Lifeboats, rescue boats and davits
Annual thorough examinations of lifeboats, rescue boats, davits and release gear; five-yearly overhaul of release gear and winch load testing; renewal of falls.
The IMO has recorded many seafarers injured or killed during lifeboat drills and inspections as a result of release gear failures, inadequate maintenance and unfamiliarity with the equipment. That is why MSC.402(96), mandatory since 1 January 2020, defines who may examine lifeboats, davits and release gear, and how: certified technicians of authorised service providers, working to the manufacturer's instructions.
We carry out the annual thorough examination, the five-yearly overhaul and the load tests, and leave the crew a short, practical list of what to look out for until the next visit.
Scope
Hull, fittings, seats and seat belts, engine and steering, ventilation system (mandatory since 2026), water spray and air supply systems on tanker lifeboats, and lifeboat equipment, followed by an operational test.
Annual examination and operational test of hooks, release cable and interlocks; a full overhaul every five years and a test with a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the boat with its full complement of persons and equipment.
Structure, sheaves, limit switches, brakes and remote control are checked; every year a dynamic brake test is carried out with the empty boat at full lowering speed. Every five years the brake is tested, witnessed by a surveyor, with a load of 1.1 times the mass of the boat with its full complement of persons and equipment.
Falls are examined and renewed within five years, or earlier if worn; new wire certificates are issued.
The same care is given to rescue boats, including their inflatable tubes and outboard engines, and to the release and simulated launching arrangements of free-fall lifeboats.
Lifeboat engine servicing, GRP repairs, air and water spray systems, and replacement of release hooks that no longer comply with current rules.
Intervals
| Equipment / task | Interval | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Thorough examination and operational test | Every year, during the annual survey | SOLAS III/20.11, MSC.402(96) |
| Release gear overhaul and test with 1.1 times the fully loaded boat | 5 years, witnessed by a surveyor | SOLAS III/20.11.2, MSC.402(96), MSC.1/Circ.1618 |
| Winch dynamic brake test with the empty boat | Every year | SOLAS III/20.11.1 |
| Winch brake load test (1.1 times the mass of the boat with its full complement of persons and equipment) | 5 years | SOLAS III/20.11.1, MSC.402(96) |
| Renewal of falls | 5 years, or earlier if deteriorated | SOLAS III/20.4 |
What you receive
- Annual or five-yearly certificate for the boat, davit, winch and release gear
- Examination report signed by the technician and countersigned by the master or a company representative
- Statement that the arrangements remain fit for purpose
- Load test certificate showing the test weights used
- Wire certificates for renewed falls
- Photos and clear notes for every unit that fails inspection, together with a repair quotation
Applicable rules
- SOLAS III/20
- LSA Code chapters IV and VI
- Res. MSC.402(96)
- Res. MSC.559(108)
- MSC.1/Circ.1578/Rev.1
- MSC.1/Circ.1618
- MSC.1/Circ.1392
Frequently asked questions
Who may examine our lifeboats?
Under MSC.402(96), technicians certified for the make and type concerned, working on behalf of a service provider authorised by the flag state Administration (or accepted through a recognised organisation or another Administration). Manufacturers acting as service providers must meet the same requirements. Ask for the authorisation document and the technician's certificate before work starts.
Does the lifeboat have to be lowered into the water?
The operational test means launching the boat. We agree the timing with the terminal and the agent; where a port does not allow it, we schedule the test for the next suitable port call.