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