Our service Engineers are well Experienced and trained by OEM to perform the required FIVE YEARLY Surveys As per the requirements in Dubai, UAE . The Inspections will be Detailed and thorough with time constraints in picture. Five Yearly inspections are carried out under the approvals by Flags, ROs, and Manufacturers.
We use extended and detailed checklists, as well as our certified test equipment for release gears, lifeboats, and launching appliances to guarantee the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew
Lifeboats and davits are essential equipment onboard vessels for the safety of crew members and passengers in emergency situations. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established regulations and guidelines to govern the inspection, maintenance, and testing of lifeboats and davits. The five-yearly inspection is a critical component of ensuring the safety of lifeboats and davits. In this article, we will explain the five-yearly inspection process of lifeboats and davits as per IMO regulations in detail.
Regulatory Framework The IMO has established regulations and guidelines for the inspection, maintenance, and testing of lifeboats and davits. The regulations and guidelines are outlined in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter III and the Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Lifeboats, Rescue Boats, and Associated Equipment (MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1). The regulations and guidelines provide a framework for the inspection, maintenance, and testing of lifeboats and davits to ensure that they are in good condition and can function effectively in emergency situations.
Five-Yearly Inspection Process The five-yearly inspection process is a comprehensive inspection of the lifeboat and davit system. The inspection process includes visual inspection, functional testing, load testing, structural examination, examination of hydraulic systems, examination of electrical systems, maintenance and repair, documentation, and certification.
- Inspection Planning The first step in the five-yearly inspection process is to develop a detailed inspection plan. The inspection plan should include a checklist of all the items that need to be inspected, tested, and maintained during the inspection. The inspection plan should also include details on the personnel responsible for carrying out the inspection and the equipment required.
- Visual Inspection The visual inspection is the first step in the five-yearly inspection process. This involves a thorough examination of the lifeboat and davit system for any signs of damage, corrosion, wear, or other issues that may affect its performance. The visual inspection should include all components of the lifeboat and davit system, including the winch, wire ropes, hooks, release mechanisms, and flotation devices. The visual inspection should also include an examination of the hull, keel, and framework of the lifeboat.
- Functional Testing Once the visual inspection is complete, functional testing of the lifeboat and davit system should be carried out. This involves testing the performance of the winch, wire ropes, hooks, release mechanisms, and other components to ensure that they are functioning correctly. The functional testing should include testing the load-carrying capacity of the lifeboat and the release mechanism. The functional testing should also include testing the propulsion system of the lifeboat if it is equipped with one.
- Load Testing Load testing is an important component of the five-yearly inspection process. Load testing involves subjecting the lifeboat and davit system to a load that is equal to or greater than its maximum safe working load. This test is designed to ensure that the lifeboat and davit system can safely carry the required number of people and equipment in an emergency situation. The load testing should be carried out using water bags or other equipment that is capable of providing a known load.
- Structural Examination A detailed structural examination of the lifeboat and davit system should be carried out during the five-yearly inspection. This examination involves a close inspection of the structural integrity of the lifeboat and davit system, including the hull, keel, and framework. The examination should identify any signs of corrosion, cracking, deformation, or other structural issues that could affect the performance of the lifeboat and davit system.
- Electrical Systems: The electrical systems of the lifeboat and davit system should also be checked during the five-yearly inspection process. This includes checking the battery, the wiring, the lights, and other electrical components to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
- Maintenance and Repair: During the five-yearly inspection process, any maintenance and repair work that is required should be carried out promptly. This may include replacing worn or damaged components, lubricating moving parts, and cleaning the lifeboat and davit system. All maintenance and repair work should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and with all necessary safety precautions in place.
- Documentation: Accurate and up-to-date documentation is an important component of the five-yearly inspection process. This documentation should include a detailed report of the inspection findings, including any defects or deficiencies that were identified. The documentation should also include details of any maintenance and repair work carried out and any load testing results. This documentation should be retained onboard the vessel for future reference.
- Certification: Once the five-yearly inspection process is complete, the lifeboat and davit system should be certified by a qualified inspector.
The 5-yearly inspection is a comprehensive service assessment of the lifeboat and davit systems and can be carried out at a shipyard or offshore location at your convenience. Our service team will visit your vessel to conduct a regulatory inspection, and using OEM approved checklists and procedures, we will assess the actual condition of the equipment and items to be serviced.
Key lifeboat checks include
- Overhaul of the release system
- Inspect the air supply system
- Verify air bottles certificate or re-certification
- Function test Off-load release system
- Lifeboat On-load release test with 1.1 x SWL
Key davit checks include
- Inspect davit structure, check for corrosion, oil leaks and general deterioration.
- Inspect wires and sheaves for possible damages such as kinks and corrosion.
- Inspect lubrication of wires, sheaves, and moving parts.
- Open and inspect the winch, foundation, hydraulic brake mechanism, and gearbox.
- Inspect stored power systems, where fitted.
- Dynamic load test winch with 1.1 x SWL.
- Provide you with recommendations to ensure the equipment is operationally safe and ready to use.
- Release gear system service
- Engine overhaul, servicing or renewal
- Sprinkler system servicing
- Compressed air systems- servicing including hydrostatic testing and refilling of air bottles
- And all the other services related to lifeboats and its launching appliances.
Our Designated teams are available 24×7 to attend , ONSHORE & OFFSHORE conditions.
- Annual inspection of lifeboat and its launching appliances.
- Rigid and inflatable rescue boat load and pressure test.
- 5 yearly load testing of load testing and its launching appliances.
- Lifeboat FRP repair and commissioning.
- Life boat engine overhaul and installation.
- Single arm davit winch inspection.
- Dynamic winch break test.
- Release hook inspection.
- Rescue boat launch test.
- Spares supply for lifeboat and davits.
We perform our load tests using modern water bags to load the lifeboat, as well as other specific water bags to do the load tests directly from the davits.
