As informed previously by ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0656 dated 19 April 2006, by implementation of the revision of Reg.III/20.11 of SOLAS by Res. MSC 152(78) which has come into force on and after 1 July 2006, the annual thorough examination of the lifeboats and launching appliances and the operational tests (dynamic test of winch brake and operational test of lifeboat on-load release gear) should be conducted by the manufacturer's representative or a person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer in accordance with "Guidelines for Periodic Servicing and maintenance of Lifeboats, Launching Appliances and On-load Release Gear" (Refer to the attachment MSC.1/Circ.1206 (Revised version to MSC/Circ.1093)).

This technical information provides the guidance on the implementation of the annual thorough examination and operational tests of the lifeboat and launching appliances at the present.

1. Interval
The annual thorough examination and the operational tests may be carried out within 6 months due window of Annual Survey of Safety Equipment Certificate. However, it should be carried out at time of the survey or prior to the survey.

2. Qualification levels
The annual thorough examination and the operational tests are to be conducted by the manufacturer's representative or a person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer for the work to be done. (Para.12, Annex 1 of MSC.1/Circ.1206)
On the other hand, it is also stated in Para. 9, Annex 1 of MSC.1/Circ.1206, where satisfied with an organization's ability to carry out these functions, the Administration may authorize such organization and its personnel to perform the functions of the manufacturer and manufacturer's certified personnel as assigned under these Guidelines, if manufacturer certified facilities are not available. In such case, the company should follow the instructions from the Administration.

(To be continued)