Liberia's guidelines for lifeboat and emergency drills

Liberia Maritime Authority published an updated notice addressing critical protocols for conducting lifeboat and emergency drills aboard merchant vessels and Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs).

These drills are vital for ensuring the safety and preparedness of all personnel on board in case of an emergency requiring evacuation.

The notice was published on 21 October 2024.

Purpose

The primary objectives of this notice are to:

• Provide Clear Guidelines: Establish clear instructions for the safe conduct of abandonment drills, ensuring that crew members are prepared to execute emergency procedures effectively.
• Operational Readiness: Ensure that life-saving equipment is fully operational and that crews are trained to handle emergencies involving lifeboats confidently.
• Accident Prevention: Implement measures to prevent accidents during drills, promoting a culture of safety and preparedness.

Applicability

The guidelines in this notice are applicable to:

• Shipowners and Operators: Entities responsible for the operation of vessels and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations.
• Ship Masters and Officers: Personnel who oversee the safety and operational aspects of the vessel, including the execution of drills.
• Nautical Inspectors and Surveyors: Individuals responsible for inspecting vessels and ensuring they meet safety standards.
• Vessels Covered: The notice specifically applies to all Liberian-flagged vessels and MODUs, emphasizing the need for uniformity in safety practices across different types of maritime operations.

Drill Requirements

1. Monthly Participation:
   • Crew members must actively participate in at least one abandon ship drill and one fire drill every month to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures.
   • For passenger ships, a higher frequency of weekly drills is mandated to ensure readiness due to the larger number of individuals onboard.
2. Lifeboat Operations:
   • Quarterly Lowering and Maneuvering: Lifeboats must be lowered into the water and maneuvered at least once every three months, simulating realistic operational conditions.
   • Types of Lifeboats: Specific guidelines for different lifeboat types, including davit-launched and free-fall lifeboats, are outlined to ensure that all operational methods are practiced.
3. Marine Evacuation Systems:
   • Drills must incorporate procedures for deploying marine evacuation systems, ensuring that all crew members are familiar with alternative evacuation methods.
4. Training and Documentation:
   • Comprehensive training programs must be developed for crew members covering the operation and maintenance of lifeboat systems.
   • Documentation of lessons learned from drills is essential to continuously improve safety practices and operational readiness.

Safety Principles

To ensure the safety of all personnel during drills:

• Pre-Drill Inspections: Lifeboats and launching equipment must be thoroughly inspected prior to drills to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Crew Training: All crew members should be well-trained in equipment operations, emergency procedures, and safety protocols.
• Focus on Safety: Drills should prioritize safety, with any incidents analyzed to improve future practices and prevent recurrence.
• Controlled Procedures: Any procedures involving lowering lifeboats with crew aboard must be closely supervised to minimize risk and ensure safety.

Specific Drill Procedures

1. Davit Launched Lifeboats:
   • Initial Lowering: The first step involves lowering the lifeboat without crew aboard to check equipment functionality and safety measures.
   • Communication: Effective communication protocols must be established during the drill to ensure all crew members are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
   • Responsible Oversight: A designated officer must supervise the drill, ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly.
2. Free-Fall Lifeboats:
   • Simulated Launching: Procedures for free-fall lifeboats should mirror those used for closed lifeboat procedures, ensuring that crew members are adequately prepared for real-life emergencies.
   • Safe Launch Area: A designated area free from obstructions must be established for launching free-fall lifeboats, minimizing risk to personnel and equipment.
3. Simulated Launching Procedures:
   • Guidelines for conducting simulated free-fall launches should be closely followed, ensuring that all equipment is regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

Alternative Methods for MODUs

• In instances where traditional lifeboat drills cannot be executed due to operational constraints, operators may implement alternative methods while ensuring that safety readiness is not compromised.
• A comprehensive maintenance plan must be established, encompassing regular inspections, testing, and checks on lifeboat systems to maintain operational integrity.

Competence Assurance

• Operators must ensure that crew members undergo regular training and competence assessments to maintain high safety standards.
• Specific training programs should be established for lifeboat coxswains and crew members, with set intervals for refreshers to enhance preparedness and operational efficiency.

LINK TO THE DOCUMENT

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