What are monthly checks carried out on lifeboat as per SOLAS ?

Monthly Inspection

In addition to the weekly inspection routines, following additional work shall be carried out:

• All lifeboats shall be turned out monthly from their stowed position. This shall be done without any persons on board the lifeboat, subject to conducive weather/sea conditions. Records shall be maintained.
• Check that updated muster list is prominently displayed on all the accommodation decks
• Check the pressure of air bottles (pressure not less than 150 bar)
• Davit and winch shall be lubricated (Diagram of lubrication points with recommended lubricants shall be available).
• Cleaning sight glass of fwd. side windows and fwd. and aft hatches, (for enclosed boats).
• Check condition of rubber packings of access hatches.
• Connection of remote control wire and manila rope (extending to the interior of the lifeboat) is in good condition.
• Over pressure valve (20 mbar) in the lower part of the vent duct is free to operate.
• No air bubbles in the boat compass.
• Navigation light, compass light, cabin light, search light are working satisfactorily.
• All the seat belts can be adjusted and the buckle is locking properly.
• Check the inventory as per the inventory list.
• Check that Life Boat Pyrotechnics are in place, valid and in good condition.
• Check that Life Boat Ration packing is not damaged and has not expired.
• Drain plug in place.
• Retro reflective tape is in place.
• Check the steering from helm position as well as by emergency tiller.
• Mechanical Foam type extinguishers (2 Nos.) are secured and free to operate. Date of servicing and pressure test (to be charged annually) is to be checked.
• Dog handles of access hatches are free to operate.
• Check that bilges are clean and dry.
• Try out the bilge pump.
• Check that a list of replaceable parts and spare parts, with the list of sources of such spare parts are available.
• Check that “hoisting push button switch box” is in satisfactory condition.
• Check that boat hoisting handle is in place and in satisfactory condition.
• Check that boat lowering lever located on the boat deck is operating freely. Grease, if necessary.
• Check the condition of the boarding ladder and its securing arrangement on the deck.
• Check that toolbox for the engine is in place.
• Check that following warning sign are prominently displayed near the lifeboat winch and also at the electrical control panel.

You may also know about Weekly Inspection

• The general emergency alarm shall be tested.
• All lifeboats shall be moved from their stowed position to the extent necessary to demonstrate satisfactory operation of the launching appliances. This shall be done without any persons on board the lifeboat subject to conducive weather/sea conditions. Details of mandatory weekly inspections of lifeboats shall be entered in the logbook.
• Check the fuel quantity.
• Check the lubricating oil level in the engine, as well as, in the gear box.
• Grease the stuffing boxes on the propeller shaft tube fore and aft.
• Alternate arrangement for start shall be checked as applicable.
• and aft gripes are tight and safety pins are in place.
• Check that power supply to the battery charger is ‘ON’ and battery switch is ‘OFF’.
• Emergency lights (if provided) are working.
• Skates in position and securing straps of them in good condition.
• Check that toggle painter is rigged and secured.
• Check that oars, boathooks and loose gear are in good condition.
• Inspection/maintenance of on-load release and water spray system (if fitted) shall be carried out as per the maker’s instructions/maintenance manual.
• Ventilate the boat thoroughly before entry.