International Port State Control (PSC) Full Inspection Guidelines for Lifeboats (SOLAS III, LSA Code, MSC.402 (96))

The high-frequency retention defect code 11101 for the Paris Memorandum and Tokyo Memorandum is concentrated here, divided into 9 major modules: document records, landing and release system, hull structure, submarine propulsion, life-saving equipment, boarding arrangement, crew operation, drop-type special project, and oil tanker fire prevention special project. All of these are items that inspectors must check.

1.Documents and maintenance records (first item to check; missing records directly indicate a defect)

1. Statutory Certificates

•  Valid classification society type approval certificates, annual inspection reports, and 5-year comprehensive overhaul reports (MSC.402 (96)) for the lifeboats, release devices, and davits.

•  Complete reports on release hook load tests, overload tests, and hydrostatic tests; certificates without notes indicating unresolved defects.

•  Factory calibration documents and simulated release test records for the lifeboat's launch ramp.

2. Onboard Inspection and Drill Log

•  Weekly Inspection Record: Visually inspect lifeboats and launching devices weekly and record in the logbook with complete signatures.

•  Monthly Practice: Start lifeboat engines and operate launching mechanisms monthly, keeping operational records.

•  Quarterly Launching Drills: Launch lifeboats every 3 months; launch/simulate launching lifeboats every 6 months, with complete crew boarding drill records.

•  PMS maintenance plan covers davits, winches, hooks, lifeboat engines, batteries, and fire sprinklers (for tanker boats).

3. Supporting Manuals

•  Bilingual (Chinese and English) launching and launching operation diagrams are posted on the exterior of the lifeboat; missing diagrams are considered a major defect.

•  Onboard training manual includes lifeboat launching and launching diagrams specific to this ship, not a generic template.

•  Lifeboat equipment inventory, food and fresh water expiration dates log.

2.Landing and Release System (Highest Risk Detention Item, 11101 Core Defect Area)

Universal davit + hook (for launching lifeboats)

1. The davit base, pulleys, guide rollers, and winch are free from severe rust, cracks, and deformation; moving parts are smoothly lubricated without jamming.

2. Davit cables: free from broken wires, wear, and rust; replaced every 5 years as required; cable ends are securely fixed; limit switches and brakes are in good working order.

3. Load-bearing release hook (essential test)**

•  The double-lock anti-accidental release structure is intact; the reset indicator pin is in place, without jamming, rust, or deformation.

•  The SWL safe working load is clearly marked, without wear or blurring; the interlocking mechanism cannot be manually short-circuited.

•  The release function is tested under both empty and light load conditions; the hook can normally reset and lock after release; adjusting the hook under load is prohibited.

4. The mooring lines, anti-sway lines, and recovery devices are complete, without missing or broken parts.

3.Free fall lifeboat dedicated slide and release mechanism

1. The slide track is free from deformation, rust, and burrs, and slides smoothly without obstruction.

2. The built-in release control handle inside the lifeboat functions normally, and the dual-person independent operation structure is intact without rust or jamming.

3. The slide limit and buffer blocks are intact; the simulated release device can be tested normally during the annual test (MSC.325 (90)).

4. The support blocks for the lifeboat and slide are free from wear and missing parts.

4.Lifeboat hull structure and sealing performance

1. The FRP fiberglass hull is free of cracks, damage, and water leakage; the orange coating on the outer shell is intact, with no large-area peeling or corrosion.

2. Fully enclosed cabin doors: the watertight seals are intact, opening and closing smoothly, with no deformation or water leakage; the observation windows are free of cracks or obstruction of vision.

3. Self-righting structure: it can automatically right itself after capsizing; the floats and independent buoyancy chambers are free of damage, water ingress, and air leakage.

4. Ventilation system (MSC.544 (107) mandatory)

•  The ventilation ducts are unobstructed and meet the requirement of 5m³ air exchange per person per hour; there is no risk of oxygen deficiency or airtightness.

•  The tanker fireboat has an independent positive pressure air supply system, and the gas cylinder water pressure test is within the validity period.

5. The net width of the internal passage is ≥480mm, meeting the requirement of rapid boarding and evacuation of all personnel within 10 minutes.

6. The external markings on the hull are clear: the crew capacity, ship name, port of registry, and reflective strips are intact and not detached.

5.Marine diesel propulsion engine (must be tested in practice, frequent start-up failures and stalling)

1. Dual starting system: electric start + manual emergency start; reliable start within 2 minutes in -15℃ low-temperature environments.

2. Both batteries have sufficient voltage; chargers are continuously powered and never disconnected or idle; batteries show no bulging, leakage, or corrosion.

3. Fuel tank has sufficient fuel, compatible with low-temperature lubricating oil; fuel lines are leak-free, and filters are free of blockages and carbon buildup.

4. Continuous 24-hour endurance meets standards; speed ≥6 knots; steering gear and control levers are flexible and free of jamming.

5. Normal exhaust with no excessive black smoke; onboard fire extinguishing equipment is intact and effective.

6.The boat's complete set of life-saving equipment is expired or missing, which is a direct defect.

Strictly check each item against the LSA inventory list, focusing on validity periods:

1. Survival Supplies: Fresh water, compressed biscuits, first aid kit, and insulated immersion suits are in sufficient quantity and not expired.

2. Signaling Equipment: Red parachute rocket, handheld red flame, and orange smoke signal are all valid; EPIRB and SART are functioning normally.

3. Navigation Equipment: Magnetic compass fluid is clear and free of turbidity; glass is intact; navigation lights, anchor, sea anchor, and floats are complete.

4. Drainage System: Manual/automatic bilge pumps are in good working order and can quickly drain water from the hull.

5. Basic Accessories: Axe, fire axe, leak-sealing equipment, rope, whistle, and thermal blankets are all present and undamaged.

6. Additional checks for fire-resistant dropboats: External water spray cooling system piping is unobstructed, and water pumps can start normally.

7.Boarding platform and evacuation arrangements

1. The boarding ladder steps are intact, and the ropes are free from mold and breakage; their length meets the minimum freeboard boarding requirements.

2. The boarding area has adequate emergency lighting and reflective markings, and there are no obstructions blocking evacuation routes.

3. The assembly station diagram is clear, and the lifeboat boarding guidance markings are complete.

4. There are no pipes, platforms, fenders, or other obstacles obstructing entry into the water below the lifeboat.

8.Seafarer practical skills assessment (random checks; those who cannot operate the equipment will be detained)

1. Independently complete weekly lifeboat inspections, monthly lifeboat engine start-up checks, and hook reset checks.

2. Demonstrate the complete lifeboat release procedure, be familiar with interlocking safety mechanisms, and be able to identify the risk of accidental release.

3. Demonstrate simulated lifeboat release procedures proficiently to crew members abandoning ship, and master the use of the slide and built-in release handle.

4. Be proficient in starting lifeboat engines, operating the steering gear, using the bilge pumps, and replacing signal equipment.

5. Be familiar with the 10-minute abandon ship boarding procedure and master emergency response procedures in low temperatures, fires, and capsizing situations.

9.Additional Special Inspection Points for Free Fall Lifeboat

1. The steel structure of the slipway base is free from corrosion and weld cracks, and annual slipway visual inspection records are complete.

2. The wear-resistant layer of the hull's buffer skid plate shows no large-area wear or peeling.

3. The built-in release mechanism is free from seawater corrosion, and the internal operating space is unobstructed by debris.

4. The simulated release equipment is in good working order, allowing annual load testing to be completed without the need for a live boat launch.

5. The launching boat's securing devices are easy and quick to release, with no welded or jammed connections preventing rapid release.

10.Special inspection of fireproof lifeboats for oil tankers

1. External water spray cooling system: water pump, pipelines, and nozzles are intact, and water flow tests show no blockages.

2. Internal positive pressure air supply system: isolates high-temperature oil and gas; gas cylinders have undergone regular water pressure testing and are effective.

3. Fireproof and heat-insulating hull is undamaged; explosion-proof electrical equipment and explosion-proof lighting fixtures are intact.

4. Meets 8-minute 1100℃ flame isolation performance requirements; relevant type test reports are complete.

11.Typical defects in high-frequency PSC retention (code 11101)

1. Release hook is corroded and stuck, interlock failure, no SWL marking, and incomplete reset.

2. Dual-start system of the boat engine is malfunctioning; battery disconnection prevents starting.

3. Weekly inspection and quarterly launch drill records are missing or unsigned.

4. Ventilation duct is blocked, failing to meet MSC.544 ventilation standards.

5. Expired lifeguard signals, food, and fresh water are missing.

6. Dagblade/slipway is severely corroded and deformed; broken steel cables have not been replaced.

7. No release operation diagram; crew cannot perform practical release.

8. Fireboat sprinkler and positive pressure air supply systems are malfunctioning (primarily for oil tankers).

9. Damaged cabin door seals leak water; obstructed observation windows prevent navigation.

10. Deformed drop dinghook slipway; internal release handle is stuck and inoperable.