Resolution MSC.402(96) requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear was adopted on 19 May 2016 and entered into force on 1 Jan 2020. The years of development at IMO with flag states, classification societies, manufacturers and other authorized bodies are culminating in a safer industry and a more regulated market.

Leading classification societies such as RINA and lifesaving appliance manufacturers such as SSI have taken a proactive approach in the development of MSC.402(96) through supporting collaboration and piloting implementation as well as nurturing consistency across the industry. MSC.402(96) stipulates two routes for certifying personnel by either the service provide through a recognized international standard or via manufacturers established training programs.

Bob Gray, VP Regulatory Compliance (SSI) and Vice Chairman International Life-saving Appliance Manufacturers’ Association (ILAMA): “We are encouraged to see industry stakeholders pulling together behind MSC.402(96) and ISO23678 to increase safety, enhance best practices and ensure competency of service providers inspecting and testing lifesaving appliances.”

ISO23678 was developed as the leading international standard supporting MSC.402(96). SSI in collaboration with British Standards Institution (BSI), RINA and the Italian flag administration were instrumental in development of the standard. ISO23678 provides auditable requirements for the training, certification and assessment of service personnel for the maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats) and rescue boats (including fast rescue boats), launching appliances and release gear.

Mark Beatty, President of Survival Systems International (SSI): “SSI has historically been an offshore product and service provider. It is great to be able to work with an established institute such as RINA to extend SSI’s safety track record into the maritime and cruise sectors as well.”

SSI and RINA are cooperating on remote surveys, product approvals and inspections for lifesaving appliances. We are encouraged by the positive industry developments and we are proud to play our part in creating a safer environment for vessel crew, service personnel and passengers alike.

Mario Moretti, Asia Marine Senior Director at RINA, said: “A global network of competent personnel employed by authorized service providers is vital for lifesaving appliances to remain fit for purpose and contributing to the prevention of accidents. With this collaboration with SSI, we hope to improve the safety of lifesaving appliances and seafarers at sea.”

RINA provides a wide range of services across the Energy&Mobility, Marine, Certification, Infrastructure & Real Estate and Industry sectors. With net revenues in 2021 of 533 million Euros, over 4,400 employees and 200 offices in 70 countries worldwide, RINA is a member of key international organizations and an important contributor to the development of new legislative standards.

Survival Systems International (SSI) is a manufacturer of lifesaving equipment and an authorized service provider. SSI has been in the lifesaving business since 1968 and operates globally with 10 wholly owned offices including UK, USA and Singapore.