance data, etc.), as provided by the manufacturer shall be available to the service personnel;
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- the personnel performing the maintenance and service has at least two years of servicing experience with different manufacturer's equipment;
- service personnel has followed training on several manufacturer's equipment (at least two manufacturers);
- The service provider shall maintain a record system which provides traceability of work carried out and parts used. All spare parts used shall preferably be original manufacturer's spare parts. If original spare parts are not available anymore, other parts may be used provided that such parts are at least equivalent to part to be replaced, such to the satisfaction of the attending surveyor of the RO. In cases where repairs are major, e.g. when a complete winch must be exchanged, any replacement equipment shall be certificated in accordance with the Marine Equipment Directive (2014/90/EC as amended)
- The service provider shall have implemented an accredited and detailed service personnel training program;
In cases where the RO is not satisfied that the above conditions are fully met, subject service shall be witnessed by the surveyor of the RO.
Examples
for vessels under Dutch Flag whether in the Netherlands or abroad, servicing may be carried out as follows:
- By a service provider situated in the Netherlands authorized by the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate. The attending service personnel shall provide evidence indicating certification in accordance with par. 8.1 of Resolution MSC.402(96) for the make(s) and type(s) of equipment to be worked on.
- By service personnel certified by the manufacturer as defined in par. 2.2.3 of Resolution MSC.402(96). The attending service personnel shall provide evidence indicating certification in accordance with par. 8.1 of Resolution MSC.402(96) for the make(s) and type(s) of equipment to be worked on.
- By a service provider not situated in the Netherlands and authorized in accordance with Resolution MSC.402(96) / IACS UR Z17 Rev.14 (as amended if applicable) by an RO which has been recognized by the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate. This RO may also be an RO which is independent from the RO responsible for certification of the vessel as long as it is an RO recognized by the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate. The attending service personnel shall provide evidence indicating certification in accordance with par. 8.1 of Resolution MSC.402(96) for the make(s) and type(s) of equipment to be worked on.