MSC.1/Circ.1205 - Guidelines For Developing Operation And Maintenance Manuals For Lifeboat Systems

 Ref. T4/4.01                                                                                                            MSC.1/Circ.1205

 

26 May 2006

 

 

 

1          TheMaritimeSafetyCommittee,atitseighty-firstsession(10to19May2006),takinginto accountthenumberofcasualtieswithlifeboatsystems,furtherrecognizingtheneedtoimprove manualsforoperationandmaintenanceoflifeboatsystems,andhavingconsideredproposalsbythe Sub-CommitteeonFireProtectionatitsfiftiethsession,approvedtheGuidelinesfordeveloping operation and maintenance manuals for lifeboat systems, as set out in the annex.

 

 

2          MemberGovernmentsareinvitedtobringtheannexedGuidelinestotheattentionofall parties concerned with their application, as appropriate.

 

 

 

 

***

 

 

Annex

 

1 Scope And Purpose Of The Guidelines

 

Seafarers often change ships and sometimes are not familiar with the lifeboats on their ships. Casualties with lifeboat systems are often caused by poor understanding of the lifeboat systems, especially release gear systems. User-friendliness of manuals for lifeboat systems is, therefore, important to help prevent casualties.

The purpose of these guidelines is to encourage development of user-friendly manuals for operation and maintenance of lifeboat systems including launching appliances. These manuals should be easy

to understand. The guidelines demonstrate the appropriate level of detail and use of illustrations in explaining the safe use of critical systems. Manufacturers of lifeboats and launching/recovery appliances are invited to make manuals easy to understand, taking into account these guidelines. The use of video materials in conjunction with printed manuals can be an effective tool for mariners who may not be inclined to read a manual.

These guidelines are not applicable to the emergency instructions required by SOLAS regulation III/8, operating instructions such as posters and signs required by SOLAS regulation III/9 or other brief instructions for operation of lifeboats.

These guidelines are for manuals to be carried on ships for use by seafarers, and accordingly the section on weekly and monthly inspection and maintenance does not refer to detailed maintenance/repair work. Detailed maintenance/repair work should be conducted by the manufacturers representative or a person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer for the work in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1206.

2 Collaboration Of Manufacturers Of The Lifeboat And The Launching Appliance

 

A manual for a lifeboat system including launching appliance should be developed with the collaboration of manufacturers of the lifeboat and the launching appliance and preferably be a single document. As a minimum, the use of different words for the same gear/parts of the lifeboat system should be eliminated by the collaboration of manufacturers of the lifeboat and the launching appliance to prevent misunderstanding by seafarers. Hereafter, these guidelines assume a manual for a lifeboat system includes the launching appliance as a minimum, but separate lifeboat, release gear, and launching appliance manuals may be effective if adequately co-ordinated and using the same style of presentation per these guidelines.

3 Contents Of A Manual For A Lifeboat System

3.1 Items To Be Included

 

An operation and maintenance manual for a lifeboat system should include, as a minimum, the following items:

.1 overview and specification of the lifeboat system;

.2 explanation of the structure and working principle of the major parts of the lifeboat system including release gear systems;

.3 operation of the lifeboat system; and

.4 routine inspection and maintenance of the lifeboat system.

3.2 Organization, Description And Layout Of Manual

3.2.1    Outline

 

 

Itisrecommendedthatamanualforalifeboatsystembedevelopedwiththefollowingmajor divisions:

 

 

1          General description of the whole lifeboat system.

 

 

2          Method of checking proper closure of release hooks.

 

 

3          Launching operation.

 

 

4          Recovery operation.

 

 

5          On-load/off-load release gear.

 

 

6          Inspection and maintenance.

 

 

3.2.2    Explanation of major components and their function

 

 

Thestructureandworkingprincipleofthelifeboat'smajorcomponents,inparticulartheon-load/off- loadreleasegear,shouldbeexplainedusingfiguresandpreferablythree-dimensionalperspectives.

 

In addition,theoperationoftherelease gear shouldbedescribedsequentially,usingshortphrases written in the active voice.

 

 

3.2.3    Operation of lifeboat system including release gear systems

 

 

The operation of the lifeboat systemshould be described using the following elements:

 

 

.1         flow of the operation should be explained;

 

 

.2         detail  of  operation  should  be  explained  with  figures.          Operation  and  relevant movement   of   the   parts   of   the   release   gear   should   be   described   with illustrations/photos,preferablyusingannotationsandarrowstoshowdirectionof movement; and

 

 

.3         hazards,precautionsandnotesshouldbeidentifiedwithsymbolsspecifictothelevel

 

ofrisk.  Asanexampleofthevariouslevelsofriskandtheappropriateassociated symbols, the following are recommended:

 

 

.1         Forthehighestlevelofrisk,suchasintheexplanationof“on-loadrelease operation”,thefollowingsymbol(redbackground)shouldbeusedwitha warning statement similar to the following:

 

                  

  

Note:   Internationalstandardsymbols(ISO3864-1andISO7010)arerecommendedwhere

 

appropriate,butsincemarineuseisexcludedfromthescopeofthesestandards,and they   fail   to   indicate   different   levels   of   risk,   the   “graduated”   symbols   are recommended.

 

 

.2         Forthesecondhighestlevelofrisk,suchasintheexplanationof“davitarm stopreleaseoperation”,thefollowingsymbol(yellowbackground)shouldbe used with a caution statement similar to the following:

 

                     

                        

.3         For   less   critical   mandatory   instructions   the   following   symbol   (blue background) should be used with appropriate instruction:

 

 

                          

.4         Importantnotesmaybeemphasizedwithsymbolandstyleofinstructions

 

similar to the following:

 

                          

.5         Prohibitedactionsshouldusethefollowingsymbol(colouredred)andstyle of instruction: 

 

 

 

 

3.2.4    Inspection and maintenance

 

 

Theitemsforweeklyandmonthlyinspection/maintenanceandotherinspection/maintenanceshould each be explained separately.

 

 

4 Improvement Of User-Friendliness Of A Manual

4.1 Use Of Figures/Photographs

Figures, preferably coloured, or photographs should be used as far as practicable to make manuals easy to understand.

4.2 Use Of Standard Wording

Thefollowingstandardwordingshouldbeusedtoexplainlifeboatsystemswhereprovided,andfor eachoftheapplicableitemsillustrationsshouldbeprovidedtoshowtheitemsandtheirlocationin thelifeboatorontheship.  Theuseofalternativetermsforvarietyshouldbeavoided,exceptto furtherdefineorclarifyatermsothatthereaderneverhastoguesswhatitemorsystemisbeing discussed.

 

 

.1         Davit/winch:

 

 

.1         Auto releasing gripe

 

.2         Davit arm

 

.3         Davit armstop

 

.4         Davit remote control wire handle

 

.5         Frame

 

.6         Maintenance (hanging off) pennant attachment points, if provided

 

.7         Manual gripe, if provided

 

.8         Remote control wire

 

.9         Winch manual brake safety pin

 

.10       Winch hand crank handle

 

.11       Winch centrifugal or lowering brake

 

.12       Winch hand brake or stop brake lever

 

 

.2         Freefall:

 

 

.1         Roller or sliding pad

 

.2         Sea lashing rope

 

.3         Emergency release device

 

 

.3         Release gear:

 

 

.1         Hook control cable

 

.2         Hook retainer (lock piece)

 

.3         Hydrostatic interlock

 

.4         Hydrostatic interlock lever, if provided

 

.5         Interlock (“mechanical protection” of on-load release)

 

.6         Maintenance (hanging off) pennant attachment points, if provided

 

.7         On-load release

 

.8         Release handle    

 

 

.9         Release handle “closed (locked)” and “open” positions

 

.10       Release handle “safety pin”

 

.11       Release hook (hook unit) (fore and aft hooks)

 

.12       Reset lever, if provided

 

.13       Safety latch (keeper)

 

 

.4         Suspension:

 

 

.1         Foul weather recovery strops

 

.2         Suspension block

 

.3         Suspension link (lifting ring)

 

 

.5         “Officer in charge” of lifeboat

 

 

5 Example Of An Operation And Maintenance Manual For A Lifeboat System

Anexampleofanoperationandmaintenancemanualforafire-protectedlifeboatsystemisattached inthefollowingpagesjustforreference.  Itdemonstratesthesuitablelevelofdetailthatshouldbe expectedformanuals.  Itshouldbenotedthatlifeboatsystemsaredifferentfromeachotherand somespecificationsintheexamplemanualarenotapplicabletolifeboatsystemsofothertypes.The example  attached  at  appendix  is  a  model  manual  which  is  recommended  as  an  example  for developingspecificmanualsforlifeboatsystemslaunchedbyfalls,butthesamegeneralprinciples should be used for manuals for freefall lifeboat systems.

 

 

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

Appendix

EXAMPLE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR A LIFEBOAT SYSTEM*

 

 

 

 

Table of contents

 

 

1          General

 

 

2          Method of checking proper closure of release hooks

 

 

3          Launching operation

 

 

3.1       Preparation before launching

 

3.2       Setting painter

 

3.3       Release of safety pin for winch hand brake lever

 

3.4       Release of davit armstop

 

3.5       Boarding the lifeboat

 

3.6       Launching procedure

 

3.7       Release gear operation

 

3.8       Painter release and lifeboat operation

 

 

4          Recovery operation

 

 

4.1       Resetting procedure of release hook

 

4.2       Recovery procedure

 

4.3       Stowage procedure

 

 

5          On-load/off-load release gear system

 

 

5.1       General

 

5.2       Fore and aft hook units

 

5.3       Release handle unit

 

5.4       Hydrostatic interlock unit

 

 

6          Inspection and maintenance

 

 

6.1       General precautions

 

6.2       Inspection and maintenance of lifeboat and release gear system

 

6.3       Inspection and maintenance of launching appliances (davits and winches)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 __________________________________

 

*         Ofalifeboatbeinglaunchedusingfallsandawinch,hereinafterreferredtoasalifeboat.

 

 

 

1 General

Thelifeboatsarestoredontheboatdavitsonbothsidesoftheship.  Incaseofemergency,thecrew can board the lifeboat and escaped with thelifeboat directly fromits stowage position.  Thelaunchingapplianceconsistsofaboatdavit(davitarm,frame,platform,falls,suspensionblock, and gripes/lashing device) and a boat winch (reduction gears, hand brake and centrifugal brake).

 

 

Swingingoutandloweringofthelifeboatcanbecontrolledbothfromtheinsideofthelifeboatand attheship'sdeck.  Theloweringspeedofthelifeboatcanbecontrolledbyoperatingtheremote control  wire  inside  the  lifeboat  or  by  operating  the  remote  control  lever  on  the  ship's  deck. Moreover, it is possible to suspend the lowering operation of the lifeboat at any height.

 

 

Recoveryofthelifeboatisperformedbyoperatingtheboatwinchwiththepush-buttonswitchbox. Whenthedavitarmreachesaprescribedposition,theboatwinchisautomaticallystoppedbythe limitswitch.  Aftertheactivationofthelimitswitch,theboatwinchisoperatedmanuallytowindup thelifeboattoitsstowageposition.  Theboatwinchisprovidedwithasafetydevicetopreventthe reverse operation of the manual handle.

 

 

Thelifeboatisequippedwithon-load/off-loadreleasegearwhichcomplieswiththerequirementsof theIMOLife-SavingAppliance(LSA)Code.Thereleasegearsystemisequippedwithahydrostatic interlock systemso that it will normally not release the hooks until the boat is waterborne.

 

 

Toavoidpossibleinjuryordeath,readthismanualcarefullybeforeusingtheboatdavit,theboat winch, and the on-load/off-load release gear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

                 

 

 

 

 

                

2 Method Of Checking Proper Closure Of Release Hooks

2.1       Safeuseandoperationoflifeboatsduringdrillsandinspectionandmaintenanceisdependent on knowing that the release gear is properly reset.

 

                

2.2       Purposeofon-loadrelease.   TheIMOLSACoderequires,amongotherthings,thatthe lifeboatbefittedwith“on-loadreleasecapabilitywhichwillreleasethelifeboatwithaloadonthe hooks.  Thereleasemechanismshallbesodesignedthatcrewmembersinthelifeboatcanclearly observewhenthereleasemechanismisproperlyandcompletelyresetandreadyforlifting....” On-loadreleaseisneededforlaunchingwhenthereisacurrent,whentheshipismakingway,or potentiallyiftherearewaveswhichcausethehydrostaticinterlocktoonlyreleaseintermittently. On-loadreleasealsoallowsanemptyorfullyloadedboattodropfromanyheight,whichcankillor seriouslyinjuretheoccupants.  Thereforeitiscriticaltoknowthatthereleasegearisproperlyreset and the release handle secured.

 

 

2.3       Ensuringreleasehookclosure.  Thefirstthingtocheckwheneverenteringthelifeboatwhen it is (or will be) supported by the falls is properly reset as follows:

 

           

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Check that the reset lever on each hook is horizontal and in contact withitsstop.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
2	Check that the release handle is in the   closed   (locked)   position   and safetypinisinstalled.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

3 Launching Operation

3.1 Preparation Before Launching

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Preparetransceivers,andconfirmthe communicationcondition.     <Activityontheship>
2	<Incaseofdrill>     Connect the push-button switch for recoveringtothereceptacle.     <Activityontheship>
3	<Incaseofdrill>     Turn on the power switch of start panel.           <Activityontheship>
4	Donlifejackets.     <Activityontheship>

3.2 Setting Of Painter

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Confirmtheconnectionofthepainter on the painter release device of the lifeboat.     <Activityonthelifeboat>
2	Confirmtheconnectionofthepainter asfarforwardaspracticableinboard ofthefallsbutoutboardofeverything else.     <Activityontheship>

 

 

 

3.3 Release Of Safety Pin (If Fitted) For Winch Hand Brake Lever

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Pulloutthesafetypin(iffitted).     <Activityontheship>

3.4 Release Of Davit Arm Stopper

Go up to the platformof the davit system(platformfor boarding the lifeboat).

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Windtheboatfallmanuallytotakeoff theslack. Pulloutthesafetypinofthe davitarmstop,iffitted.     <Activityontheship>     Note:       Safety   pins   are   generally intended       only      for      use     during maintenanceorinport.

 

 

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
2	Release     the     davit     arm     stop     by operatingthehandle.     <Activityontheship>

 

 

3.5 Boarding The Lifeboat

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Confirmthattheremotecontrolwire isdrawnintothelifeboat.     <Activityontheship>

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
2	Openthelifeboatboardingdoorand boardthelifeboat.     <Activityontheship>and   <Activityinthelifeboat>
3	Ensurethebottomplugisfittedand tight.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
4	Turnonthepowersupplyswitch.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
5	Openthefueloilvalve.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
6	Confirm that the cooling seawater valveisopen.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

 

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
7	Closethedrainvalveonexhaustpipe.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
8	Fastenseatbelt.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

 

 

 

3.6 Launching Procedure

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Confirmthatallcrewboardedinthe lifeboatareseatedandtheirseatbelts arefastened.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
2	Startengine.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
3	Pull down the winch remote control wire.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

 

 

 

 

 

3.7 Release Gear Operation

3.7.1 Releasing Procedure

 

A flow chart of the off-load and on-load releasing procedures is shown in the following figure.

 

                                      

3.7.2 Off-load Release

 

 

This operation is the normal method of launch and release and is conducted when the lifeboat is fully waterborne.       

 

                                                                                                                                 

 

 

                                                                

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Confirm        that      the      lifeboat        is waterborne.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
2	Pulloutthereleasehandlesafetypin.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
3	Pull the release handle to the fully openpositionbyoneaction.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

 

 

3.7.3 On-load Release

Thisoperationisconductedwhenthelifeboatisnot fully waterborne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Confirmthatthelifeboatisasclose aspossibletothewatersurface,but thatthehydrostaticinterlockisnot triggered.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
2	Pulloutthereleasehandlesafetypin.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

 

  

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
3	Openthehydrostaticinterlockcover.              <Activityinthelifeboat>
4	Lift the hydrostatic interlock lever fullyandholdit.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
5	Pull the release handle to the fully openpositionbyoneaction.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

3.8 Painter Release And Lifeboat Operation

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Releasethepainter.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
2	Lifeboat operation     Ahead,astern,turning,spray,lighting ofinteriorlightandcanopylight,and otherperformances.     <Activityinthelifeboat>

 

 

4 Recovery Operation

Outline ofthe resetting procedures is shown in the following figure.

 

 

 

 

 

4.1 Resetting Procedure Of Release Hook

 

The resetting procedure is to be in accordance with the following steps.

 

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Lifttheforeandafthooksandhold themclosed.             <Activityinthelifeboat>
2	Simultaneouslyswingdownthereset leversonbothforeandafthooksin onecontinuousactiontocontactwith thestop.                       <Activityinthelifeboat>
3	Confirmtheforeandafthooksarein thenormalresetpositions.                             <Activityinthelifeboat>

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
4	Makesurethatthereleasehandleisin theclosed(locked)positionandinsert thesafetypin.         <Activityinthelifeboat>

4.2 Recovery Procedure

 

The recovery procedure is to be in accordance with the following steps only after completing the release gear resetting.

 

4.2.1 Connection Of The Suspension Link

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Manoeuvrethelifeboattocomeunder boatfalls.
2	Adjusttheheightsofthesuspension linksbyraisingorloweringtheboat falls.     <Activityontheship>and   <Activityinthelifeboat>   undergoodcommunication.

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
3	Insertthesafetypinoftheboatwinch handbrake.     <Activityontheship>
4	Connect the suspension links of the davitsimultaneouslytoboth,foreand afthooks.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
5	Hoistthelifeboatjustclearofthewater andstophoisting.           <Activityontheship>and<Activity inthelifeboat>
6	Confirm that the hydrostatic interlock lever   has   moved   to   the   “locked” position   for   the   lifeboat   not   being waterborne.     <Activityinthelifeboat>
7	Wheretheresettingisincomplete,returntothefirststep.

 

D onotconductrecoveryoperationofthelifeboatunlesstheaboveproceduresarefullycompleted.

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.2 Hoisting The Lifeboat

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
1	Hoist the lifeboat by operating the winch using the push-button switch followingtheinstructionbytheofficer incharge.     <Activityontheship>
2	Hoist the lifeboat until the winch is stoppedbythelimitswitch.     <Activityontheship>

 

 

No.	OperationGuide	SchematicDiagram
3	Disembarkfromthelifeboat.     <Activityontheship>and<Activity inthelifeboat>

• Informatietype: Internationaal
• Documentsoort: Circulaire niet in wetten.nl
• Toegangsrechten: Intern
• Identificatie: PUC_1925_14
• Versie: 1
• Datum beschikbaarheid: 18-06-2009
• Geldigheid van: 26-05-2006
• Wijzigingsdatum: 02-06-2021
• Titel: MSC.1/Circ.1205 - Guidelines For Developing Operation And Maintenance Manuals For Lifeboat Systems
• Organisatie: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
• Taal: Nederlands
• Thema: 1200 until 1299