‍ SOLAS LSA Maintenance & Inspection

‍ SOLAS LSA Maintenance & Inspection

Purpose

- Ensure all LSA are always ready for use
- Comply with SOLAS, LSA Code & Flag State rules (SOLAS Ch.III Reg.20–36)
- Prevent equipment failure in emergencies
- Protect lives at sea

️ Key Principles

- ️ Keep LSA in good working condition
- ️ Inspections must be thorough & recorded
- ️ Report & rectify defects immediately
- ️ Only authorized, trained personnel may inspect/service
- ️ Keep all records on board as evidence

Responsibilities

- Master/Officers: Ensure maintenance done, defects fixed, review records
- Crew: Carry out assigned checks, report defects, keep equipment clean & ready

General Requirements

- Readily accessible & properly stowed/secured
- Protected from damage, corrosion, weather
- Operate per manufacturer’s instructions
- Replenish immediately after use
- Keep free of oil, grease, obstructions

Ready • Accessible • Serviceable

Inspection & Maintenance Guide

Equipment What to Check Frequency Record
Lifeboats & Davits Hull, fittings, engine, fuel, battery, steering, lights, davit/winch/gear, release gear, painter, water level, load tests Visual–Monthly; Operational–3mo; Through–Annual; Load Test–Annual LSA Maintenance Record
Life Rafts Canister/container, HRU, painter, inflation, service/expiry date Visual–Monthly; Through–Annual; Service–per manufacturer LSA Maintenance Record
Life Jackets Cover, webbing, buckles, reflectors, light/whistle, CO₂, expiry date, HRU Visual–Monthly; Function–3mo; Service–per manufacturer LSA Maintenance Record
Life Rings Condition, tape, light/battery, securing brackets Visual–Monthly; Battery Test–Monthly; Replace Light–per manufacturer LSA Maintenance Record
Pyrotechnics Quantity, type, stowage, container, readability Visual–Monthly; Replace Before Expiry Pyro Inspection Record
VHF Survival Radio Battery, antenna, display, channel 16 test, waterproofing Visual–Monthly; Function Test–Monthly; Battery Charge–Monthly Radio Check Record
Line Throwing Appliance Barrel, trigger, grip, line/projectile, CO₂, safety pin Visual–Monthly; Function Test–Monthly; Service–per manufacturer LSA Maintenance Record

Frequency Summary

- Monthly: Visual inspections (all LSA)
- Monthly: Battery charge / radio function / pyro checks
- 3 Monthly: Operational checks
- Annually: Through examinations & load tests
- Per Manufacturer: Service / overhaul / replacement

Record Keeping

- Use official record forms
- Log: Date, time, item, condition, defects, actions taken
- Sign & file all records
- Retain records at least 3 years (per Flag State)

️ Defect Reporting

- Report defects immediately to superior
- Do NOT use defective equipment
- Tag & isolate defective LSA
- Prompt repair or replace

Common PSC Deficiencies

- Expired / out-of-date pyrotechnics
- Missing or incomplete records
- Damaged / corroded LSA
- LSA not readily accessible
- Incorrect number of equipment
- Lights & batteries not working
- Liferafts unserviced
- Radio not functioning

Best Practices & Reminders

- Keep clean & dry; protect from heat, moisture, corrosion
- Follow manufacturer’s intervals; use checklists
- Store in easy-access locations; train all crew
- Report defects immediately — an emergency gives no second chance
- Before Sailing Check: Correct quantity, inspections up-to-date, defects fixed, equipment ready
- In Emergency: Use correct LSA, follow procedures, communicate, stay calm & quick

Maintain Today — Save Lives Tomorrow

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