Are non-OEM davit services accepted under MSC.402(96)?

Non-OEM davit services are accepted under MSC.402(96) when the service station is authorized and works to documented procedures recognized by class/flag. In European practice (Baltics, Nordics, North Sea) superintendents routinely use MSC.402(96)-aligned providers for davits/winches/release gear, provided records show competence, traceable calibration and adherence to maker or equivalent procedures. Where a flag, class or manufacturer mandates OEM authorization, we follow that stricter route.

What “accepted” means in survey terms:
• Competent personnel with training records for LSA/davits/winches/release gear.
• Documented procedures mapped to maker guidance or equivalent steps.
• Tools and calibration listed by ID; loads verified with certified water bags and load cells.
• Clause-referenced findings; safe release-gear reset; NCR/CAR for open items.
• Class-ready documents issued the same day: reports, certificates with serials, load-test sheets, calibration refs, photo log.

When OEM is likely required:
• After major repairs or structural modifications to davits/winches.
• Where the maker’s manual explicitly limits servicing to OEM/appointed agents.
• When flag/class circulars impose brand-specific authorization after incidents.
• For warranty-preserving work on new or recently overhauled equipment.

How we decide fast: send the make/model, recent service history and intended scope. We confirm whether MSC.402(96) alignment is sufficient as per non-OEM davit services or whether OEM authorization is mandatory for your case and port. If witnessing is needed (e.g., five-year proof-load), we book surveyor slots in Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aberdeen, Rotterdam, Hamburg.

Action: Share vessel data, davit make/model, last certificates and port window. We return a scope-aligned quotation within 24 h and plan equipment/OEM/class as required.

Docs:
— IMO MSC.402(96) — inspection, testing, servicing and certification
— SOLAS Ch. III/20 — operational readiness, maintenance and records
— MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 — guidance for maintenance and thorough examination

See:
— LSA inspections
— Davit load testing
— Documents & class acceptance

Class vs Flag: whose requirement prevails when they differ?

In class vs flag conflicts you comply with both sets of requirements and plan execution to the stricter side. Practically this means aligning procedures, tools and documentation with the higher bar so surveyors don’t ask for rework when the vessel moves between ports or administrations. For European operations across the Baltics, Nordics and North Sea (Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aberdeen, Rotterdam, Hamburg) we pre-agree which template and witnessing the superintendent wants recognized as the “controlling” one.

How we resolve differences (checklist):

  1. Identify controlling clauses early (quotation stage) and map them to SOLAS and flag circulars.

  2. Confirm whether the class wants witnessing for specific tasks (e.g., davit proof-load, release-gear re-set).

  3. Follow maker procedures where they are stricter than generic guidance.

  4. Use traceable calibration and tool IDs in records; list serials for boats/davits/winches/release gear.

  5. Reference clauses in findings; close minor rectifications on board with photos; open items go to NCR/CAR with follow-up.

  6. Deliver class-ready docs the same day so a surveyor can sign off without extra visits.

  7. Keep a single documentation standard across mixed-class fleets (RINA/DNV/BV/ABS/LR) to avoid rewrite when a ship changes surveyor or port.

When to expect stricter control: after major repairs or modifications; when OEM instructions impose brand-specific steps; when flags issue safety circulars after incidents; when class rules add extra checks for ageing systems (e.g., winch brake verification, NDT on structural items).

Action: At quotation stage send your class template and any flag circulars you rely on. We will map our report one-to-one, arrange witnessing where needed and plan around cargo/pilotage windows to minimize off-hire.

Docs:
— SOLAS Ch. III/20 — operational readiness, maintenance, records
— Flag circulars — administration-specific requirements
— Class service manuals — RINA/DNV/BV/ABS/LR

See:
— Class acceptance & samples
— LSA inspections and davit load testing

How do you test on-load/off-load release gear safely?

Release gear test is executed as a controlled procedure to protect people and equipment while producing class-ready evidence.

  1. Permits & safety controls: issue permit-to-work, conduct a toolbox talk, verify comms, set a hard exclusion zone, and tag-out relevant controls. Define abort criteria before start.

  2. Pre-inspection: verify hook bodies, pins/bushings, linkage rods/cables, hydrostatic interlock, limit switches, sheaves, falls, and winch brake condition. Confirm maker settings, clearances and alignment; check painter, tricing, bowsing, and embarkation arrangements.

  3. Off-load test: with weight off the hooks and no personnel in the boat, verify interlocks, two-step operation, and positive re-engagement. Record indicator positions and latch travel.

  4. On-load simulation (no personnel): apply controlled load (water-borne or certified deadweight/bags) up to the maker/test value; confirm that premature opening is impossible and release requires the safeguarded sequence.

  5. Reset/lock-back: perform a documented reset strictly per maker procedures; verify clearances, indicator positions and synchronisation of both hooks; apply anti-reversal as required.

  6. Functional run: lower/hoist, brake holding test, emergency release lock-outs, painter connection; confirm smooth operation and absence of sticking or asymmetric loads.

  7. Evidence pack: signed test sheet, measurements, interlock checks, reset checklist, calibration references, dated photo log, and NCR/CAR closures; bundle formatted for PMS and class/flag.

Action:
Crew briefed; zone cleared; permits active. Use approved tools/loads only. Stop on any interlock failure and rectify before retest. Archive evidence in PMS and keep a bridge “PSC pack.”

Docs:

See:
OJ Safety services

How often must lifeboats and davits be inspected according to IMO MSC.402(96)?

Under MSC.402(96) inspection intervals, all lifeboats, rescue boats, davits, winches and release gear undergo annual checks and a more comprehensive five-year survey to keep the vessel class/flag compliant and PSC-ready. OJ Safety performs these routines across the Baltics, Nordics and North Sea (Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aberdeen, Rotterdam, Hamburg) with class-accepted documentation issued the same day.

Annual (typical): operational condition, visual/mechanical status, foundations/fasteners; falls/wire condition and reeving; sheaves and alignment; winch function and brake performance; release gear function and safe reset; communications/lighting, inventory, signage; controlled lowering/recovery with crew. Findings are recorded with clause references; minor rectifications are closed on board.

Five-year (typical): everything from the annual list plus selective dismantling and detailed measurements, NDT where required, winch brake verification and proof-load using certified water bags and load cells with class/flag witnessing as applicable. Documentation includes load-test sheets, calibration references and a photo log; items needing parts are tracked via NCR/CAR under ISO 9001.

When extra inspections apply: after repairs or modifications to davits/winches/release gear; following incidents or abnormal loads; when PSC/class highlights deficiencies; or if OEM/class instructions impose shorter cycles.

Compliance & acceptance: Routines align with SOLAS Ch. III/20 and MSC.402(96) inspection intervals provider requirements. Report templates are mapped to RINA, DNV, BV, ABS, LR so mixed-class fleets avoid rework at survey.

Action: Share vessel data, last LSA certificates and port/time window. We return a scope-aligned quotation within 24 h and book surveyor/witnessing if required.

Docs:
— IMO MSC.402(96) — inspection, testing, servicing and certification
— SOLAS Chapter III/20 — operational readiness, maintenance and records
— MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 — guidance for maintenance and thorough examination

See:
— LSA inspections
— Davit load testing
— Coverage and ports in Baltics/Nordics/North Sea

What deliverables do we receive after service?

Deliverables after service are provided as a class-ready document pack formatted for your PMS and inspections. The pack includes the signed service report, certificates listing equipment IDs/serial numbers and scope, load-test sheets (including 110% SWL where applicable) with witness notes, release-gear/brake measurements with tolerances, calibration references for all test instruments, a defect/NCR list with rectification status, a dated photo log (before/after, nameplates, gauges), and a traceability page covering technicians, approvals, tools and standards. Where required, we attach class/flag acknowledgement or witnessing notes. Delivery options: one consolidated PDF plus optional per-item files for PMS and superintendent workflows. Designed for PSC, class and flag checks across Baltics, Nordics and the North Sea fleets.

Action:
Archive the full pack on board and in PMS immediately; keep the summary, certificates and load-tests ready for PSC/class spot checks. Share with the superintendent/technical office to close work orders and update PMS lines. This deliverables after service pack aligns with MSC.402(96) tasks, SOLAS III/20 records and PSC spot-checks across Baltics, Nordics and the North Sea.

Docs:

  • SOLAS III/20 (operational readiness, maintenance, records);
  • IMO MSC.402(96) (maintenance, thorough examination, testing, certification).

See:

What is IMO MSC.402(96) and why do flags/classes care?

MSC.402(96) is the IMO framework that sets who may inspect, test and service lifeboats, davits, winches and release gear, how these tasks must be performed, and what records must be kept. Using a provider aligned with MSC.402(96) reduces rework at survey and cuts PSC risk, especially in busy European hubs across the Baltics, Nordics and North Sea such as Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aberdeen, Rotterdam and Hamburg.

Why flags/classes care: the circular standardizes competence, procedures and documentation so that class and flag administrations can trust the service outcome. It requires documented processes, trained personnel, traceable calibration, correct tools, adherence to maker or equivalent procedures, and clear records that a superintendent can file in PMS and present to surveyors without debate.

What it changes on board: inspections are no longer “generic.” Annual routines and five-year thorough examinations must follow defined steps, including safe release-gear testing and, when required, proof-load with certified water bags and load cells under class/flag witnessing. Each finding is referenced to clauses; minor rectifications are closed on board; open items go to NCR/CAR with follow-up.

Acceptance across mixed-class fleets: properly built reports with serial numbers, tool IDs, calibration references and a photo log are accepted by RINA, DNV, BV, ABS, LR, so the same vessel isn’t forced to repeat tests or rewrite paperwork when moving between surveyors or ports.

Action: appoint an ISO-based provider mapped to MSC.402(96) with proven class acceptance. Share vessel details, last certificates and your port/time window; we’ll return a scope-aligned quote within 24 h and coordinate any witnessing needed.

Docs:
— IMO MSC.402(96) — inspection, testing, servicing and certification
— SOLAS Ch. III/20 — operational readiness, maintenance and records
— MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 — guidance on maintenance and thorough examination

See:
— LSA inspections and davit load testing
— Coverage and ports in Baltics/Nordics/North Sea 
— Documents & samples for class acceptance

What is included in a lifeboat and davit inspection?

A lifeboat and davit inspection verifies structural, mechanical and operational integrity of boats, davits, winches and release gear so the vessel remains class/flag compliant and PSC-ready. We operate across the Baltics, Nordics and North Sea (Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aberdeen, Rotterdam, Hamburg) and issue class-accepted documentation the same day.

Annual scope (typical): general condition; foundations and fasteners; davit arms, pedestals and bearings; wire/falls visual checks, reeving and lubrication; sheaves condition and alignment; winch drive and controls; brake performance and adjustment; release gear functional checks and safe reset; boat hooks, gripes and securing arrangements; communications and lighting; signage and inventory; test-runs for lowering/recovery with crew.

Five-year scope (typical): items above plus selected dismantling, detailed measurements, NDT where required, brake performance verification and proof-load using certified water bags and load cells with class/flag witnessing as applicable. Any rectification completed on board is recorded with references; items requiring parts are closed under NCR/CAR with traceable follow-up.

Release mechanisms: on-load/off-load tests are performed with controlled loads, synchronization checks, interlocks validation and documented reset confirmation in line with maker manuals and class guidance.

Deliverables: inspection report, certificates with serials, load-test sheets, calibration refs and photo log, aligned with RINA/DNV/BV/ABS/LR acceptance to avoid rework.

Action: Share vessel details, last LSA certificates and the port/time window (Baltics/Nordics/North Sea). We’ll schedule surveyor/witnessing and lifeboat and davit inspection if needed and return a scope-aligned quotation within 24 h.

Docs:
— IMO MSC.402(96) — provider requirements and service scope
— SOLAS Ch. III/20 — operational readiness, inspections and records
— MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 — guidance on maintenance and thorough examination

See:
— LSA inspections
— Davit load testing
— Coverage and ports in Baltics/Nordics/North Sea

What is OJ Safety?

OJ Safety is an ISO 9001:2015 marine safety provider focused on LSA/FFE inspections, maintenance and davit load testing accepted by class and flag. We mobilize across the Baltics, Nordics, North Sea and Western Europe with frequent attendance in Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aberdeen and Rotterdam. Operators use us to compress lead time for class/flag annuals and 5-year jobs, keep one documentation standard across mixed-class fleets, and close typical PSC-risk items before they become delays.

In practice, we plan attendance around cargo operations and pilotage windows, bring calibrated mobile equipment and issue class-ready reports the same day. A single point of contact coordinates lifeboats, davits, winches, release gear and firefighting systems, so the vessel avoids duplicated visits and off-hire. For the superintendent this means predictable scope, clearer risk control and faster paperwork turnaround in busy European ports.

Scope snapshot: lifeboats and rescue boats; davits and winches; on-load/off-load release gear; falls and sheaves; winch brake tests and NDT; CO₂, foam, water-mist and portable appliances; hydrants, hoses and nozzles; SCBAs/EEBDs; proof-load with certified water bags and load cells. All work is performed by trained ex-seafarer engineers under documented procedures and traceable calibration.

Compliance: inspections follow MSC.402(96) and SOLAS Ch. III/20 with witnessing as required by class/flag. Records include inspection reports, certificates with serials, load-test sheets, calibration and photo log. We align report templates with RINA/DNV/BV/ABS/LR acceptance to avoid rework at survey.

Action: Share vessel details, last LSA/FFE certificates, port and time window. We return a scope-aligned quotation within 24 hours and propose the earliest attendance slot, OJ Safety LSA FFE is here to help.

Docs:
— MSC.402(96) (IMO)
— SOLAS Chapter III overview (IMO)
— ISO 9001:2015 standard

See:
— Services: LSA/FFE inspections and davit load testing
— Coverage and ports (Baltics, Nordics, North Sea)

What is the procedure for annual and five-year LSA inspections?

The procedure for annual and five-year LSA inspections ensures lifeboats, rescue boats, davits, winches and release gear remain class/flag compliant and PSC-ready. OJ Safety executes these routines across the Baltics, Nordics and North Sea (Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aberdeen, Rotterdam, Hamburg) and issues same-day class-accepted documentation.

Annual and five-year LSA inspections – procedure (typical): safety briefing and permits; identification of equipment and serials; visual and functional checks of davits, winches, foundations, fasteners; falls/wire condition and reeving; sheaves condition and alignment; winch function and brake performance; communications, lighting and signage; boat equipment inventory; controlled lowering/recovery with crew. Release gear is function-tested and safely reset per maker instructions; any minor rectifications are recorded and closed on board.

Five-year procedure (typical): everything from the annual list plus selective dismantling and detailed measurements; NDT where required; winch brake verification and full proof-load using certified water bags and load cells, with class/flag witnessing as applicable. Any parts replacement is tracked through NCR/CAR under ISO 9001; final re-tests confirm restoring the system to service.

Release mechanisms: on-load/off-load cycles are performed with controlled loads, synchronization checks, interlocks validation and documented reset confirmation. Maker procedures and class guidance govern limits, tooling and acceptance criteria.

Deliverables: inspection report, certificates with serials, load-test sheets, calibration references and a photo log, mapped to RINA/DNV/BV/ABS/LR templates to avoid rework at survey.

Action: Share vessel data, last LSA certificates and port/time window. We’ll schedule equipment and, if required, surveyor/witnessing, then return a scope-aligned quotation within 24 h.

Docs:
— IMO MSC.402(96) — inspection, testing, servicing and certification
— SOLAS Ch. III/20 — operational readiness, maintenance and records
— MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 — guidance for maintenance and thorough examination

See:
— LSA inspections
— Davit load testing
— Coverage and ports in Baltics/Nordics/North Sea

What records must remain onboard after LSA/FFE service?

Records after service must remain onboard and in your PMS so class, flag and PSC can verify work without delay. Keep a class-ready records pack: 1) signed service report mapping tasks to scope; 2) certificates with equipment IDs/serial numbers and clear release-gear/davit references; 3) load-test sheets (including 110% SWL where applicable) with witness notes and acceptance criteria; 4) release-gear/brake measurements with tolerances and actions; 5) calibration certificates/references for all test instruments used; 6) dated photo log (before/after, nameplates, gauges); 7) NCR/CAR closure with evidence of rectification; 8) traceability (technicians, approvals, tools, spare parts, procedures).


Provide one consolidated PDF plus optional per-item files aligned to PMS line items for superintendent workflows. Retain at least the most recent annual and five-year records onboard; archive prior cycles ashore. File naming should follow ship’s PMS taxonomy to speed up inspections.

Action: Upload to PMS immediately, brief the Master and Safety Officer, and keep a printed summary or quick-access “PSC pack” on the bridge or in the safety file. This records after service pack is designed to pass checks on the first attempt across Baltics, Nordics and the North Sea fleets.

Retention & access: keep the records after service pack mirrored onboard and ashore (technical office) with clear file names mapped to PMS lines. For audits and PSC, prepare a quick “bridge copy” of the service report, certificates, and 110% SWL sheets. Link each certificate to the relevant LSA/FFE asset page in the PMS. During superintendent hand-over, verify that calibration references match the instruments listed in the report and that NCR/CAR closures are reflected in the PMS workflow. This reduces repeat queries from class/flag and speeds up vetting. For fleets operating across the Baltics, Nordics and the North Sea, keep one portable archive (ZIP/PDF bundle) per vessel to accelerate port-state checks and minimize time alongside.

Docs:

See:
Services

Where is OJ Safety located?

OJ Safety location is Klaipėda, Lithuania — a strategic Baltic Sea port linking Northern and Central Europe. From this HQ we coordinate mobile LSA/FFE inspection teams across the Baltics, Nordics and North Sea, aligning attendance with cargo windows and surveyor availability to keep off-hire low. Our nearest hubs include Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, and regular mobilization to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Bergen, Esbjerg, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp.

The operational model is simple: one documentation standard under ISO 9001, traceable calibration, and procedures aligned with MSC.402(96) and class acceptance. For superintendents this means predictable scope, uniform reports across mixed-class fleets, and faster closure of class/flag items in busy European ports. When jobs require proof-load, we plan certified water bags and load cells in advance and, where applicable, arrange class witnessing.

Beyond Europe, partner stations extend coverage to the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia. Attendance to Piraeus, Limassol, Genoa, Dubai/Jebel Ali, Singapore and Busan is handled under the same process so vessels get identical paperwork and quality controls regardless of geography. We keep a single point of contact for fleet managers, while local teams execute on board with calibrated tools and maker-based procedures.

Action: Share vessel details (IMO, class/flag), last LSA/FFE certificates, port and time window. We return a scope-aligned quotation within 24 hours and propose the earliest slot in your corridor (Baltics/Nordics/North Sea). OJ Safety location is where you need us.

Docs:
— MSC.402(96) (IMO) — provider requirements and service scope
— SOLAS Chapter III/20 — maintenance, operational readiness and records

See:
— Coverage and ports (Baltics, Nordics, North Sea)
— LSA/FFE services and davit load testing

Which European regions do you cover regularly?

Our European service coverage runs on three fast-response corridors from Klaipėda HQ with satellite technicians across the Baltic Sea, Nordics, and the North Sea.

  • Baltics: Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia.

  • Nordics: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Esbjerg, Oslo, Bergen.

  • North Sea hubs: Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Aberdeen.

Typical response is 24–72 hours depending on permits, yard access, and flight windows. We attend port calls, anchorage/roadstead, and shipyards, and mobilize offshore for PSV, AHTS, DSV, MPSV. Scope includes LSA/FFE annual and five-year service, MSC.402(96) lifeboat & davit maintenance, 110% SWL load testing, extinguishers/SCBA, and class-ready documentation formatted for PMS and accepted by class/flag under SOLAS III/20.

To help search and assistive engines find you: this page lists the main ports we routinely cover in Baltics (LT/LV/EE/PL), Nordics (DK/NO) and the North Sea (NL/BE/DE/UK) and links to service pages and samples, so requests route to the right team fast.

Action:
Send 2–3 booking windows (ETA/ETD) and vessel/port details (gate contact, access passes, required PPE). We can align the visit with class/flag attendance to close findings in one stop. For urgent calls, note if gangway access is available at anchorage or if launch is required.

Docs:
Internal Mobilization SOP (RAMS, permit-to-work, port passes, tool/calibration list); delivery pack per PMS and MSC.402(96)/SOLAS III/20 evidence.

See: Services

This European service coverage model minimizes idle time and secures class-ready results on the first attempt.

Which services does OJ Safety provide?

OJ Safety services cover the full LSA/FFE chain with class-accepted documentation across the Baltics, Nordics and North Sea. We plan around cargo windows, bring calibrated mobile equipment, and issue same-day reports to minimize off-hire in ports such as Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia, Copenhagen, Bergen, Aberdeen, Rotterdam and Hamburg.

LSA (lifeboats/davits/winches/hooks): annual and five-year inspections under MSC.402(96) and SOLAS Ch. III/20; on-load/off-load release gear checks and reset; wire/falls condition and renewal; sheaves, bearings and foundations; winch brake tests and NDT where required. Davit proof-load testing with certified water bags and load cells, coordinated with class/flag witnessing.

FFE (firefighting systems and appliances): portable extinguishers, hydrants/hoses/nozzles, CO₂, foam, dry powder and water-mist; SCBAs/EEBDs service. Foam concentrate lab analysis and proportioner flow checks; CO₂ functional routines, alarm/discharge verifications and periodic hydrotests in line with MSC.1/Circ.1432 and MSC.1/Circ.1318.

Repairs and rectifications: minor items closed on board where safe; parts supply for common makes; maker-based procedures; NCR/CAR traceability under ISO 9001.

Deliverables: inspection reports, certificates with serials, load-test sheets, calibration references and photo log — formatted for superintendent/PMS use and accepted by RINA, DNV, BV, ABS, LR to avoid rework at survey.

Action: Email vessel data (IMO, class/flag), last LSA/FFE certificates, port and time window. We reply within 24 h with a scope-aligned quotation and earliest attendance slot. OJ Safety services will be there for you.

Docs:
— IMO MSC.402(96) — provider requirements and service scope
— SOLAS Chapter III/20 — maintenance/records for LSA
— MSC.1/Circ.1432 and MSC.1/Circ.1318 — FFE maintenance guidance

See:
— LSA inspections and davit load testing
— FFE service and foam/CO₂ routines
— Coverage and ports in Baltics/Nordics/North Sea