OEM approvals no longer necessary for lifeboat servicing After regulatory changes come into force on 1 January 2020, VIKING’s certified technicians can handle all your lifeboat servicing Amendments to SOLAS regulations III/3 and III/20, including mandatory requirements for the maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear are coming into force. 1 January 2020 Amendments to SOLAS III/3 and III/20 are expected to come into force 19 May 2016 Resolution MSC.402(96) regarding maintenance, examination operational testing and repair is adopted 11 June 2009 Revised guidelines on measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats (MSC.1/Circ.1206/ Rev.1) are released 23 May 2008 IMO released MSC.1/Circ.1277 on interim recommendation on service provider authorizations 26 May 2006 MSC.1/Circ.1206 with guidelines for lifeboat servicing and maintenance is first published 1 July 2006 Major updates to SOLAS Chapter III about life-saving appliances enters into force What do the regulatory changes mean for lifeboat servicing? Companies are no longer required to use manufacturers or their representatives for servicing. Present and future services can be carried out by qualified service provider, such as VIKING, even without manufacturer approval. After 1 January 2020, you’ll no longer be required to go back to the manufacturer for lifeboat servicing – VIKING can handle it all. Why are OEM approvals no longer required for lifeboat servicing? The new regulations shift responsibilities for approving service suppliers from manufacturers to flag administrators. As of 2 January 2020, technicians do not need to be approved by the manufacturer, meaning that it’s soon going to be mandatory for administrators to allow qualified service providers, with technicians who have the right skills and certifications, to perform lifeboat servicing. What prompted these changes? Former regulations discouraged competition, leading to higher prices, inconsistent global coverage and, in some cases, poor quality control. To counter this, the International Maritime Organisation introduced new regulations to prevent accidents with survival craft and ensure uniform, safe and documented servicing.
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