The Liberia Maritime Authority has updated Marine Notice SAF-004 on lifeboat and emergency drills. The amended notice includes changes on drills and training sessions.
The notice provides guidelines for the safe conduct of abandon ship drills using lifeboats and alternative method for lifeboat drills on mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs). It applies to owners, masters, ships officers, nautical inspectors, and recognized organization surveyors when performing drills and surveys on board Liberian flag ships and MODUs. It also addresses several SOLAS requirements established by the office of the deputy commissioner.
Training
Every crewmember should take part in at least one abandon ship, and one fire drill each month. This increases to at least each week for passenger ships, however, the entire does not have to be involved in every drill.
Each lifeboat should be lowered and manoeuvred at least once every three months during an abandon ship drill. There are different requirements specifically for davit launched lifeboats and lifeboats arranged for free-fall launching.
Drills should include methods for deploying marine evacuation systems if a ship has them.
Principles
Lifeboats and lifeboat launching equipment should be thoroughly checked by trained crewmembers before drills.
Crewmembers should be thoroughly trained and familiar with the operation and maintenance of the launching arrangements on ship. Any drills involving lowering of a lifeboat with crew on board should be supervised to ensure safety. Training should be documented and used to plan further learning opportunities.
The notice includes specific guidance for drills of different types of lifeboats including:
• Davit launched lifeboats drills
• Free-fall lifeboats drills
• Guidelines for simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats
• Alternative methods for lifeboat drills on MODUs
Operators can ask for dispensation allowing ships on short international voyages not to launch lifeboats on one side if their berthing arrangements in port and their trading patterns do not permit launching on that side. However, all such lifeboats should be lowered at least once every three months and launched at least once a year.
General Safety Precautions Concerning Lifeboats
• It is of the utmost importance that the officers and crewmembers are familiar with and confident that they will be able to safely use the lifesaving appliances.
• When servicing davits in the stowed position, the Harbor Safety Pins or other similar safety devices must be in place to ensure the davits cannot be accidentally moved.
• When personnel are in stowed lifeboats, hanging-off pendants; or maintenance pins provided by the manufacturer for free-fall lifeboats should be used to prevent the boat from being accidentally released and dropped from the releasing gear.
• All launching appliances should receive regular maintenance by persons who are familiar with and able to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Checklists should be developed and used to ensure that all safety precautions are in place before personnel perform maintenance or inspections.
• Checklists should be developed and used to ensure that standard safety precautions and operating procedures are followed including proper stowing/securing after use.
• No additional securing arrangements should be used which are not included in the lowering/free-fall instructions.
These standard procedures should be included in each vessel’s safety management system as applicable.
Read the notice: Marine Notice SAF-004 Rev. 10/24
