The International Maritime Organization’s SOLAS 2024 amendments came into force on January 1, 2024, and they bring meaningful changes to how life-saving appliances (LSA) are specified, tested, and maintained. For ship operators, fleet managers, and safety officers, understanding these changes is not optional \u2014 it is a compliance imperative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several practical updates were made to SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code. One of the most operationally significant changes is that lifeboats now equipped with two independent propulsion systems are no longer required to carry buoyant oars. This reflects how far lifeboat design and reliability has advanced, and it reduces unnecessary equipment weight without compromising safety.
Free-fall lifeboats have also been granted relief from the requirement to undergo launch tests with the ship making headway at speeds of up to five knots in calm water. The reasoning is sound: there are no additional dynamic loads on the launching arrangements during a free-fall launch, making this test redundant.
For rescue boats under 700 kg on cargo ships, the launching appliance no longer needs to have stored mechanical power \u2014 provided that one person can handle the launch. This simplification reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining operational readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Resolution MSC.535(107) updated the LSA Code with new ventilation requirements for totallyenclosed lifeboats. These lifeboats must now have a minimum airflow capacity of at least 5 m\u00b3per hour per person, operable continuously for at least 24 hours, and controllable from inside thelifeboat. Ventilation openings must be closable from the inside and maintain watertight integrityeven under submerged conditions \u2014 without depending on radio or engine battery systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operators should assess all lifeboats against the 2024 flag state and classification societyrequirements, audit on-board equipment inventories, and verify that all certificates for lifeboats,
release gear, and launching appliances are current. If your vessel was constructed before thesedates, some amendments apply retroactively \u2014 knowing which ones affect you is critical toavoiding Port State Control deficiencies.
As an authorized service provider for life-saving appliances, we help operators navigate thesechanges with tailored compliance audits, equipment inspections, and certified maintenanceservices. Contact us to schedule your 2024 SOLAS compliance review<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The International Maritime Organization’s SOLAS 2024 amendments came into force on January 1, 2024, and they bring meaningful changes to how life-saving appliances (LSA) are specified, tested, and maintained. For ship operators, fleet managers, and safety officers, understanding these changes is not optional \u2014 it is a compliance imperative. What Changed for Lifeboats and Rescue […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1916,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","class_list":["post-740","blogs","type-blogs","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n