U.S. Coast Guard issues NVIC addressing lifeboat and rescue boat maintenance, examination, testing, overhaul and repair
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 03-19, with the subject: "MAINTENANCE, THOROUGH EXAMINATION, OPERATIONAL TESTING, OVERHAUL AND REPAIR OF LIFEBOATS AND RESCUE BOATS, LAUNCHING APPLIANCES AND RELEASE GEAR." NVIC 03-19 supersedes and cancels NVIC 04-07 and provides guidance on complying with SOLAS requirements that enter into force on January 1, 2020.
As stated in NVIC 03-19: This Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) provides guidance to assist owners and operators of vessels that are subject to the requirements in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) on complying with the amendments to SOLAS Chapter III Regulations 3 and 20, through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Resolution MSC.404(96). These amendments will enter into force on January 1, 2020. Additionally, this NVIC provides guidance with respect to IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear.