Ship Guides

Technical guides for use on board ship

The following guidance documents are directed at personnel on board but will also be of interest to shore managers and company superintendants having general responsibilities for shipboard safety.

Survival Craft - A Seafarers Guide

Over recent years, there have been a number of serious incidents within the industry during the inspection, maintenance and routine testing of survival craft. The root cause of many of these incidents has been identified as changes in equipment design which, in turn, have led to a lack of familiarity with the operational and maintenance requirements of installed equipment. This is perhaps most noticable with on-load release systems, where a large number of differing approved designs has the potential to lead to confusion with regard to the mechanism's operation and maintenance requirements.

It is recognised that the International Maritime Organization (IMO), together with industry organisations representing the broad spectrum of manufacturers and users is actively developing revised design criteria for survival craft. However, this work may take some time to complete and it will be several years before any agreed measures are universally adopted and implemented within the industry. The guidance contained within this publication is aimed at bridging this gap by recommending measures that are applicable to existing systems and their safe operation.

Survival Craft - A Seafarers Guide is a publication by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), supported by the UK P&I Club, Intertanko and SIGTTO. Club Members (insurance managers) can obtain copies through their normal Club contact. Non-Club Members may purchase the publication through Seamanship International [ click here ]. Click on the thumbnail images below to view example pages:

See also

Port State Control Detention Prevention
The following pocket checklists have been produced in conjunction with Lloyd's Register. The pocket checklists provide guidance to officers and crew on board as to what Port State Control inspectors will be looking at when on board and what is required in order to be in compliance with Port State Control requirements. Click on one of the checklists below for more information.