As informed by ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0691 dated 22 February 2007, at the eighty-second session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 82) held on 29 November - 8 December 2006, the issue on the MSC.1/Circ.1206 concerning "Measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats" was discussed and after a thorough discussion, the Committee agreed to keep the circular non-mandatory at this stage.

It should be noted that although the MSC.1/Circ.1206 is agreed to be kept non-mandatory, the requirements of the annual thorough examination for the launching appliances and the on-load releasing gear specified in Reg.III/20.11 are still to be complied and the implementations of MSC.1/Circ.1206 depends on its associated instructions from each flag state, for the time being.

Upon the above agreement, we have made inquiries to the several flag states how to implement MSC.1/Circ.1206 and some flag states replied their positions after MSC82.

This ClassNK Technical Information provides the associated instructions (mainly on the qualification level of the servicing) from the flag states on this issue including the above replies which we have received so far, as shown in the attachment.

In case where authorization/acceptance of alternative service suppliers other than the service suppliers certified by the manufacturer is required in accordance with para. 9 of Annex 1 to MSC.1/Circ.1206, please provide the at least following information:

1. Manufacturers and types of the lifeboats and the launching appliances
2. Date and location of the proposed services
3. The confirmation that the manufacturer certified service suppliers are not available at the ports ship calls
4. Name of proposed service supplier
5. Documented evidence which shows that the proposed service supplier has ability to carry out the function in accordance with Annex 1 to MSC.1/Circ.1206
6. Other information required by the Administration (Refer to Appendixes.)

(To be continued)