Approved Liferafts For Extended Servicing Intervals – Transport Malta Technical Notice SLS.37 Rev.1

2000 HSC Code Ch.8 Reg.8.9.9 states:

8.9.9 An Administration which approves new and novel inflatable liferaft arrangements pursuant to 8.1 may allow for extended service intervals under the following conditions:
8.9.9.1 The new and novel liferaft arrangement shall maintain the same standard, as required by the testing procedure, throughout the extended service intervals.
8.9.9.2 The liferaft system shall be checked on board by certified personnel according to paragraph 8.9.7.1.
8.9.9.3 Service at intervals not exceeding five years shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the organisation.

Acceptance for a 30-month extended servicing interval is granted subject that:

1) the liferaft model is issued with an EC-Type Examination Certificate (MED) confirming compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1328 and bearing the wheel-mark;
2) the liferaft model is issued with a Type Approval Certificate issued by an authorised Recognised Organisation (RO) confirming compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1328 and all other applicable requirements;
3) the servicing of such liferafts shall be carried out at servicing stations approved for this purpose by the manufacturer;
4) At 12-month intervals, liferafts shall be visually and technically inspected, by a qualified person, for the verification of the hermetic seal tightness, monitoring of humidity levels and possible CO2 leaks. This inspection may be carried out onboard and if any issue is identified the liferaft shall be serviced and repacked;
5) an inspection record book shall be maintained and kept onboard and the liferafts shall be labelled accordingly.

This acceptance is granted in-line with MSC.1/Circ.1328 and is applicable over the first 10 years of a liferaft’s life. Thereafter, servicing shall be carried out at 12-month intervals, as required by SOLAS Regulation III/20.8.1.1 and 2000 HSC Code Ch.8
Reg.8.9.7.1.1.

The Administration may accept continuation of the extended servicing intervals for a longer period provided that the manufacturer can confirm and demonstrate, by service experience, that ageing of the liferaft fabric and pressure seals remain within acceptable limits and subject to continued compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1328.

Furthermore, this Administration considers that the liferafts listed below provide safety standards and have successfully undergone evaluation and testing in compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1328 and are thus considered approved for a 30-Month Extended Service Intervals.


List of approved liferafts for 30 Months Extended Service Intervals:

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