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Improperly repacked liferafts MARS Report 201006

Official report; edited from Swedish Transport Agency website:www.transportstyrelsen.seIt has become evident that some unscrupulous contractors servicing ships inflatable liferafts are repacking them improperly and this can prevent them from operating inan emergency. In order to save on the effort needed to thread the entire length of the painter line through the bushings central hole, these contractors are cutting therubber bushing located between the two outer containers radially, and conveniently pushing the painter line through the gap.The main function of the bushing is to allow the unimpeded streaming of the painter line. When attempting to launch and inflate an improperly repacked liferaft, thepainter line may come out of the bushing and get jammed between the two halves of the outer container, which prevents it from being fully drawn out. The liferaft will thenbecome impossible to inflate, either automatically or manually.

There have been a number of reported incidents where inflatable liferafts have failed to inflate in emergencies, including one in Swedish waters, which led to the loss ofthree lives. It is thought that a cut bushing could have been a contributing factor in these occurrences.Mariners are advised to inspect the entry point of the liferafts painter line on the outer container closely. If a bushing appears cut or damaged, the last servicingcontractor should be contacted and immediate arrangements made to have the bushing renewed and the liferaft repacked properly.

The Council of The Nautical Institute gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship provided by:

American Bureau of Shipping AR Brink & Assoc. Britannia P&I Club Cargill Class NK Consult ISM DNV Gard

International Institute of Marine Surveying Lairdside Maritime Centre London Offshore Consultants

Lloyd's Register-Fairplay Safety at Sea InternationalMOL Tankship Management (Europe) Ltd Noble Denton

North of England P&I Club Port of Tyne Sail Training International Shipowners Club The Marine Society & Sea Cadets

The Swedish Club UK Hydrographic Office The U.K. P&I Club

More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the MARS Editor and aretreated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the MARS Report Form.

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2/28/2011http://www.nautinst.org/mars/mars10/201006.htm