Safety issue

Safety issue description

The Recognized Organization’s process for the approval of the simulation wires for ‘maintenance and testing’ had not taken into account the shock loading that would be experienced during testing.
Issue number MO-2014-002-SI-04
Issue owner Bureau Veritas and the International Association of Classification Societies
Transport function Marine: Other
Issue status Closed – Partially addressed
Date issue released 19/05/2015
Issue status justification

BV is aware of continued concerns with freefall lifeboats and the simulation systems and following MO-2014-002 referenced that investigation in submission to IMO MSC. BV documentation includes stronger requirements on manufacturers to prove a machinery design before BV type approval will be considered. 

In consideration with IMO system and design requirements the ATSB considers this safety issue to be closed as partially addressed. 
Issue finalisation date 28/11/2024

Safety action

Action type Safety advisory notice
Action number MO-2014-002-SAN-009
Organisation Recognized Organizations and the International Association of Classification Societies
Action date 19/05/2015
Action description

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that all Recognized Organizations and the International Association of Classification Societies should consider the safety implications when certifying simulation systems that are subject to forces that have not been calculated. Further, the materials and components used to make up the simulation system should be assessed for suitability and safety under all intended conditions of use.
Action status Released

Safety action

Action type Recommendation
Action number MO-2014-002-SR-008
Organisation Bureau Veritas
Action date 19/05/2015
Action description

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Bureau Veritas takes safety action to address the lack of procedures governing the approval and certification process, so that all aspects of a piece of equipment’s use is considered prior to certifying.
Action status Released

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number MO-2014-002-N-015-Update-01
Organisation Bureau Veritas
Action description

Bureau Veritas (BV) advised the ATSB that class requirements regarding freefall lifeboats and simulation systems had tightened.

BV also advised the ATSB of a submission to IMO review of MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1: MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS WITH LIFEBOATS (Superseded by MSC.1/Circ.1578/Annex2).

Advice included BV design requirements (general)

BV document TTE_311 EC Type-Examination

In addition to other items, documentation required includes a list of the requirements and testing standards which are applicable to the marine equipment concerned, together with a description of the solutions adopted to meet those requirements, and an analysis and assessment of the risk(s)

‘Technical documentation required shall contain, wherever applicable, the following elements:

  • a general description of the marine equipment;
  • conceptual design and manufacturing drawings and schemes of components, subassemblies, circuits, etc.;
  • descriptions and explanations necessary for the understanding of those drawings and schemes and of the operation of the marine equipment (like manuals for installation, use and maintenance)
  • results of design calculations made, examinations carried out, etc.
  • test reports.’ 
ATSB response

BV is aware of continued concerns with freefall lifeboats and the simulation systems and following MO-2014-002 referenced that investigation in submission to IMO MSC. BV documentation includes strong requirements on manufacturers to prove a machinery design before BV type approval will be considered.

This information should also be considered in light of IMO system and design requirements as outlined in SOLAS and the Life-saving appliances (LSA) Code.