The International Maritime Organisation has adopted amendments to the SOLAS Convention, Resolution MSC.81 and the International Life-Saving Appliance Code, which come into force on 1 January 2024.
These amendments mean the installation survey requirement for carrying out a launch test of lifeboats, when the ship is making headway at not less than five knots, will only be applicable to davit-launched lifeboats and will no longer be required for free-fall lifeboats.
Possible early implementation
Flag Administrations may choose to adopt the amendments prior to the entry-into-force date of 1 January 2024 and allow early implementation, as permitted by MSC.8/Circular 2 and MSC.1/Circular 1565.
