Initial Launch Tests of Lifeboats

The International Maritime Organization has adopted amendments to the SOLAS Convention, Resolution MSC.81(70) and the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code (IMO Resolutions MSC.482(103), MSC.485(103) and MSC.488(103)), which come into force on 1 January 2024.

These amendments mean the installation survey requirement for carrying out a launch test of lifeboats, when the ship is making headway at not less than five knots, will only be applicable to davit-launched lifeboats and will no longer be required for free-fall lifeboats.