The five-year thorough examination and overload operational test of lifeboat systems is the mostcomprehensive — and most consequential — maintenance event in a vessel’s life-savingappliance lifecycle. It is also one of the most misunderstood, and the one most likely to revealissues that have been building undetected through annual inspections.

What the Five-Year Service Must Cover

Under the MSC.402(96) framework, the five-year service must include a thorough examinationof the lifeboat, launching appliance, and on-load release gear; an overload operational test of the
launching appliance (typically to 110% of the working load limit); and any overhaul, repair, orreplacement of components identified during examination.
This work must be performed by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorizedservice provider — it cannot be delegated to ship’s crew or uncertified contractors.

The Launching Appliance: A Closer Look

Davits, winches, and wire ropes take enormous stress over a vessel’s service life, particularly inoffshore environments where salt spray, UV exposure, and mechanical fatigue accumulate overtime. The five-year service is the opportunity to catch wire rope degradation before it causes afailure, identify corrosion in structural components, inspect sheaves and bearings for wear, andverify that the winch braking system is performing to specification.
Wire ropes on launching appliances must be replaced when they reach the end of their servicelife or when they show signs of deterioration — regardless of whether the five-year service datehas arrived.

Ventilation System Testing: The New 2024 Requirement

As a result of MSC.559(108), adopted in May 2024, ventilation systems on totally enclosedlifeboats — including free-fall lifeboats — must now be included in annual thoroughexaminations and operational tests. The five-year service therefore provides an importantopportunity to verify that ventilation systems meet the updated LSA Code standards for airflowcapacity and watertight operation.

Planning Your Five-Year Service

The five-year service requires advance planning, coordination with the vessel’s schedule, andengagement with an authorized service provider who holds the correct certifications for yourlifeboat make and model. Attempting to shortcut this process by using uncertified contractors ordeferring the service creates serious liability exposure.
Our team of certified technicians carries out five-year lifeboat services for a wide range of vesseltypes and lifeboat makes. We coordinate with your operations schedule to minimize disruptionand deliver full certification documentation upon completion.