In a class audit or PSC inspection, survival systems — lifeboats, davits, life rafts and EPIRBs — are systematically the first to be reviewed. The reason is simple: they are the last resort and their failure has no second chance. Here we detail the points IACS auditors prioritise.
1. Davits and lowering mechanisms
The davit lifecycle is one of the most scrutinised aspects since the fatal lifeboat falls of the 2000s. Auditors verify:
- Date of last 110% SWL load test
- Condition of the release hook and accidental-opening prevention mechanism
- Lubrication and corrosion on winches and pulleys
- Availability of lowering procedure in language understandable to the crew
2. Rescue and survival craft
Lifeboats must be launchable in under 5 minutes in any sea and list condition. Critical points include:
- Starter battery and outboard (or inboard) engine condition
- Complete survival equipment inventory (water, rations, flares, first-aid kit)
- Hull watertightness and internal anti-corrosion paint condition
- Assigned crew training: number of documented drills
3. Life rafts
Inflatable rafts have a 12-month service inspection cycle; once that period expires, the raft is no longer class-acceptable. Extinval offers a collection, dispatch to an approved station, and reinstallation service before certification expires. For multi-vessel fleets, we manage the service schedule centrally.
4. EPIRBs and AIS-MOB
The emergency beacon must be registered on COSPAS-SARSAT with the vessel's MMSI and have a valid battery. An EPIRB with an expired battery automatically generates a Major Deficiency. We also verify that the hydrostatic release bracket is operational.
Proactive preparation
We recommend conducting an internal audit 3 months before any scheduled inspection. Our technical teams in Valencia, Algeciras, Las Palmas and Panama can board to deliver a condition report with all corrective actions prioritised by criticality level.