PSCRB-L1.3

Release gear and on-load release hooks

PSCRB-M1 · The craft and getting them into the water · PSCRB-M1-A Survival craft types, launching appliances and release gear on yachts.

The piece of equipment that has **killed more crew in drills than in emergencies**. How release gear works and the rules around it.

Release gear

Governing: STCW Code Table A-VI/2-1; SOLAS III/1.5 via MGN 541 and MGN 540; MSC.402(96) via MGN 560 (M+F) Amendment 2. Builds on: L1.2.

Table A-VI/2-1 lists dangers associated with use of on-load release devices as knowledge, and requires you to operate off-load and on-load release devices and properly reset both, operating equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for release and resetting.

Two kinds of release

Type Releases when Use
Off-load Weight is off the hook (boat waterborne) Normal release; safe by design
On-load Boat is still hanging Emergency release in a seaway, or when falls cannot slacken

On-load gear is necessary: in a seaway you cannot wait for the falls to go slack. It is also dangerous. A hook that is not fully reset, or a mechanism that is worn or poorly designed, can open with crew aboard. Many seafarers have been killed or injured this way, often in drills.

The IMO response

MGN 541 and MGN 540 set out the UK position:

  • MSC.317(89) added SOLAS regulation III/1.5, in force 1 January 2013. On-load release mechanisms not complying with the revised LSA Code (paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6, as amended by MSC.320(89)) had to be replaced or modified no later than the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014, and in no case later than 1 July 2019.
  • Existing systems were to be evaluated under MSC.1/Circ.1392; those passing needed a one-time overhaul examination and a manufacturer's 'Factual Statement'.
  • The MCA strongly urges fall preventer devices (FPDs) on on-load systems until the system is evaluated and found compliant, modified or replaced.
  • The notices apply to davit-launched lifeboats with on-load hooks and any similar systems fitted to rescue boats.

Maintenance and examination: MSC.402(96)

MGN 560 Amendment 2 applies MSC.402(96), adopted 19 May 2016 and in force 1 January 2020, to lifeboats, rescue boats and fast rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear.

Interval What Who
Weekly / monthly Inspections and routine maintenance per manual Crew under a senior officer, or authorised provider
Annual Thorough examination and operational test Certified personnel of manufacturer or authorised provider
Five-yearly Thorough examination, overhaul, 1.1 x full-load operational test Certified personnel

The REG Yacht Code Annex I1 adds that the weekly inspection covers the condition of hooks, their attachment to the boat and confirmation that on-load release gear is properly and completely reset, and that falls are renewed at no more than 5-year intervals or sooner if deteriorated.

WARNING - Never trust 'looks closed' Check the reset indicators, the locking pins and the handle position every time, exactly as the manufacturer's placard says. If it is not right, the boat is not ready.

At the davit

  • Nobody rides a boat on the falls unless the hook is proven reset.
  • Use FPDs where fitted, and remove them only at the moment the procedure says.
  • The MCA prefers that on-load release testing uses load simulation approved by the manufacturer, and says a boat should never be dropped from above the water surface to test it.

TIP - Learn your hook Find the manufacturer's manual for your yacht's release gear and read the reset procedure until you can do it in the dark.

Practice questions

5 questions

recall · core

Under SOLAS III/1.5, non-compliant on-load release mechanisms were to be replaced not later than the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014 and in no case later than: (a) 1 January 2016 (b) 1 July 2019 (c) 1 January 2020 (d) 1 July 2024

recall · core

Resolution MSC.402(96), covering maintenance and examination of lifeboats, rescue boats and release gear, entered into force on: (a) 1 July 2014 (b) 1 January 2017 (c) 1 January 2020 (d) 1 January 2024

recall · core

Pending evaluation, the MCA strongly urges on-load release systems to be fitted with: (a) Hydrostatic release units (b) Automatic hooks (c) Double falls (d) Fall preventer devices

recall · core

The five-yearly overhaul of release gear includes an operational test with a load of: (a) 2.2 x the working load (b) 1.0 x the boat's light weight (c) 1.1 x the weight of the boat with full complement of persons and equipment (d) The empty boat only

scenario · core

After a rescue boat drill, a deckhand says the hook 'looks closed' but the reset indicator is not fully in the green. The boat is to be stowed. What do you do? (a) Lift the boat with crew aboard to test it (b) Tie the hook shut with a lashing (c) Do not load or stow as ready; check the hook is fully and properly reset per the manufacturer's instructions, and report it before the boat is considered operational (d) Stow it; it looks closed

Independent study. xplor is not an accredited training provider and awards no certificate or Certificate of Competency. The PSCRB or PSCRB (Restricted) certificate is issued only after the practical course, including launching, handling and liferaft exercises, at an MCA-approved training provider. AI-drafted content pending subject-matter-expert review.