The U.K. Government (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) has noticed ClassNK of the special requirements for remotely located survival craft (SOLAS Chapter III/31.1.4) which was adopted by MSC.1/Circ.1243 onboard the U.K. registered ships.

Following requirements are to be applied to all cargo ships regardless of date of construction. And the compliance with these requirements is verified at the first periodical Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Survey after 19 February 2010 in respect of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.

1. Liferafts, if located at the aft/forward end of the ship and at a distance of more than 100 m from the closest survival craft, as required by SOLAS regulation III/31.1.4, should be regarded as "remotely located survival craft" with regard to SOLAS regulation III/7.2.1.2.
The area where these remotely located survival crafts are stowed shall be provided with:
(1) a minimum number of 2 lifejackets and 2 immersion suits
(2) adequate means of illumination, complying with SOLAS regulation III/16.7, either fixed or portable, which shall be capable of illuminating the liferaft stowage position as well as the area of water into which the liferaft should be launched. Portable lights, when used, shall have brackets to permit their positioning on both sides of the ship; and
(3) an embarkation ladder or other means of embarkation enabling descent to the water in a controlled manner in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/11.7.
2. An embarkation ladder complying with the requirements of paragraph 6.1.6 of the Life Saving Appliances (LSA) Code is not mandatory for remotely located survival craft.
3. An acceptable alternative could be a Jacob's ladder with efficient non slip surface, which can be secured in a safe and efficient manner and is properly maintained.
4. The use of knotted rope is no longer acceptable.


For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Material and Equipment Department, Administrat