Falls, suspension chains, links and blocks for launching appliances: UK21/L023
Adopted EU recommendation LSA-077. UK approved recommendation on the certification of falls, suspension chains, links and blocks for launching appliances.
Question
The falls, suspension chains, links and blocks and other similar fittings are the links between the davit structural members (for example beam, head pulley shaft) and the boat to be launched. The components are not required to be separately approved under the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended (“the Regulations”) as no specific item is listed in the item list.
As per the Life Saving Appliances (LSA) Code, paragraph 6.1.1.6, a minimum factor of safety of 6 shall be applied to falls, suspension chains, links and blocks. In addition, these components need to comply with general requirements of the LSA Code Section I.
Are these components required to be covered by the type examination certificate for launching appliances?
Recommendation
Yes, the technical documentation for launching appliances shall include appropriate drawings (for example, a general arrangement drawing or detailed sketches) and a technical data sheet with reference to Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) of falls, suspension chains, links and blocks and other similar fittings, allowing the Approved Body to evaluate compliance with the LSA Code within the scope of the type-examination.
References
- The LSA Code
- MSN 1874 as amended
- The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
Items affected
- UK/1.21, Launching appliances using falls (davits)
- UK/1.23, Launching appliances for free-fall lifeboats
- UK/1.24, Liferaft launching appliances
- UK/1.25, Fast rescue boat launching appliances
More information
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000
Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca