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