Handholds and becketed lines for freefall lifeboats: UK21/L011
Adopted EU recommendation LSA-053. UK approved recommendation on the positioning of handholds or becketed lines in relation to freefall lifeboats.
Question
The LSA Code requirement set out in 4.4.7.3. states “Except in the vicinity of the rudder and propeller, suitable handholds shall be provided or a buoyant lifeline shall be becketed around the outside of the lifeboat above the waterline and within reach of a person in the water”.
In general, industry practice is that there are no handholds or becketed line extending around the forward part of the freefall lifeboat hull due to the risks involved when launching. It is considered that having becketed lines on the forward side of the boat could hitch on to the launching skid during launching and recovery, in addition, there may be excessive loads applied on the bolt arrangement for the handholds and the becketed line when launching. To fit the becketed line in the front of the boat, the becketed line may have to be longer than on the side of the boat, increasing this risk.
The group is requested to consider whether it is acceptable that there are neither handholds nor becketed lines around the forward end of the freefall lifeboat.
Recommendation
Yes, it is acceptable for freefall lifeboats not to have handholds or becketed line around the front of the lifeboat.
However, the lifeboats shall be provided with handholds or becketed line extending as far as possible, due consideration being paid to their free board, and in no case for not less than 50 % of their length.
References
• The LSA Code
• MSN 1874 as amended
• The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
Items affected
• UK/1.7, Lifeboats
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