Is Your Lifeboat Inspection Checklist SOLAS Compliant?

Lifeboat inspection checklist requirements are not just best practices—they’re critical to ensuring vessel safety and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) compliance. 

From malfunctioning release gear to expired emergency rations, neglecting even minor details in your lifeboat inspection checklist can lead to dire consequences during an emergency.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what SOLAS expects in a lifeboat inspection checklist, the mandatory components to include, and how shipowners and safety officers can stay compliant.

Why a SOLAS-Compliant Lifeboat Inspection Checklist Matters

The lifeboat inspection checklist is the foundation of your onboard safety system. SOLAS regulations have evolved over decades in response to real maritime tragedies—making lifeboat readiness non-negotiable.

Failing to meet SOLAS criteria can result in:

• Vessel detention by Port State Control
  
  

• Penalties or fines from Flag Authorities
  
  

• Legal liabilities in the event of an incident
  
  

• Most importantly, loss of lives due to equipment failure
  
  

Thus, having a lifeboat inspection checklist aligned with SOLAS is essential for passenger ships, cargo carriers, tankers, and offshore support vessels.

What Does SOLAS Say About Lifeboat Inspection Checklists?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) provides clear guidelines in SOLAS Chapter III - Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements. According to the regulation:

• Every lifeboat must be visually inspected weekly
  
  

• A detailed operational inspection is required monthly
  
  

• A drill and inspection with engine running is mandatory every 3 months
  
  

• All inspections must be documented using a lifeboat inspection checklist
  
  

Failure to document these inspections or skipping steps invalidates the effort and puts safety at risk.

Key Items to Include in a Lifeboat Inspection Checklist

An effective lifeboat inspection checklist should address all critical systems and conditions. Here’s what your checklist must include for SOLAS compliance:

1. Structural Integrity

• Check for cracks, corrosion, or deformation
  
  

• Ensure hull integrity, canopy condition, and watertight closures
  
  

2. Launching Equipment

• Inspect davits, winches, sheaves, and brakes
  
  

• Ensure smooth operation without jerks or delays
  
  

3. Release Mechanisms

• Test hydrostatic release units and on-load/off-load release systems
  
  

• Ensure safety pins are correctly positioned when not in use
  
  

4. Propulsion System

• Start engine and observe operation for minimum 3 minutes
  
  

• Check fuel level, battery charge, oil, and cooling water levels
  
  

5. Emergency Equipment

• Inventory lifejackets, thermal protection aids, and immersion suits
  
  

• Inspect flares, food rations, drinking water, sea anchor, and first aid kits
  
  

6. Communication Gear

• Check VHF radios or other GMDSS-approved equipment
  
  

• Verify operation of search and rescue transponders (SARTs)
  
  

7. Lighting and Signaling

• Test battery-operated internal lights and searchlight
  
  

• Ensure whistle, flashlight, and signalling mirror are present and functional
  
  

8. Drainage and Bailing

• Verify bailing scoop or pump is available
  
  

• Check condition of drain plugs and scuppers
  
  

Each of these items must be clearly listed on your lifeboat inspection checklist to ensure no critical element is missed.

Common Mistakes in Lifeboat Inspection Checklists

Even when companies follow routine procedures, they often fall short of SOLAS expectations due to common checklist errors, such as:

• Skipping engine run tests to save time
  
  

• Failing to test release mechanisms under load
  
  

• Overlooking expired emergency supplies
  
  

• Not updating checklists when new equipment is added
  
  

• Relying solely on visual checks without functional testing
  
  

• Incomplete documentation, with missing dates or signatures
  
  

To avoid these, your lifeboat inspection checklist must be reviewed periodically and used rigorously.

Monthly vs. Quarterly vs. Annual Lifeboat Inspections

Understanding inspection frequency is just as important as having the right checklist:

Each of these inspections must follow a lifeboat inspection checklist that’s tailored to the frequency and depth of the check.

Digital Lifeboat Inspection Checklists: Are They Better?

Yes, many operators now use digital inspection checklists via mobile apps or onboard software. Advantages include:

• Real-time logging and timestamping
  
  

• Immediate alerts for overdue checks
  
  

• Centralized audit trail for Port State Control or Flag inspections
  
  

• Integration with maintenance and safety systems
  
  

However, whether paper-based or digital, the lifeboat inspection checklist must still align with SOLAS standards.

SOLAS Lifeboat Drill Recommendations

In addition to checklists, SOLAS mandates regular lifeboat drills that simulate real emergencies. These drills help validate:

• Crew familiarity with lifeboat inspection checklist items
  
  

• Speed and efficiency of launch procedures
  
  

• Ability to correct any functional errors
  
  

Drills are especially important for cruise ships, ferries, and vessels carrying large passenger loads. 

What Inspectors Look for in Your Lifeboat Inspection Checklist

When boarding for inspection, Port State Control (PSC) and Flag officers usually examine:

• Date and frequency of inspections
  
  

• Completion of all checklist items
  
  

• Crew familiarity with the checklist
  
  

• Emergency gear availability and expiry
  
  

• Signature and rank of the inspecting officer
  
  

Being SOLAS-compliant means having your lifeboat inspection checklist up to date and fully filled out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it mandatory to use the SOLAS checklist format?
A: No, but your checklist must cover all SOLAS-required elements.

Q: Who should complete the lifeboat inspection checklist?
A: The Safety Officer or Master usually signs off, but engineers or deck crew may assist.

Q: What happens if your lifeboat checklist is incomplete during inspection?
A: The vessel may receive a deficiency notice, fine, or even detention in port.

Conclusion

Your lifeboat inspection checklist is more than just a formality—it’s a safeguard for lives at sea. By ensuring your checklist aligns with SOLAS regulations and is executed consistently, you reduce risks, pass audits with confidence, and, most importantly, stay prepared for emergencies.