IMO's unified interpretations of the LSA Code, and the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes

Matko Rak -

The International Maritime Organization has released the MSC.1/Circ.1674, unified interpretations of the LSA Code, and the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes.

This circular was released on 28 June 2023.

The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 107th session (31 May to 9 June 2023), approved unified interpretations of the LSA Code and the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes.

These interpretations were prepared by the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment, at its ninth session (27 February to 3 March 2023), with the aim of providing more specific guidance on paragraphs 4.1.5.1.13, 4.4.8.16, and 5.1.2.2.7 of the LSA Code, paragraph 3.8.10 of annex 10 to the 1994 HSC Code, and paragraph 3.8.10 of annex 11 to the 2000 HSC Code. The approved unified interpretations are set out in the annex.

Member States are invited to utilize the annexed unified interpretations as guidance when applying paragraphs 4.1.5.1.13, 4.4.8.16, and 5.1.2.2.7 of the LSA Code; paragraph 3.8.10 of annex 10 to the 1994 HSC Code; and paragraph 3.8.10 of annex 11 to the 2000 HSC Code. Additionally, they are encouraged to bring these interpretations to the attention of all relevant parties.

Annex: Unified interpretations of the LSA Code, and the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes

Paragraphs 4.1.5.1.13, 4.4.8.16, and 5.1.2.2.7 of the LSA Code refer to the equipment of the liferaft, lifeboat, and rescue boat, respectively.

Paragraph 3.8.10 of annex 10 to the 1994 HSC Code specifies the equipment of open reversible liferaft.

Paragraph 3.8.10 of annex 11 to the 2000 HSC Code also deals with the equipment of open reversible liferaft.

  1. One spare bulb should be provided for torches utilizing either a filament bulb or a single LED to provide the light source. Where the light source is provided by more than one LED, a spare LED bulb is not required, provided the failure of any one LED does not prevent the other LEDs from fully functioning.
  2. The provision of a second ready-for-use waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signaling can be accepted in place of providing one spare set of batteries and one spare bulb in a waterproof container.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

MSC.1/Circ.1674: UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS OF THE LSA CODE AND THE 1994 AND 2000 HSC CODES