New SOLAS regulation III/1.5, which is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013, requires that for all ships, on-load release mechanisms* not complying with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code, as amended by resolution MSC.320(89) (hereinafter called "the LSA Code"), be replaced or modified not later than the next scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014, but not later than 1 July 2019.
Considering that paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code represent important safety improvements, manufacturers should carry out a self assessment of their types of existing lifeboat release and retrieval systems in accordance with these Guidelines at the earliest available opportunity.
An Administration, or a recognized organization acting on its behalf, should carry out a design review to check that the type of existing lifeboat release and retrieval systems comply with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code and should witness the performance test to check that it is performed in accordance with appendix 1 of these Guidelines. This evaluation should be completed not later than 1 July 2013 and the report should be submitted in accordance with paragraph 14 below.
Administrations, or recognized organizations acting on their behalf, should, when applying SOLAS regulation III/1.5, ensure that an evaluation of the type of existing lifeboat release and retrieval system is undertaken, for compliance with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code, in accordance with these Guidelines.
A flowchart of the lifeboat release and retrieval system evaluation process, is set out in appendix 2.
On each ship, fall preventer devices in accordance with the Guidelines for the fitting and use of fall preventer devices (FPDs) (MSC.1/Circ.1327) should be employed for each existing lifeboat release and retrieval system until the system is:
- found compliant with the LSA Code; or
- modified and found compliant with the LSA Code; or
- found compliant with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code and paragraphs 16 and 17 (overhaul examination) of these Guidelines; or
- modified and found compliant with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the LSA Code and paragraphs 16 and 17 (overhaul examination) of these Guidelines; or
- replaced by a new lifeboat release and retrieval system.
