PSC deficiency code 11101: Lifeboats
Area 11 Life-saving appliances
Code 11101 is for the lifeboat itself: hull, engine, release gear, fittings and the equipment inside it. Davit and winch defects usually go under the launching arrangements code.
What the inspector looks at
Expect the inspector to climb in, open lockers and ask the crew to start the engine. On many inspections they also want the boat lowered as part of an abandon ship drill.
- engine starts by its normal means and runs ahead and astern
- on-load release gear: condition, linkage, hydrostatic interlock, indicator and the operating instructions
- hull and canopy: cracks, delamination, damaged hatches, retro-reflective tape
- equipment against the inventory: pyrotechnics, water, rations, first aid kit, bilge pump, painter
- seat belts, lights, battery and charging connection
- on tanker lifeboats: the air supply and sprinkler system
- weekly and monthly inspection records, and the annual and five-yearly service reports
Common findings
- Lifeboat engine failed to start / no astern movement
- On-load release gear defective; hook not resetting correctly
- Hydrostatic interlock not functioning
- Pyrotechnics and first aid kit expired, drinking water missing
- Painter release defective / painter in poor condition
- Lifeboat hull cracked, water inside the boat
- No record of annual thorough examination by an authorised service provider
The rule behind it
SOLAS chapter III sets carriage requirements (regulation 21 for passenger ships, regulation 31 for cargo ships), drills (regulation 19) and operational readiness, maintenance and inspections (regulation 20). The LSA Code, chapter IV, gives the construction and equipment requirements for lifeboats. Thorough examination, operational testing and repair of lifeboats and release gear follow IMO resolution MSC.402(96), made mandatory through SOLAS chapter III. Maintenance on board falls under the ISM Code.
Action codes you are likely to see
A lifeboat that can't be used is a common ground for detention (30): an engine that won't start, release gear that isn't safe, or a boat that can't be launched. Equipment shortages are more often 17, before departure, and record gaps 16 or 18. See action taken codes and, for a detention, what to do after a PSC detention.
How to close it
For engine and release gear defects, get the boat repaired and tested by an authorised service provider, and keep their report showing the test and the result. Replace expired or missing equipment and update the inventory. Then run the engine, operate the release gear and lower the boat in front of the inspector if asked, and record it as a drill. If the boat can't be fixed in port, the flag may agree a short exemption with conditions, and class may need to attend. Keep the reports, receipts and drill entries with the Form B.