Lifeboats and rescue boats

Starting procedure of lifeboat

● Check the oil of the engine using deep stick
● Check the fuel tank and the cooling
● Check the condition of the battery
● Turn the selector key into desire battery if it's battery 1 or battery 2 or both,
● Check all the light if its working properly
● Before starting keep it steady into glow so that it will preheat the engine for easy starting.
● Start the engine
● Turn the throttle to ahead, astern and neutral
● Steering wheel port to stbd

Maintenance and testing schedule

SOLAS regulation III/20 requires that all Life-saving Appliances shall be in working order and
ready for immediate use before the ship leaves port and at all times during the voyage.
Lifeboats, launching appliances and release gear are required by SOLAS regulation III/20 to be
inspected weekly and monthly according to the instructions for on-board maintenance
complying with the requirements of SOLAS regulation III/36. Also, MSC.1/Circ.1206 describes
more detailed procedures for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching
appliances and release gear.
This manual includes only the weekly and monthly inspection and maintenance, which are
conducted on board under the direct supervision of a senior ship’s officer.

Inspection and maintenance plan

Lifeboats should be inspected and maintained weekly and monthly in accordance with the
following tables. The tables list the items to be checked, the method of inspection, the
procedures to be followed, and the frequency at which the items are to be attended to.

Table 6.2.1.1 covers the basic lifeboat (including release gear)

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 Lifeboats and rescue boats

Table 6.2.1.2 covers the lifeboat engine. Table 6.2.1.3 covers the electric parts.
Inspection procedure and maintenance plan for engine and electric parts

Table 6.2.1.4 covers the lifeboat equipment.

Inspection procedure and maintenance plan for lifeboat equipment

Testing schedule

​Weekly

● All survival craft, rescue boats and launching appliances inspected to ensure that they
are ready for immediate use.
● Lifeboat and rescue boat engines run ahead and astern.
● General Alarm and Public Address Systems tested.
● Lifeboats (other than free fall lifeboats) moved from their stowed position to demonstrate
satisfactory operation of launching appliances.
​ onthly
M

● All life saving appliances (including lifeboat and rescue boat equipment) to be
inspected, using a checklist for onboard maintenance and records retained.
● Examination and testing of fixed radio and searchlight, equipment in lifeboats and
rescue boats.
● Confirmation that battery charging arrangements from engines of lifeboats and rescue
boats are satisfactory.
 Lifeboats and rescue boats

​Three months

● Lifeboats and rescue boats to be launched and manoeuvred in the water.

● Water spray systems on lifeboats to be tested in accordance with manufactures
instructions and flushed with fresh water on completion.
​ nnual
A

● Every inflatable life jacket, inflatable liferaft, hydrostatic release unit (other than those of
the disposable type) and marine evacuation system to be serviced at an accredited
service station.
Notes
● The condition of fall wires should be inspected during drills, with special regard being
given to areas passing through sheaves, and renewed when necessary or at intervals of
not more than 5 years.