Annual and five-year LSA inspections follow IMO MSC.402(96) and SOLAS III/20: annual functional checks, five-year thorough exam with 110% SWL proof-load if required.

Annual = onboard safety and function confirmation for lifeboats, davits, winches, falls, brakes and release gear.
Five-year = deeper examination (dismantling/measurements), NDT where required, and proof-load/witnessing when applicable.
Why it matters: this prevents PSC delays, off-hire escalation and “redo paperwork” at survey.
Baltic ports note: Klaipėda, Riga, Tallinn, Gdańsk/Gdynia (Baltics/Nordics/North Sea mobilization).

Annual procedure (typical):

• PTW/toolbox talk + equipment ID/serial capture.
• Davit/winch/falls/sheaves/brake checks + controlled lowering/recovery.
• Release gear on-load/off-load test + reset/lock-back per maker.
• Deliverables: report, certificates, calibration refs, photo log, NCR/CAR closures.

Five-year procedure (typical):

• Selective dismantling + measurements + NDT (if required).
• Proof-load: 110% SWL with certified water bags/load cells + documented hold/results.
• Witness note recorded when class/flag requires it; post-test inspection and SWL run.

 

Action:

Send ETA/ETD, port, davit make/model, last LSA certs, scope, gate contact/permits. We align class/flag witnessing if needed.

Docs:

SOLAS III/20; IMO MSC.402(96); MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 (release gear/thorough examination). Verify with Class/Flag where applicable.

See:

LSA inspections & 5-yearly planning → Services

Davit proof-load 110% SWL → Services