Port of South LouisianaViganCimbriaTMS Awards 2023IMPA EventsTelestack
  • Van Aalst
  • Cimbria
  • Telestack
  • Vigan
  • Bühler GmbH
  • TMS Awards 2023

Survitec: maintain LSA service and schedules

Survitec: maintain LSA service and schedules

(Posted on 07/09/20)

With an increasing number of vessels returning to service following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, Survitec is advising that ships’ life-saving appliances are maintained according to their original service schedules in order to avoid delays.

Operators must have a valid safety certificates in place before their vessels can return to service after lockdown and while some flags have allowed three-to-five month extensions, there are concerns that there will be a backlog of equipment requiring service, which could render the vessel unable to return to service until certificates of compliance have been issued or extensions approved.

Highlighting a potential bottleneck as demand for safety equipment servicing ramps up, Survitec has advised its customers to keep to their original maintenance plans where possible and ensure approved service providers are kept abreast of vessel movements so that safety equipment can be booked in and certificates issued in time.

“Doing so will ensure that vessels returning to service remain safe and compliant,” said Chief Operating Officer Claude Sada.

“Due to the pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, classification surveyors have experienced difficulties arranging surveys and carrying out onboard activities to meet statutory requirements. As a consequence, Flag States have granted extensions on many of the certificates issued so that vessels can remain compliant. They have taken a very pragmatic approach in dealing with vessels on a case-by-case basis, with three- to-five-month extensions being approved,” said Sada.

In accordance with SOLAS Chapter 1 Regulation 14, safety certificate extensions can be issued for liferafts, lifeboats, marine evacuation systems (MES), davits and launching appliances.

However, the first round of extensions is now coming to an end and those extensions issued in the second half of 2020 will start to expire from early 2021.

Paul Clarke, Survitec Operations Director – MES, said: “We expect servicing demand to peak in the first half of 2021, so it is imperative that shipowners keep the lines of communication open with regards to vessel movements. This will help minimise risk and avoid any potential delays.”

If certificates or extensions are due to expire or have already expired, then operators need to contact an approved service provider to arrange a service as soon as possible. If certificates have expired, ships will be unable to sail until they have been renewed.

Vessels can operate for up to five months passed the expiry date if granted an extension by the Flag State.

“We have made the necessary changes to our systems and procedures so that when extensions are given, the next due date is based on the anniversary of the expiry of the previous certificate. We have taken these measures to ensure companies remain compliant,” said Clarke.

Rented life rafts, lifeboats and MES exchange units which are customer owned are not affected by the extension policy.

Latest News

VIKING changes the shape of the lifeboat market

(Posted on 26/11/23)

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, a global leader in maritime safety solutions, is launching an innovative... Read more


Gerdes Green subsidy for Damen Combi Freighter green innovations

(Posted on 26/11/23)

Damen’s client Gerdes Green has received a subsidy from the German Government for the investment... Read more


Middle East AtoN course to enhance maritime safety in the Gulf

(Posted on 17/11/23)

A first of its kind training course for the Middle East has been held to teach mariners about the basic... Read more


Wärtsilä and Seaspan transform maritime operations with SmartDock system

(Posted on 13/11/23)

Wärtsilä ANCS, part of technology group Wärtsilä, has delivered to Seaspan, a marine... Read more


Gdansk welcomes Damen ASD Tugs

(Posted on 31/10/23)

The flag raising ceremony for three new ASD Tugs has taken place in Gdansk, Poland. In the presence... Read more


Reducing training risks for crane drivers with state-of-the-art simulator

(Posted on 26/10/23)

A new immersive crane simulator that can recreate high-risk scenarios without putting drivers or other... Read more


New Partnership to Introduce DX11 Smart Termination Technology to the UK

(Posted on 23/10/23)

Vesto Ropes, a global leader in innovative steel wire-rope solutions, has announced a strategic partnership... Read more


Bedeschi awarded new longitudinal storage contract

(Posted on 23/10/23)

Bedeschi S.p.a. has been awarded a contract for the design and supply of a new longitudinal storage... Read more


Methanol-ready: Rhenus equips coastal vessel for the future

(Posted on 18/10/23)

Rhenus Maritime Services (RMS) is adding a new coastal vessel to its fleet in the shape of the RMS Ruhrort... Read more


Dualog ShareView to improve overview of ship to shore data transfers

(Posted on 18/10/23)

Dualog, a leading maritime software provider, has introduced a major enhancement to the Dualog Drive... Read more


Sailors SocietyPort of StocktonBühler GmbHVan AalstGeneva DryTBA Group
  • Sailors Society
  • IMPA Events
  • Geneva Dry

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping