April 19, 2010 No.

11/2010

STATUTORY ALERT Carrying capacity of lifeboats and rescue boats – revision to LSA Code
Chapters IV and V
APPLICABILITY Lifeboat manufacturers, shipbuilders, shipowners and ship managers

INFORMATION The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted Resolution MSC.272(85) at the 85th
session of the Maritime Safety Committee. This amended Chapters IV and V of the
International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, introducing increased assumed mass of
occupants for the approval of lifeboats and rescue boats, and enhanced seating arrangements
for the occupants of free-fall lifeboats, for ships constructed (having their keel laid) on or after
July 1, 2010.

The requirements apply as follows:

• Cargo ship lifeboats (both davit launched and free-fall) should be approved assuming an
average mass of occupants of 82.5kg (increased from 75kg).
• Cargo and passenger ship rescue boats should be approved assuming an average mass
of occupants of 82.5kg (increased from 75kg).
• Cargo ship free-fall lifeboat seating arrangements should comply with amended LSA Code
Chapter IV, paragraph 4.7.2.

When installing new equipment on board vessels with a keel laying date before July 1, 2010,
clear guidance on the application of Resolution MSC.272(85) should be provided by the Flag
Administration.

Resolution MSC.81(70) – Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances –

(adopted on 11 December 1998) has been amended by Resolution MSC.274(85) to reflect
these requirements. It should however be noted that MSC./Circ.980 – Standardized Life-Saving
Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms – has not been similarly amended, and when
required these amendments will be applied and information included in the relevant test report
forms.

Further information
Contact: Antonio Prestigiacomo, London Design Support Services
T +44 (0)20 7423 1457
F +44 (0)20 7423 1645
E antonio.prestigiacomo@lr.org

www.lr.org

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