It’s a fact that far more mariners are seriously injured and even killed by accidents caused by the failure of on-load lifeboat release hooks than are saved by lifeboats.
The maritime industry is slowly moving to improve the situation.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) last year approved new design requirements for on-load release hooks. These requirements apply to both existing and new designs and will force the possible replacement of vast numbers of hooks. This could result in significant cost and scheduling issues, says the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), which according to its website is an organization “promoting offshore safety.”
The requirements do not take effect for some time. The releasing mechanisms have until July 1, 2013 to be evaluated against the new requirements and non-compliant hooks have until the first dry dock after July 1, 2014 or no later than July 1, 2019, to be replaced.
“Shipping industry organizations have therefore developed supplementary guidance on the selection of replacement hooks, which recommends considering hook designs that incorporate a permanent secondary safety system, such as a locking pin,” says IMCA Chief Executive Hugh Williams.
Source: Marine Link
Category: General
To reply to this message, enter your reply in the box labeled "Message", hit "Post Message."
