IMSML Website Article 51/2024: Resolution MSC.544(107) - Amendment to the Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances, ie Resolution MSC.81(70).

The Maritime Safety Committee of IMO (MSC) made Resolution MSC.544(107) at its 107th Session to amend one of its earlier decisions, ie Resolution MSC.81(70). The amendments deal with the prototype tests for ‘lifejackets’ (Section 2), ‘immersion suits’ (Section 6), as well as ‘rescue boats’ and ‘fast rescue boats’ (Section 7).

All these amendments are made to PART A of the present revised recommendations. The revisions are in conjunction with the amendments of the LSA Code (see Paragraph 4) of the Appendix. Applicability of the LSA Code is ‘recommended’ (ie not mandated) for life saving appliances installed on or after 1 January 2029.

The amendment resolution made by the MSC is applicable in Malaysia via MSN 12 /2023, ie the Malaysia Shipping Notices. Resolution MSC.544(107) is the 13th subject-matter of Appendix 1 of MSN 12/2023.

PART 1 - PROTOTYPE TESTS FOR LIFE-SAVING APPLICANCES

SECTION 2 - LIFEJACKETS

Section 2.4 - Tests of components other than buoyancy materials

A new footnote replaces the previous one at Paragraph 2.4. It provides for a new harmonised standard on personal flotation devices. The recommended standard is now ISO 12402-7:2020 Personal Floatation Devices. Part 7: Materials and Components. Safety requirements and test methods’.

Section 2.6 - Test for Lifejackets Buoyancy Material

Tensile Strength Test

The new footnote to Paragraph 2.6.8 mirrors the one found in Paragraph 2.4 (see above) as the same ISO standard is applicable.

SECTION 3 - IMMERSION SUITS

Section 3.2 - Thermal Protective Tests

General

A new Paragraph 3.2.3 now provide the following:

[1] The supervision of a physician should always be used when humans are test subjects;

[2] At all tests, emergency resuscitation should always be available;

[3] ECG should be monitored during every test (for safety reasons);

[4] Testing should be stopped at the wish of the test subjects, if

[a] The falling rate of the core temperature is more than 1.5 degrees C per hour after the first half hour;

[b] If the temperature of the hand, foot or lumbar regions should fall below 10 degrees C for more than 15 minutes;

[c] If the attending physician considers it advisable.

SECTION 6 - LIFEBOATS

Section 6.10 - Lifeboat Operational Test

Operation of engine and fuel consumption test

A new Paragraph 6.10.1 introduces the following procedures for testing:

[1] The number of persons  which the boat is supposed to hold can be simulated with weights equal to the mass of its equipment and number of persons;

[2] In order to ensure satisfactory operation, the engine should be started and the life boat manoeuvred for at least four hours;

[3] The test speed of the life boat should be at least 6 knots;

[4] The fuel tank should have sufficient capacity to power ventilation for the required period of time if such a system is fitted;

[5] The largest fully loaded lifeboat should be able to tow at least 2 knots;

[6] The tow rope should be secured by a tow rope to a stationery object;

[7] Engines should be able to function at full speed for at least 2 minutes;

[8] The maximum towing force should be recorded on the type approval certificate.

Section 14 - Additional Test for Totally Enclosed Lifeboats

A new Paragraph 6.14.1 introduces the following:

[1] Rotating the lifeboat on a longitudinal axis to any angle of heel and releasing it should be provided;

[2] The rotation (in an enclosed condition) should be incrementally rotated to angles of heel up to and including 180 degrees and should be released;

[3] The lifeboat should always return to the upright position without assistance of the occupants after release;

[4] Either powered or passive type of ventilation system can be used;

A new Paragraph 6.14.9 introduces the following on ‘Ventilation Performance Test’:

[1] Moored conditions should be used to measure the ventilation rate;

[2] All the persons necessary for should be on board to measure the ventilation rate;

[3] All entrances and hatches should be kept closed;

[4] Ventilation opening should stay open;

[5] The measured ventilation rate should be at 5 m3 or more per person for the total number of persons which the life boat is supposed to accommodate.

SECTION 7 - RESCUE BOATS AND FAST RESCUE BOATS

Section 7.4 - Rigid Fast Rescue Boats

A new Paragraph 7.4.1 introduces the following:

[1] This category of boats can either be self-righting, or not self-righting;

[2] The self-righting test should be done in light condition;

[3] A boat fitted with a helmsman’s emergency release switch should be considered to be arranged to stop automatically when inverted.

Section 7.5 - Inflated Fast Rescue Boats

A new Paragraph 7.5 introduces the following:

[1] These boats may be self-righting, or not self-righting;

[2] These boats can be equipped with an outboard motor.

Section 7.6 - Rigid / Inflated Fast Rescue Boats

A new Paragraph 7.6 introduces the following:

[1] The boat should be subjected to test for its hull;

[2] The boat can be self-righting or not self-righting;

[3] the boat could be equipped with an outboard motor.

APPENDIX 1 - ADULT REFERENCE TEST DEVICE (RTD) DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

AND

APPENDIX 2 - CHILD REFERENCE TEST DEVICE (RTD) DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

AND

APPENDIX 3 - INFANT REFERENCE TEST DEVICES (RTD) DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

A new Paragraph 2 is introduced in each appendix title ‘Materials’ which introduces the following standard:

‘All materials used should comply with ISO 12402-7: 2020’.

Thank you for reading IMSML Website Article 51/2024

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Website Article 52/2024: Resolution MSC.545(107) - Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units 1979 (1979 MODU Code), Resolution MSC.546(107) - Amendments to the 1989 MODU Code, AND Resolution MSC.547(107) - Amendments to the 2009 MODU 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

Friday, 18 October 2024

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