UK guidance on approving lifeboats with non-UK approved internal components: UK24/L002
UK approved recommendation UK24/L002 on the testing and approval of lifeboats approved under category UK/1.17a, UK/1.17b and UK/1.17c of MSN 1874 amendment 9 when non-UK approved internal components are present.
Question
Can a lifeboat be approved under UK/1.17a, UK/1.17b, UK or 1.17c of MSN 1874 amendment 9, with a non-UK approved searchlight ((UK/1.38) and/or a non-UK approved magnetic compass (UK/4.23)?
Recommendation
As per MSN 1874 amendment 9, since 1st January 2023, all marine equipment listed in the MSN, supplied to UK registered vessels or the UK market must be UK approved by a UK Approved body. This includes but is not limited to Searchlights (UK/1.38) and Magnetic compasses (UK/4.23), however, an Approved body may certify a lifeboat without these items and annotate the certificate accordingly.
All manufacturers and suppliers should ensure that any component parts (eg: searchlight and magnetic compass are UK approved as detailed in MSN 1874 amendment 9 before being made available to the market or a UK registered vessel.
References:
• MSN 1874 amendment 9
• The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended.
Items affected:
• UK/1.17
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: https://www.gov.uk/mca