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Lifeboat & Davit Inspection Services - SOLAS Certified
Dolphin Marine Group is an IACS-approved service station for lifeboat and davit inspection, authorised by 30 lifeboat and davit manufacturers to perform the full range of SOLAS-required inspection, servicing, and testing. We conduct annual inspections, 5-yearly overhauls, and 1.1× load tests for totally enclosed lifeboats, free-fall lifeboats, rescue boats, and their launching appliances – davits, winches, and on-load release mechanisms – at ports across Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Angola
Lifeboats, rescue boats, and their launching appliances must be maintained in a state of operational readiness in accordance with SOLAS Chapter III. During Port State Control inspections, deficiencies in equipment condition, davit operation, release mechanisms, or expired service documentation may result in corrective action, operational restrictions, or vessel detention. Dolphin Marine’s qualified service teams inspect and maintain this equipment in accordance with applicable SOLAS, Flag State, Classification Society, and manufacturer requirements, providing complete service reports and certification to support regulatory compliance.
What Is a Lifeboat Inspection?
A lifeboat inspection is a systematic examination and operational test of a lifeboat, rescue boat, and its associated launching appliances. It must be performed by qualified personnel from an authorised service provider in accordance with SOLAS Chapter III, IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), manufacturer procedures, and applicable Flag State and Classification Society requirements. The inspection covers the boat’s structure and equipment, engine, davit, winch, falls, hooks, release mechanism, and safety systems, followed by the required service report and certification.
Lifeboat Inspection & Maintenance Schedule
Under SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 20 and IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), lifeboats and their launching appliances must be inspected and maintained at the following intervals:
| Inspection Type | Interval | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Inspection | Every 12 months | Annual inspection includes operational and functional testing of the lifeboat engine, steering system, release mechanism, bilge pump, lights, and onboard equipment, together with testing of the davit, winch, brakes, and associated launching appliances. A detailed service report and inspection certificate are issued upon successful completion. |
| 5-Yearly Overhaul | Every 5 years (with 5-yearly overhaul) | Five-year inspection includes the annual inspection scope, a complete overhaul of the lifeboat and launching appliances, a 1.1× load test, and checks of the engine, propeller, fuel system, release mechanism, and onboard equipment |
| 1.1× Load Test | Every 5 years (with 5-yearly overhaul) | Static and dynamic load test of lifeboat and davit using calibrated water bags or load cells. Confirms structural integrity of davit, falls, and securing arrangements. |
| On-Load Release Mechanism | Annual inspection + 5-yearly overhaul | Function test and inspection of the on-load release hook under load. Replacement of worn or corroded components per MSC.402(96) requirements. |
| Fibre-glass repair and hull maintenance fo lifeboat and Rescue boat | When Required | Fibreglass repair and hull maintenance for lifeboats and rescue boats, including the repair of cracks, impact damage, delamination, and damaged gelcoat to restore structural integrity and watertight condition. |
| Lifeboat Rehooking and Release System Replacement | When Required | Replacement of obsolete or non-compliant lifeboat hooks and release mechanisms with approved new systems. The service includes removal, installation, adjustment, operational testing, and certification in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable SOLAS, Flag State, and Classification Society requirements. |
Lifeboat Services Provided by Dolphin Marine
Annual Lifeboat Inspection & Operational Testing
Our annual inspection covers the complete lifeboat and its launching appliance in a single visit. Our engineers inspect the hull, canopy, and structure; test the engine under load; verify steering, propulsion, and bilge pump function; test all lights, signals, and communication equipment; check the on-load release mechanism; inspect the davit, winch, and wire falls; and complete a full inventory of internal equipment. The inspection report and certificate are issued on the day and accepted by all IACS Classification Societies.
5-Yearly Overhaul
The five-yearly lifeboat and davit overhaul is a comprehensive service carried out in accordance with SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 20, and IMO Resolution MSC.402(96). Dolphin Marine’s scope includes thorough inspection of the hull and canopy; servicing of the engine, injectors, fuel pump, cooling system, governor, and propeller; inspection and replacement of expired survival equipment such as pyrotechnics, emergency rations, first-aid supplies, batteries, and lights; and examination of the wire falls, davit, winch, brakes, hooks, and release mechanism. The service concludes with an operational load test at 1.1 times the maximum working load and the issuance of the applicable service reports and certification upon successful completion.
1.1× Load Testing - Lifeboat & Davit
The 1.1× load test is required every 5 years under SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 36 and MSC.402(96). Dolphin Marine carries out static and dynamic load tests using calibrated water bags, positioned to replicate the actual load distribution in the lifeboat. Our load cells and test equipment are calibrated to traceable standards, and the test report documents actual loads, davit deflections, and wire falls condition – satisfying the requirements of all Classification Societies.
On-Load Release Mechanism Service
The on-load release mechanism is the most safety-critical component of the lifeboat launching system. Dolphin Marine’s engineers inspect and function-test the release hook under the working load at annual inspection, and carry out a full overhaul including disassembly, cleaning, inspection of wear surfaces, replacement of worn components, reassembly, and re-certification at the 5-yearly interval – in accordance with MSC.402(96) and MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1.
Free-Fall Lifeboat Inspection
Free-fall lifeboats are fitted to bulk carriers, tankers, and other vessels where a gravity launch is not practical. Their inspection requirements differ from conventional launching appliances – the ramp, release mechanism, and recovery system each have specific SOLAS and Classification Society requirements. Dolphin Marine has experience in free-fall lifeboat inspection and can coordinate with your Classification Society surveyor for the periodic drop test where required.
Rescue Boat & Fast Rescue Craft Inspection
SOLAS Chapter III also requires vessels to carry a rescue boat (in addition to lifeboats) capable of rapid deployment for man-overboard recovery. Dolphin Marine inspects rescue boats and fast rescue craft (FRC) – including rigid inflatable boat (RIB) types – testing the engine, steering, launching davit, and all recovery equipment. We also inspect the rescue boat painter, safety line, and associated equipment.
Fibre-Glass Hull Repair & Painting
Dolphin Marine offers GRP (fibre-glass reinforced plastic) hull repair for lifeboat hulls that have suffered impact damage, crazing, osmotic blistering, or coating breakdown. Minor repairs are carried out at the quayside; major repairs are conducted at our Alexandria or Dubai service station workshops. Hull painting to the correct orange SOLAS colour is available using compatible marine-grade coatings.
Authorised Lifeboat & Davit Manufacturers - 30 Approvals
Dolphin Marine holds active service station authorisations from the following lifeboat and davit manufacturers. Certificates are renewed annually and available for verification on request.
| # | Manufacturer | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FASSMER | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 2 | HATECKE | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 3 | PALFINGER | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 4 | GEPA | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 5 | I KNOW | Davit |
| 6 | SHIGI | Lifeboat |
| 7 | NISHI-F | Lifeboat |
| 8 | DAVIT INTERNATIONAL | Davit |
| 9 | MANSEI | Davit |
| 10 | HOEI | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 11 | HYUNDAI | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 12 | ORIENTAL | Davit |
| 13 | GLOBAL DAVIT | Davit |
| 14 | DONGWOO | Davit |
| 15 | JMU | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 16 | WUXI HUAHAI | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 17 | FASSMER MERLAND | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 18 | DONGNAM | Davit |
| 19 | MARESCAPE | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 20 | JIANGSU JIAOYAN | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 21 | JIANGYINISHI BEHAI | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 22 | JIANGYIN WOLONG | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 23 | Qingdao BEIHAI | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 24 | ZHENJIANG HENGXIN | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 25 | DSB | Lifeboat |
| 26 | WUXI HAIHONG | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 27 | WUXI XING SHENG | Lifeboat |
| 28 | ZHENJIANG MARINE | Lifeboat & Davit |
| 29 | SEKIGAHARA | Davit |
| 30 | VANGUARD | Lifeboat & Davit |
Classification Society Approvals
Our lifeboat inspection certificates are accepted by all IACS member Classification Societies:
| # | Classification Society | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lloyd's Register | LR |
| 2 | DNV | DNV |
| 3 | Bureau Veritas | BV |
| 4 | American Bureau of Shipping | ABS |
| 5 | Nippon Kaiji Kyokai | ClassNK |
| 6 | RINA | RINA |
| 7 | China Classification Society | CCS |
| 8 | Korean Register | KR |
| 9 | Indian Register of Shipping | IRS |
| 10 | Russian Maritime Register of Shipping | RMRS |
| 11 | Polish Register of Shipping | PRS |
Frequently Asked Questions - Lifeboat Inspection
What is a lifeboat annual inspection?
A lifeboat inspection is a systematic examination and operational test of a lifeboat, rescue boat, and its associated launching appliances. It must be performed by qualified personnel from an authorised service provider in accordance with SOLAS Chapter III, IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), manufacturer procedures, and applicable Flag State and Classification Society requirements. The inspection covers the boat’s structure and equipment, engine, davit, winch, falls, hooks, release mechanism, and safety systems, followed by the required service report and certification.
How often must a lifeboat be inspected under SOLAS?
Under SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 20 and IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), lifeboats must be operationally tested at least once a month by the vessel’s crew, and a thorough examination and inspection must be carried out by an authorised service station at least once every 12 months. In addition, a 5-yearly overhaul including a 1.1× load test of the lifeboat and davit is required at the 5-year service interval.
What is IMO Resolution MSC.402(96)?
IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), adopted in May 2016, provides comprehensive guidelines for the periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats and launching appliances. It specifies the minimum scope of annual inspection, 5-yearly overhaul, and load testing; the qualifications required of service station personnel; and the documentation to be issued. MSC.402(96) effectively established a global standard for lifeboat service station authorisation and inspection quality
What is a 1.1× load test for lifeboats?
A 1.1× load test is a structural load test of a lifeboat and its davit system, required every 5 years under SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 36 and MSC.402(96). The lifeboat is loaded to 1.1 times its designed proof load (total mass of persons and equipment at full capacity, multiplied by 1.1) using calibrated water bags. The test confirms the structural integrity of the davit, wire falls, and securing arrangements. A test certificate documenting the actual loads and results is issued on completion.
Can Dolphin Marine inspect free-fall lifeboats?
Yes. Free-fall lifeboats, fitted to bulk carriers and tankers, have different inspection requirements from conventional davit-launched lifeboats – the ramp, retaining and release mechanism, and recovery davit each have specific SOLAS and Class requirements. Dolphin Marine inspects free-fall lifeboats and can coordinate with your Classification Society surveyor for the periodic drop test and ramp inclination check. Contact our nearest branch to confirm availability at your port.
What happens if a lifeboat fails inspection?
If a deficiency is found during inspection, Dolphin Marine issues a deficiency report detailing the fault and required corrective action. Minor deficiencies (worn components, expired equipment) are typically rectified immediately during the inspection visit using our stock of common spare parts. Major deficiencies requiring more extensive repair are documented for scheduling. Vessels should not sail with outstanding lifeboat deficiencies – they are among the most common causes of PSC detention worldwide.
Does Dolphin Marine inspect lifeboats at the quayside?
Yes. All annual inspections are carried out at the quayside with the lifeboat in its normal stowed position. The 5-yearly overhaul typically requires the lifeboat to be lowered to the embarkation deck level or water for load testing and detailed inspection. Dolphin Marine can arrange all lifting and positioning as part of the inspection service at ports across our operating network.
- Ready to Get Started?
Lifeboat Inspection Due? We’re Ready.
Dolphin Marine’s IACS-approved lifeboat inspection teams operate across Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Angola. Annual inspections, 5-yearly overhauls, load tests, and emergency davit repair – all from a single call.
