In accordance with "Guidelines for Periodic Servicing and maintenance of Lifeboats, Launching Appliances and On-load Release Gear" (MSC.1/Circ.1206 (Revision to MSC/Circ.1093)), annual thorough examination and operations test, 5-years-periodical thorough examination and operations test under 1.1 times overload conditions, and repairs should be carried out by the manufacturer's representative or a person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer.

However, we have experienced cases where manufacturer certified service suppliers are not available, because the manufacturers are no longer in such business or have not established worldwide network for servicing at the moment.

Accordingly, the Para.9 of the above guidelines, 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.

This technical information provides the instructions from Administrations which we have been informed so far on this matter.

1. Bahamas
Refer to THE BAHAMAS MARITIME AUTHORITY INFORMATION BULLETIN No. 87 (Attachment 1).
No individual authorization from the Administration is required.

2. Hong Kong
Refer to "Guidelines for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gears" (Attachment 2).
No individual authorization from the Administration is required.

3. Japan
In principle, servicing should be carried out by the manufacturer's representative or a person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer. In case where such certified service supplier is not available, please contact us in advance.

(To be continued)