ClassNK had been inquiring questions to be confirmed in Merchant Marine Circular MMC-250 issued in July 2012 of The Panamanian Government. The government has responded to the questions as follows:

1. Application Date of LSA Code Amended by MSC.320(89) to Newly Constructed Ships
According to IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1393, the code will be applied to ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014.

2. Application of Requirement on FPDs employment
The application is under SOLAS CHAPTER III Regulation 1 paragraph 5 "Notwithstanding paragraph 4.2, for all ships, not later than the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014, but not later than 1 July 2019, lifeboat on-load release mechanisms not complying with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the Code shall be replaced with equipment that complies with the Code".
FPDs shall be approved by an Administration or a Recognized Organization in accordance with IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1327.
With regard to the requirement on FPDs employment in detail, please refer to MMC-250 paragraph 3.1.7

In addition, general information of ClassNK position about the above two responses in flag states including Panama is at ClassNK Homepage.
Please check it at the following URL:
http://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/en/activities/classification/lifeboat_news.html

(To be continued)