IMSML Website Article 37/2024: Resolution MSC.535(107) - Amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA Code)

This resolution was made by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its 107th Session on 8 June 2023 last year. It appears as the fifth subject-matter in Annex 1 to Malaysian Shipping Notice (MSN 12 / 2023). The Resolution amends Chapters IV (Survival Craft) of the LSA Code on the ventilation requirements for a totally enclosed lifeboat. Falling within the scope of these amendments are totally enclosed lifeboats installed on or after 1 January 2026. The amendments come into force on 1 January 2026. The Amendments are found in the Annex (see Annex 5, p 2) titled ‘Amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code)’ under CHAPTER IV on ‘SURVIVAL CRAFT’, in particular ‘Totally Enclosed Lifeboats’, see Paragraph 4.6).

Paragraph 4.6.6 - Ventilation Means

A ventilation rate of at least 5 m3/h per person for the number of persons which the totally enclosed lifeboat is permitted to accommodate for a period of at least 24 hours, see Paragraph 4.6.6.1. The ventilation shall be operable from inside the lifeboat. Ventilation shall be arranged in a manner to ensure that the lifeboat is ventilated without stratification or formation of unventilated pockets, see Paragraph 4.6.6.1. Where the ventilation is powered, the power source shall not be radio batteries, see Paragraph 4.6.6.2. Where the power is dependent on the lifeboat engine, sufficient fuel shall be provided, see Paragraph 4.6.6.2.

Paragraph 4.6.7 - Openings of the Ventilation System and their Means of Closing

There shall be a means of closing for each ventilation opening. This closing system shall be operable by a person from inside the lifeboat. There shall be means to ensure that the openings can be kept closes in a stowed position, during the launching of the lifeboat, see Paragraph 4.6.7.1.

Minimisation of water ingress through openings for inlet and outlet ventilation and their external fittings, without using the means of closing stipulated in these rules, see Paragraph 4.6.7.2.

For free fall lifeboats, the opening and closing shall be designed to withstand the loads, and to prevent ingress of water under the anticipated submerged condition of the lifeboat during the free-fall launch, see Paragraph 4.6.7.3.

For lifeboats that have a self-contained air support system, the openings and its means of closing shall be designed to maintain pressure, see Paragraph 4.6.7.4.

For fire-protected lifeboat, the openings and means of closing shall be designed to ensure that the capability of protecting person in the lifeboat is not impaired, see Paragraph 4.6.7.5.

Thank you for reading IMSML Website Article 37/2024

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Website Article 38/2024: Resolution MSC.536(107) - Amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft 1994 (1994 HSC Code)

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Head of the Centre for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Tuesday,  16 July 2024

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my