According to the Port State Control (PSC) intelligent information platform RISK4SEA, the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) safety category remains a top priority during Port State Control (PSC) inspections. These inspections not only verify the technical condition of the equipment but also test its operational readiness and the crew’s practical proficiency in using the equipment.
For lifeboats and rescue boats, the PSC inspection defect code list includes 18 different defect codes. Six of these operational codes also apply to other life-saving appliances, but the remaining 11 codes alone cover a wide range of potential defect types. In fact, compared to other ship components, equipment, or operations, lifeboats and rescue boats have the highest number of corresponding defect codes.
/Rescue Boat Defect Code List
11101–Lifeboat
11102–Lifeboat equipment
11103–Lifeboat stowage and provision
11104–Rescue boat
11105–Rescue boat equipment
11106–Fast rescue boat
11107–Rescue boat stowage
11112–/rescue boat launching appliance
11113–Rescue boat launching appliance
11124–/rescue boat embarkation arrangement
11125–Rescue boat embarkation arrangement
11126–Life-saving appliance recovery arrangement
11129–Life-saving appliance operational readiness
11130–Evaluation, testing and approval
11131–Onboard training and instructions
11132–Maintenance and inspections
11134–Life-saving appliance operation
11135–Life-saving appliance maintenance
Overall, over the past 36 months, globally, apart from the almost universally applicable and non-technical code 15150–ISM Code deficiency, 11101–Lifeboat has been the defect code most frequently associated with ship detentions. Among the 18 defect codes related to lifeboats and rescue boats, 11101 has a significantly higher detection rate and ranks very high among all problems found in PSC inspections.
Table 1: PSC inspection data for defect code 11101–Lifeboat over the past 36 months. Source: RISK4SEA
Most Common Issues
Specific inspection findings for defect code 11101–Lifeboat show that the most frequently detected problems during inspections are as follows (the following is an exemplary list, not sorted by frequency of occurrence):
1. Lifeboat in poor condition
2. Markings not set as required
3. Securing equipment not meeting requirements
4. Launching appliance not tested
5. Launching appliance lacking Safe Working Load (SWL) marking
6. Lifeboat engine cannot be started by primary or secondary starting methods
7. Battery charger disconnected
8. Steering gear malfunctioning
9. Launching operation instructions missing
10. Navigation signal lights inoperative
11. Navigation signal light arc angle incorrect
12. Automatic stop limit switch malfunctioning
13. Boat windows damaged
14. Coxswain’s observation window damaged (low visibility)
15. Fuel tank oil level too low
16. Lubricating oil used does not meet requirements for use at -15°C
17. Both lifeboat skids severely jammed
18. Crew seat belts taped together, unsafe for use
19. Launching appliance and interlock system not reset to correct position
20. Securing ropes missing
Call for Renewed Regulatory Focus
Despite the high frequency and serious nature of related deficiencies, the last time PSC Memorandum organizations conducted a special concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on lifeboats was in 2009. That CIC aimed to verify the proper maintenance of lifeboats and their launching appliances, and whether crews fully understood maintenance requirements and the risks associated with lifeboat launching and recovery operations. However, given that related accidents still occur, from a PSC perspective, it is clearly necessary to reassess the current industry’s focus on lifeboats and rescue boats.
Apo Belokas, Founder and CEO of RISK4SEA, pointed out: “Ship owners and ship management companies should prioritize the condition of lifeboats, rescue boats, and their associated equipment, ensuring all equipment is fully inspected, properly maintained, and ready for use at all times to safeguard crew lives.”
Meanwhile, onboard training and the now widely adopted simulator training should be conducted to high standards, focusing on the safe and efficient use of such critical equipment.
