The Republic of the Marshall Islands flag Administration has recently issued a safety notice relating to an accident on board an RMI-registered ship that resulted in the injury of two crew members.

The notice states that during a planned drill, the ship’s rescue boat was being lowered to the water with two crew members on board when the release hook support post failed.

During the investigation, it was found that significant deterioration of the lower end of the support post for the boat’s release hook had occurred due to corrosion. The lower side of the release hook support post was below the deck and only visible following removal of a portable fuel tank.

The Jiangyin Wolong model “JY40KR” rescue boat involved in this incident was manufactured in 2008.

What should shipowners and ship managers do now?

Shipowners and ship managers should ensure weekly and monthly inspections of life-saving appliances (as required by SOLAS Chapter III, Regulations 20.6 and 20.7) include thorough inspections of lifting arrangements for all onboard lifeboats and rescue boats with specific emphasis on hidden or hard to access components.

Lloyd’s Register and/or the flag Administration should be informed if any significant corrosion of structural components is found.