SEACURE LHR HOOKs YOu caN relY ON!!

IMO UPDATE NEW HooK REGuLATionS

During the last IMO meeting (May 2011) the draft MSC89 has been adopted (amendments to SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code, as well as related Guidelines for the Evaluation of Existing On-load Release and Retrieval Systems (RRS). This means that the release gear systems of existing lifeboats will have to comply with the requirements as mentioned in MSC89.

FrEQuEnTLY ASKED QuESTionS on ThE LATEST HooK REGuLATionS

Q: Which new LSA Code requirements apply to existing ships and which ones apply to new ships? A: Existing ships: Revised Chapter IV sections 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 applies to existing hooks tted. New ships: built on or after July 1, 2014, hooks have to comply with the revised LSA Code (complete section 4.4.7.6). Q: How will the new requirements be applied to existing ships and when? A: All existing on-load hooks will require an evaluation (comply with the revised LSA Code sections 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6) no later than July 1, 2013 and an onboard onetime follow-up overhaul examination no later than the rst scheduled dry-docking after July 1, 2014. The one-time follow-up overhaul examination by the manufacturer or authorized representative should be in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1206Rev1. Q: What does this mean for manufacturers? A: Manufacturers have to assess all of their types of hooks at the earliest opportunity. They should submit the assessment to a Flag Administration or Class (RO) and carry out a performance test. All of this should be completed before July 1, 2013. The self-assessment and evaluation (design review and performance tests) are required to have a certain type of release gear system placed on the IMO whitelist. As soon as the new Solas regulations and the related amendments were adopted and the official document was distributed (mid June 2011), S-H has formed a hook review team to evaluate the hook assessment program and had its rst kick-off meeting on the 21st of June 2011. Q: What does this mean for shipowners? A: Shipowners should identify the types of hooks on their vessels and make sure that suitable fall prevention devices (FPDs) are tted in accordance with (MSC.1/Circ.1327) when waiting for the evaluation of the system by its manufacturer. Shipowners will need to replace all hooks that do not comply for a compliant hook. Shipowners have to arrange a one-time follow-up overall examination by the hook manufacturer or their representative and witnessed by the Administration or Class.

SEACURE LHR HOOKs YOu caN relY ON!!

FrEQuEnTLY ASKED QuESTionS on ThE LATEST HooK REGuLATionS

Q: Is it necessary to t Fall Prevention Devices (FPDs)? A: IMO has been discussing for some time the use of FPDs for existing hooks, to reduce its accidental release. MSC89 Annex 1 page 2 section 6 states that FPDs in accordance with Guidelines for the tting and use of FPDs (MSC.1/Circ.1327) should be employed for each existing lifeboat release and retrieval system until the system is found compliant with the LSA Code or modied and found compliant or replaced by a new (approved) lifeboat release and retrieval system. Q: Is it necessary to t Secondary Safety Systems (SSSs)? A: There is no mention of SSSs in MSC89/3/4. However, during the working group discussions at DE55 the use of such arrangements was strongly supported by various NGOs. There are indications that some customers will require (demand) such an arrangement in addition to the regulations. This is why Schat-Harding has incorporated this into their hook design as either a standard or an extra option. Q: To which requirements are the LHR MKI and LHR SeaCure MKII release gear systems complying? A: The LHR MKI hook systems are complying to the latest requirements for existing lifeboats and the LHR SeaCure MKII release gear systems are complying to the latest requirements for both existing and new lifeboats. Q: What does this mean to you? A: Actions: 1. Check by (Flag/Class/Manufacturers) if the release gear systems of their lifeboats are complying with regulations (on IMO whitelist?). 2. If found not to be compliant than the release gear system needs to be replaced no later than the next scheduled dry-dock after the 1st of July 2014 but no later than the 1st of July 2019. 3. If found to be compliant than an overhaul examination should be executed no later than the next scheduled dry-dock after the 1st of July 2014.

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Schat-Harding has a dedicated workforce committed to Improving Safety at Sea. We put pride in our work knowing that what we produce and maintain will be put to the ultimate task saving lives!! Part of our commitment to the maritime industry is being a representative at IMO for the manufacturers through ILAMA. We also participate at the highest international levels by offering our advice and expertise to governments present at IMO. Contact us today for more information on the SeaCure LHR Hooks offered by Schat-Harding info@schat-harding.com or your local Schat-Harding Service Provider!!!