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