Open lifeboat – corroded tie band side plates

IMCA has received the following report regarding corrosion to lifeboat parts which could have resulted in loss of life.

An empty open lifeboat was lowered to the embarkation platform, when the aft boat hook tie band gave way from its attachment to the keel of the lifeboat. Tie bands are vital structural elements for the safe and controlled launching of lifeboats. Fortunately there were no persons in the lifeboat. No-one was injured, but there was some mechanical damage.

It is believed that the corrosive environment at the bottom of the lifeboat, combined with lack of maintenance over time, led to extensive corrosion of the tie bands. Access to them can be difficult, hampered by the presence of debris and bilge water.

Further tests were made of other similar lifeboats, and the tie bands on these lifeboats were also found to be heavily corroded. Though well painted and appearing to be well preserved, it was clear that these were in poor shape.

Lessons learnt from this incident include:

• Lifeboat tie bands, hooks and release systems should be inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and be included in the vessel maintenance schedule;
• All items encompassed by scheduled inspections should be properly examined on a regular basis;
• Access to, and cleaning of, the tie bands side plates should be made prior to inspection of lifeboats;
• Special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of lifeboat bilges;
• Corrosion damage of this sort may also occur on totally enclosed or partially enclosed lifeboats.

DNV, which originally issued this alert, has pointed out the following:

SOLAS does not require people to be onboard when the boat is lowered during drills. In order to reduce the probability of casualties during drills, the following alternate procedures may be applied:

1. Lifeboat first lowered to about 2m above water then hoisted for boarding by assigned operating crew and lowered to water for release and manoeuvring.
2. Alternatively, lifeboat to be lowered to the water without crew on board. Crew to embark via embarkation ladder, boat to be hoisted approximately 2-3m and lowered again, controlled from inside lifeboat.