MIN 736 (M) Life-saving appliances - open reversible liferafts (ORLs) - requirement for ID tubes
Published 8 May 2026
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1. Summary
This Note provides information on the MCA policy with regards to Open Reversible Liferafts (ORLs) and the requirement for provisions to be made for marking each ORL with the name and port of registry of the ship to which it is to be fitted, in such a form that the ship identification can be changed at any time without opening the container.
2. Introduction/background
2.1 This note clarifies the requirement in MSN 1676 (M+F) Amendment 2 Merchant shipping life-saving appliances regulations for UK ORLs to have provisions to be made for marking each liferaft with the name and port of registry of the ship to which it is to be fitted, in such a form that the ship identification can be changed at any time without opening the container. This aligns the identification requirements of UK Certificated ORLs with all other liferafts detailed in MSN 1676.
2.2 ORLs compliant with, and certificated against, the standard in Part 4 of Schedule 4 to MSN 1676 are to be described as “UK Certificated ORL”. These liferafts have differing carrying capacities and differing service intervals to a High Speed Craft Code ORL.
3. Amended Requirements for Marking on UK Certificated ORLs.
3.1 MSN 1676 Schedule 4 Part 4 details the markings required on UK Certificated ORLs. An omission was identified; in that UK Certificated ORL, unlike all other liferafts in MSN 1676, were not mandated to carry a means to mark each liferaft with the name and port of registry of the ship to which it is to be fitted, without opening the container. Additional provisions were added into MSN 1676 Amendment 2 to correct this omission.
4. Compliance with additional provisions for marking of UK Certificated ORLs.
4.1 UK Certificated ORLs are now required to comply with the additional marking provisions detailed in MSN 1676 Schedule 4 Part 4 - 5.1.6. ‘Provision must be made for marking each liferaft with the name and port of registry of the ship to which it is to be fitted, in such a form that the ship identification can be changed at any time without opening the container.’
4.2 The MCA accepts that it is impracticable to implement this when the liferaft is onboard. Therefore, a UK certificated ORL must comply with MSN 1676 Schedule 4 Part 4 Paragraph 5.1.6, detailed in paragraph 3.1 of this notice, when next serviced. In that the provision of such marking shall be provided by the liferaft service provider at the next service after the date of issue of this MIN.
More information
Ships Standards, UK Technical Maritime Services
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Email: marinetechnology@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca