GL CHECKLIST FOR MAINTENANCE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Here is a brief but thorough overview by Germanischer Lloyd's specialists which was compiled with their intention to provide industry with the recommendations and applicable requirements for the inspection and periodical maintenance of the safety equipment on board vessels - it is to be used as a practical and compact tool for marine surveyors, ship owners, operators and any other involved parties.

The present GL document covers such an important ship safety aspects as fire protection and fire fighting arrangements, fixed fire extinguishing systems on vessels, life-saving appliances, navigational and radio equipment, etc. According to the general rule, all shipboard inspections must be performed in full accordance with the instructions that are usually provided by the systems manufacturer, taking into account all safety precautions. If the safety equipment is currently under maintenance or being tested, then suitable safety arrangements must be in place there to ensure that the safety of the ship has not been affected in any way - this can be done using the alternative equipment, for example, or by other measures.

All associated inspection records must be kept on board the vessel; alternatively, they may be computer-based. If the inspections are performed by specially trained persons and not by crew members, the reports must be provided upon completion of all relevant inspections...