Life-saving appliances are only as reliable as the people who maintain them. This is the fundamental principle behind IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), which established the Authorized Service Provider (ASP) framework for the inspection, testing, and servicing of survival craft and launching appliances. A subsequent resolution, MSC.559(108), adopted in May 2024, has further strengthened these requirements.

What Equipment Falls Under This Framework?

The ASP framework covers lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats, fast rescue boats, launching appliances, and on-load and off-load release gear for lifeboats — including davit-launched life rafts. This is comprehensive coverage of the most critical survival systems on any vessel.

Three Tiers of Maintenance

The regulations establish a clear three-tier maintenance structure:
Weekly and monthly inspections and routine maintenance may be carried out by shipboard personnel under the direction of a senior ship’s officer, in accordance with the equipment’s maintenance manual. This puts a degree of responsibility on the crew — but also on the quality of the maintenance documentation provided.
Annual thorough examinations and operational tests must be carried out by certified personnel from either the manufacturer or an authorized service provider. The ship operator itself may act as the service provider, provided it holds the appropriate authorization from the flag administration.
Five-year thorough examinations, overhauls, overload operational tests, and any repairs must also be performed by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an ASP.

MSC.559(108): What’s New in 2024?

The 2024 resolution adds a specific requirement: ventilation systems on lifeboats, including free-fall models, must now be included in annual thorough examinations and operational tests. This aligns with the updated LSA Code ventilation standards and ensures that this life-critical system is not overlooked during annual servicing.

Why This Matters for Offshore Operators

Non-compliance with the ASP framework is a leading cause of PSC detentions globally. Anunauthorized technician performing what looks like routine maintenance could invalidate avessel’s certification and result in costly delays. Working with a properly authorized serviceprovider is not merely good practice — it is a regulatory requirement.
Our company holds the authorizations and trained, certified personnel required to carry out allthree tiers of maintenance on your life-saving appliances. We work across the marine andoffshore sectors to keep your survival craft in full operational readiness.