Lifeboat and Davit Annual Inspection (IMO MSC.1/Circ. 1206)

There were many accident caused by lifeboats and davits. Thus IMO set up MSC.1/Circ. 1206 to reduce these accidents.

Major reasons of accidents

Some are lead by poor maintenance of equipment through unqualified service personnel. 

The Circular says annual and 5 yearly inspection should be carried out by trained and certified personnel from the equipment. 

In our service experience, we found many equipment that never properly serviced so we cannot even operate release gears but after this Circular, we feel that conditions of equipment are much better than before. 

Sometimes certified personnel are cost more but they are technically kept being updated by equipment makers, using original spare parts and when they have a problem, can get solution from the makers to secure safety of the equipment. 

Japanese Lifeboat Maker: Shigi Shipbuilding

Shigi has started its business at Osaka since 1934 and manufactured the first FRP lifeboat in 1957. Shigi is the biggest lifeboat maker in Japan.

Recently it has developed escape boat against Tsunami and flood. Main difference between normal lifeboat and escape boat seems a huge fender to prevent damage by strong impact impact.

Its main products are as following chart and you may get more info at www.shigi-sb.co.jp

Models of Shigi Lifeboats

*Lifeboat and davit inspection inquiry in Korea: cncminfo@gmail.com

Types of lifeboat for merchant ships (Freefall Lifeboat)

A freefall lifeboat is installed(100% of boarding person) at the astern for fast evacuation. The boat doesn't need davit operation for launching. Once released the boat, it falls into the water without obstracles like wire.  

There are several types of launching system. Some use hydraulic system, some use similar system with conventional lifeboat.



Freefall Lifeboat



*Lifeboat and davit inspection inquiry in Korea: cncminfo@gmail.com

Types of lifeboat for merchant ships (Conventional Lifeboat)

Conventional Lifeboats (Hinged Gravity Type)

All lifeboats which is able to be launched by davit falls are conventional lifeboats.

Normally, the boat has 2 release gears (Hook) to connect with davits. Once the boat is lowed to surface of water by davit, water goes into a hydrostatic unit which is loacated at the bottom of the boat and then a lock of release handle is free to operate. These release gears can be open or closed by release handle unit inside the boat after removal of safety pin on the handle.


Conventional Lifeboat and Davit

Launching operation of the boat can be done by davit operation from outside of the boat or by pulling remote control wire inside the boat.

In case of installation of conventional lifeboats, Two lifeboats, one for each side of the ship, have to be equipped to carry 200% of bording persons by IMO regualtion.

*Lifeboat and davit inspection inquiry in Korea: cncminfo@gmail.com