The Bahamas Maritime Authority has notified ClassNK of the instruction regarding servicing intervals of life-saving appliances on board the Bahamas flagged vessels by BMA INFORMATION BULLETIN No.98.

According to Chapter III of SOLAS, inflatable liferafts, inflatable lifejackets, marine evacuation systems, inflated rescue boats and hydrostatic release units shall be serviced at intervals not exceeding 12 months. If the vessel trades to ports where there are no approved service stations, however, servicing intervals may be extended up to 17 months.

In case where the life-saving appliances are serviced in line with the window (within 3 months before or after each anniversary) of the relevant annual or periodical SE surveys for HSSC vessels in accordance with IMO MSC/Circ.955, notwithstanding, service intervals may be extended up to maximum 18 months from the last date of servicing.

Please note that the extension of service intervals must be verified by Recognized Organization (i.e. ClassNK) that the justification for the extension is reasonable. When considering applications for such extension, therefore, please send an application including the following information to Survey Department of ClassNK. "STATEMENT OF EXTENSION" may be issued after verification of justification for the extension.

1. Name of vessel
2. Classification number
3. List of life-saving appliances for extension
4. Last servicing date
5. Copy of last service records/certificates
6. Planned servicing schedule including the period of extension
7. Circumstances for the extension

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Survey Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2027 / 2028
Fax: +81-3-5226-2029
E-mail: svd@classnk.or.jp