The Norwegian Government has notified ClassNK of the special requirement for fall preventer devices (FPDs) for lifeboats on board Norwegian flagged vessels as follows.

The Norwegian Government requires the Fall Preventer Devices (FPDs) which comply with MSC.1/Circ.1327 for all Norwegian Flagged vessels, until such time as the lifeboat release and the retrieval systems (LRRS) have undergone the necessary design review and performance test, and have been either confirmed compliant with the relevant requirements of the revised LSA Code or replaced with compliant devices.

Quote of Instruction to Class (dated 19 January 2012)

Until existing types of on-load release and retrieval systems for lifeboats are verified to be in compliance with the LSA code as amended by Res. MSC.320(89), or replaced with compliant on-load release and retrieval systems for lifeboats, on all ships such systems should upon confirmation by the lifeboat/davit, manufacturer be fitted with FPDs. If the lifeboat or davit manufacturer is no longer available, the advice of a qualified independent service provider be sought.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Material and Equipment Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2020
Fax: +81-3-5226-2057
E-mail: eqd@classnk.or.jp