Download PDF 

• SOLAS Reg.20 of Chapter III requires every inflatable liferaft, inflatable lifejacket, inflated rescue boat and hydrostatic release unit is to be serviced at intervals not exceeding 12 months, provided where in any case this is impracticable, the Administration may extend this period up to 17 months.

• Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has revised information bulletin no. 98 providing guidance related to servicing of inflatable liferafts, inflatable lifejackets, inflated rescue boats and hydrostatic release units.

• Application for extension to servicing intervals is to be submitted to Administration through Recognized Organization.

• Before seeking authorization from the Administration, Recognized Organization will review the application and verify that the justification given for the extension is reasonable.

• In cases where servicing is not completed within 12 month period but were done within the relevant annual or periodical survey windows, the company does not need to apply for an extension.

• Liferafts designed for an ‘extended service interval’ period of up to 30 months and approved by the Administration of the country of manufacturer will be accepted by BMA, provided that the approval is verified by a Bahamas Recognized Organization in accordance with the MSC.1/Cic.1328. Request for extension of interval in such cases will not be approved by BMA.

• Administration has advised companies to ensure that the service is completed within the extended service interval period.

• Ship owners/ operators and masters are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:

1. Bahamas Information Bulletin no. 98.

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

 Download PDF