Regulation 20.11.2.3 of Chapter III of the 1996 Amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention requires that lifeboat on-load release gear shall be subjected to an overhauling and an operational test at least every five (5) years.

In this respect, the Bahamas Government has instructed the Society that the overhauling / operational test should be undertaken at the first dry docking which occurs prior to 2003 after 1 July 1998 for lifeboat on-load release gear on board Bahamas flag ships.

It is therefore recommended that such overhauling / operational test should be arranged at the time of the coming first dry docking test for a Bahamas flag ship if its lifeboat on-load release gear has not yet been subjected to it regardless of the survey / testing procedures given in ClassNK Technical Information No.345. If next dry docking does not occur prior to 2003 due to dry docking frequency, please contact Survey Department ( Tel 81-3-5226-2028, Fax 81-3-5226-2029 ) of the Society.

For any questions about the subject, please contact Survey Department or Material and Equipment Department ( Tel 81-3-5226-2028/2020, Fax 81-3-5226-2029/2019 ) of the Society.