Lifeboat maintenance: A prerequisite for safety

Admin 24/02/2025

Lifeboats are essential safety equipment on ships, designed to protect the lives of crew members and passengers in emergencies. However, they can only function effectively when properly maintained. According to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), lifeboats and their launching systems must undergo periodic inspections to meet stringent safety standards.

As a lifeboat maintenance service station for more than 200 brands, GOTCO takes pride in providing specialized maintenance services that comply with SOLAS and IMO regulations, ensuring vessels meet the highest safety standards.

Mục lục bài viết

SOLAS Lifeboat Maintenance Regulations

Under SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 20, all lifeboats on board must be maintained regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and serviced by an authorized provider. Additionally, the IMO has established specific inspection and testing requirements in MSC.402(96), detailing maintenance procedures, load testing, and davit inspections.

Key Lifeboat Maintenance Intervals as per SOLAS:

Annual Inspection: All lifeboats must be inspected at least once a year to ensure operational readiness.
Five-Year Comprehensive Maintenance: Lifeboats undergo watertight integrity tests, structural inspections, and propulsion system checks.
Load Testing: The launching system must be load-tested to verify stability and safety.

Authorized Service Providers

An authorized service provider is an entity approved by the flag administration or a Recognized Organization (RO) as per IMO MSC.402(96), Section 8. Such authorization is specific to each brand and type of equipment the provider is certified to service.

Flag administrations (or their ROs) issue approval certificates and ensure that information about authorized service providers is publicly available.

Unless otherwise instructed by the flag administration, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are not required to hold authorization certificates when servicing their own equipment. However, their maintenance personnel must still meet certification requirements.

The IACS UR Z17 Rev.14 standard is considered equivalent to IMO MSC.402(96). Therefore, an Approval of Service Supplier (AoSS) certificate under IACS UR Z17 Rev.14 is recognized as equivalent to certification under IMO MSC.402(96).

Additionally, flag administrations may accept or recognize service providers authorized by other flag states or their respective ROs. In cases where a manufacturer ceases operations or no longer provides technical support, the flag administration may authorize a service provider based on previous certifications and/or proven expertise in lifeboat maintenance.

GOTCO is a lifeboat maintenance service provider that ensures compliance with IMO regulations.

Maintenance Personnel Certification

Maintenance personnel must be certified either by the manufacturer or an authorized service provider for the specific brand and type of equipment they service.

An authorized service provider may only issue certifications to personnel directly employed by their organization.

The certification process must adhere to a recognized national, international, or industry standard, or follow the manufacturer’s certification program. In all cases, certification procedures must fully comply with IMO MSC.402(96), Section 8, corresponding to the specific brand and type of equipment.

Upon successful certification, the certificate issued by the manufacturer or service provider must clearly state:

Competency level (Annual maintenance or five-year comprehensive maintenance)
Scope of certification (Approved brands and equipment types)
Certificate expiration date, not exceeding three years from the issuance date.

By adhering to these strict lifeboat maintenance protocols, ship operators can ensure compliance with international regulations while safeguarding lives at sea.

GOTCO technicians are completing lifeboat maintenance work under the supervision of the Register.

GOTCO – International Standard Lifeboat Maintenance Services

As a leading provider in the field of life-saving equipment maintenance, GOTCO has served over 1,000 clients and maintained more than 200 types of lifeboats in compliance with international maritime safety standards. We are committed to delivering professional – precise – safe services, ensuring that lifeboats remain fully operational in emergency situations.

International Standard Lifeboat Maintenance – Absolute Safety Commitment

At GOTCO, all lifeboat maintenance procedures strictly adhere to SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) and IMO MSC.402(96). We ensure:

Comprehensive hull inspection – Checking the boat’s structure, buoyancy chambers, and connection points to identify potential damages.
Load testing & release system checks – Conducting SOLAS-compliant tests to verify the accuracy of release mechanisms.
Engine, fuel system, propeller & steering maintenance – Ensuring smooth operation of lifeboats.
Inspection & replacement of essential survival equipment – Including life rafts, rations, drinking water, and distress signals.

Trusted by 1,000+ Clients – Serving Various Vessel Types

We provide services for a wide range of vessels, including:

Cargo & oil tankers – Ensuring lifeboats are ready for rapid evacuation in emergencies.
Cruise ships & passenger vessels – Conducting thorough safety checks to protect passengers.
Offshore oil rigs – Guaranteeing stable lifeboat operation in harsh conditions.

Serving a diverse clientele has enabled GOTCO to accumulate extensive hands-on experience, understand the specific requirements of each lifeboat type, and ensure maintenance is conducted efficiently and to the highest standards.

Expert Technicians – Certified & Professionally Trained

Our team of skilled technicians undergoes international-standard training and holds specialized certifications in lifeboat and life-saving equipment maintenance. We ensure:

Precise inspections & servicing following each lifeboat’s technical documentation.
Up-to-date compliance with the latest IMO & SOLAS regulations.
Extensive hands-on experience, enabling quick resolution of any issues during maintenance.

Comprehensive Services – Maintenance, Load Testing, Certification & Safety Consultation

GOTCO goes beyond basic inspections by providing end-to-end solutions, including:

Scheduled maintenance – Annual (Annual Service) & five-year inspections (5-Year Service).
Load testing & release system checks – Ensuring flawless functionality and absolute safety.
Post-maintenance certification – Complying with international maritime regulations.
Safety consultation – Providing guidance on effective operation & maintenance.

24/7 Emergency Support – Rapid Response to All Requests

We understand that maritime safety cannot wait. GOTCO offers 24/7 emergency support, ready to dispatch our expert team for immediate inspection, maintenance, and certification issuance.

Contact GOTCO now!

☎ Hotline: +84 90 183 7775
📧 Email: sales@gotco.com.vn