Hooks and re-hooking
IMO Hook Regulations
At the 89th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 89 - May 2011), the IMO adopted amendments to SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code, as well as related Guidelines for the Evaluation of Existing On-load Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems (LRRS). These adopted requirements apply to On-load Lifeboat Release gear systems of existing lifeboats requiring that these systems will have to comply with the guidelines of IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1392
LR Guidance Note on Lifeboat Release and Retrieval systems – new IMO regulations can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions on the latest hook regulations
Q: Which new LSA Code requirements apply to existing ships and which ones apply to new ships?
A: Existing ships: Revised Chapter IV sections 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 applies to existing release gear systems fitted. New ships: built on or after July 1, 2014, release gear systems have to comply with the revised LSA Code (complete section 4.4.7.6).
Q: To which requirements is the PALFINGER MARINE SeaCure release gear system complying?
A: The LHR M1 release gear systems are complying to the latest requirements for existing lifeboats and the SeaCure LHR M2 release gear systems are complying to the latest requirements for both existing and new lifeboats.
Q: Is it necessary to fit Secondary Safety Systems (SSS’s)?
A: There is no mention of SSS’s in MSC89/3/4. However, during the working group discussions at DE55 the use of such arrangements was strongly supported by various NGO’s. There are indications that some customers will require (demand) such an arrangement in addition to the regulations. This is why PALFINGER MARINE has incorporated this into their hook design as an additional option.
Q: What does this mean for ship owners?
A: Ship owners should identify the types of release gear systems on their vessels and verify if their release gear systems are in compliance with the new hook regulations (revised LSA Code sections 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6). This information can either be obtained from the manufacturer of the release gear system (preferably) or by checking the IMO GISIS list on the internet.
If found not to be compliant than the release gear system needs to be modified or replaced no later than the next scheduled dry-dock after the 1st of July 2014 but no later than the 1st of July 2019.
Every release gear system which is compliant (or compliant after modification) should be subject to an one-time follow-up overhaul examination according to annex 1 to the Measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats (MSC.1/Circ. 1206/Rev1) by the manufacturer or one of their representatives.
Q: Which release gear systems of PALFINGER MARINE are currently mentioned on the IMO GISIS list?
A: The complete LHR M1 and SeaCure LHR M2 release gear range are mentioned on the IMO GISIS list. These release gear systems are either “compliant after modification” or “fully compliant”; this depends on the type of release gear system.
Global presence:
PALFINGER MARINE has the industry’s largest global service network, with service teams available close to the world’s most important ports or waters.
This means that we can mobilize the correct expertise quickly and economically wherever you want to re-hook. PALFINGER is also the only lifeboat manufacturer with a substantial service organization operating in China, where 60 percent of all vessels dry-dock.
Competitive and closed prices:
PALFINGER’s experience with re-hooking lifeboats enables us to offer a competitive, closed price. We understand that predictability of cost is in today’s ship-operation, and with PALFINGER you can budget the required service and installation of hooks accurately.
Superior products:
Our PALFINGER’s SeaCure lifeboat release and retrieval systems are state of the art in the LSA industry. The versatile systems enable you to harmonize your fleet’s equipment.
Other advantages:
- A single point of contact can manage re-hooking of your entire fleet
- All required drawings and calculations are provided by PALFINGER MARINE
- PALFINGER takes care of the cumbersome approval process
- Only highly-trained and -certified engineers are assigned to re-hooking projects
- Cost of ownership through fleet standardization and our Fleet Service Agreement
- Re-hooking projects are delivered with our computer-based training system, allowing your crew to perfect the hook release operation
Plan ahead!
Whatever brand of hook systems you might have installed in your fleet our service engineers has the expertise and experience needed to retrofit your systems according to the new regulations. But before they can get down to business, please remember that the key to a smooth re-hooking process lies in the preparations! Before we can start a retrofit on board, we also need sufficient time for engineering, calculations and obtaining approval from class society.
We prefer to start these preparations two months before the re-hooking date to ensure that engineering, class approval and tailor-made requirements are all ready in time.
The SeaCure LHR M2 Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems (LRRS) have been designed and tested in compliance with the latest IMO regulations, and are based upon more than 85 years experience in developing lifesaving appliances. We offer our computer-based training as part of the hook offer. As your partner we will guide you through the rules and regulations, looking after your lifesaving appliances through our global service network, managed and monitored in our safety management system.
| LIFEBOAT HOOKS | FREE FALL HOOKS |
| KH6, 5M2 (on-offload) | FFH13 (hydraulic) |
| LHR3, 5 M2 (on-offload) | FFH15 (hydraulic) |
| LHR6M2 (on-offload) | FFH16 (hydraulic) |
| LHR9M2 (on-offload) | FFH25 (hydraulic) |
| LHR12M2 (on-offload) | |
| LHR28 (on-offload) |
FEATURES FOR SEACURE LHR-M2 HOOK SYSTEMS:
- Meets requirements of SOLAS Chapter III, LSA Code and MSC.81(70) on LRRS as amended
- Meets MED item number A.1/1.26a for Release Mechanism for Lifeboats & Rescue boats launched by a fall or falls
-
LHRxM2 LRRS are fully Compliant with the requirements as set in MSC.1/Circ.1392
-
Certified by major Classification Societies and Flag states
LIFE RAFT HOOKS
| Model | SWL (kN) | Mode of operations |
| ARH23 (automatic) | 23 | Automatic |
| ARH33 (automatic) | 33 | Automatic |
| CAR 35 (automatic) | 36 | Automatic - combined raft / rescue boat hook |
RELEVANT STANDARD FOR LIFE RAFT HOOKS:
- MED A.1/1.26 Release Mechanism for Liferafts Launched by a Fall or Falls
- SOLAS Chapter III, LSA Code and MSC.81(70) as amended
- USCG-EU MRA/USCG Module B number:160.133/EC0038 (ARH)
- USCG-EU MRA/USCG Module B number:160.170/EC2690 (CAR 35)
PALFINGER raft and rescue boat hooks are designed for release of davit, launched rafts and rescue boats. They come with an EC (wheel mark) certificate as standard and are fully SOLAS approved. Our hooks are also approved by Transport of Canada and USCG as well as a number of other classification societies. The hooks are made out of high quality stainless steel, in order to withstand the marine environment and are delivered with a five-year guarantee.
RESCUE BOAT HOOKS
| Model | SWL | Mode of operations |
| RRH15 | 15 | On-Off Load |
| RRH25 | 25 | On-Off Load |
| CAR 35 | 36 | Off load automatic / Combined raft/rescue boat hook |
| CAR F-35 | 36 | Automatic |
RELEVANT STANDARD FOR RESCUE BOAT HOOKS:
- MED A.1/1.26a Release Mechanism for Lifeboat and rescue boats
- SOLAS Chapter III, LSA Code and MSC.81(70) as amended
- Fully compliant with updated SOLAS requirements as per Resolutions MSC.320(89) and MSC.321(80)
- Compliant with MSC.1/Circ.1392 (RRH as listed on IMO – GISIS list)
- USCG-EU MRA/USCG Module B number:160.170/EC2690. (CAR 35 / CAR F-35)
- USCG approval; 46 CFR - Subpart 160.133 – Release Mechanisms for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats (RRH)