SOME MAIN UPDATES IN SOLAS -2009 (life boat )

OLD REGULATION
1.
Lowering of lifeboat during abandon ship drill


Lowering into the water, rather than launching of a lifeboat arranged for free-fall launching, is acceptable where free-fall launching is impracticable provided the lifeboat is free-fall launched with its assigned operating crew aboard and manoeuvred in the water at least once every six months. However, in cases where it is impracticable,
 the Administration may extend this period to12 months provided that arrangements are made for simulated launching which will take place at intervals of not more than six months.

2.
Maintenance of falls

•  Falls used in launching shall be turned end for end at intervals of not more than 30 months and be renewed when necessary due to deterioration of the falls or at intervals of not more than five years, whichever is the earlier.
•  The Administration may accept in lieu of the ‘‘end for ending’’ as required above , periodic inspection of the falls and their renewal whenever necessary due to deterioration or at intervals of not more than four years, whichever one is earlier.

NEW REGULATION
1.
Lowering of lifeboat during abandon ship drill


In the case of a lifeboat arranged for free-fall launching , at least once every three months during an abandon ship drill the crew shall board the lifeboat , properly secure themselves in their seats and commence launch procedures up to , but not including , the actual release of the lifeboat (i.e. , the release hook shall not be released) . The lifeboat shall then either be free-fall launched with only the required operating crew on board , or lowered into the water by means of the secondary means of launching with or without the operating crew on board . In both cases , the lifeboat shall thereafter be manoeuvred in the water by the operating crew . A t intervals of not more than six months , the lifeboat shall either be launched by free fall with only the operating crew on board , or simulated launching shall be carried out in accordance with the guidelines developed by the Organization.

2.

Maintenance of falls 


Falls used in launching shall be inspected periodically  with special regard for areas passing through sheaves ,
and renewed when necessary due to deterioration of the falls or at intervals of not more than 5  years , whichever is the earlier .


...to be continued....