LR Statutory Alert

During the past few months, there has been an increase in port state control (PSC) deficiencies relating to the arrangements for remotely located survival craft and especially the required length of embarkation ladders and other means of embarkation.

This Classification News is a reminder that the length of the means of embarkation provided should enable descent from the deck to the waterline in a controlled manner.

Specifically, SOLAS Regulation III/11.7 requires that “an embarkation ladder complying with the requirements of paragraph 6.1.6 of the Code extending, in a single length, from the deck to the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition under all conditions of trim of up to 10° and a list of up to 20° either way shall be provided at each embarkation station or at every two adjacent embarkation stations for survival craft launched down the side of the ship. However, the Administration may permit such ladders to be replaced by approved devices to afford access to the survival craft when waterborne, provided that there shall be at least one embarkation ladder on each side of the ship. Other means of embarkation enabling descent to the water in a controlled manner may be permitted for the liferafts required by regulation 31.1.4.”

The IMO Circular MSC 1.Circ/1243 also states that there should be “an embarkation ladder or other means of embarkation enabling descent to the water in a controlled manner in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/11.7.”

Further to Classification News No. 23/2008, please be aware that the use of a knotted rope for boarding remotely located survival craft is now prohibited for all new ships contracted for construction on or after July 1, 2008