Lifeboat and Rescue Boat Inspection Checklist
This lifeboat and rescue boat inspection checklist ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter III (Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements), IMO LSA Code (Life-Saving Appliances), IMO MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 (Measures to Prevent Accidents with Lifeboats), and SOLAS III/20 (Operational Readiness, Maintenance and Inspections). Lifeboat accidents are a significant cause of maritime fatalities — maintenance and safe launch procedures are critical.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Weekly
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Chief Officer / Safety Officer
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: SOLAS Chapter III Life-Saving Appliances, IMO LSA Code Life-Saving Appliances, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 Lifeboat Safety, SOLAS III/20 LSA Maintenance and Inspections, IMO Resolution A.951(23) Maintenance of LSA
Structural Condition
Lifeboat hull and structure.
- Lifeboat hull free of visible damage, cracks, or deformation?
- Painter line attached and release hook operational?
- Canopy (if enclosed) in serviceable condition with no tears?
- Windows/portholes watertight and undamaged?
- Drain plug fitted, accessible, and in serviceable condition?
Launching System and Davits
Davit and launching gear condition.
- Davit arm in correct stowed position and operating freely?
- Launching falls free of kinks, wear, and proper Fleet angle?
- Release hooks (on-load and off-load) operating correctly?
- Brake system operational and holding?
- Gripes and tricing pennants correctly rigged?
Engine and Propulsion
Lifeboat engine and propulsion checks.
- Engine started and run for minimum 3 minutes?
- Fuel tank full and fuel fresh (within 12 months)?
- Propeller guard and propeller in serviceable condition?
- Steering system operational?
- All engine controls operational (start, stop, ahead, astern)?
LSA Equipment
Life-saving appliance inventory.
- Emergency rations and fresh water within service date?
- Pyrotechnic signals (flares, parachute rockets) within date?
- First aid kit complete and within date?
- SART / EPIRB in lifeboat within battery date?
- VHF handheld radio present and operational?
Rescue Boat Specific Checks
Rescue boat (RIB/FRB) checks.
- Rescue boat launching system (davit/crane) operational?
- Rescue boat outboard/inboard engine started and tested?
- Rescue boat inflation system (if RIB) in serviceable condition?
- Rescue boat equipment complete per SOLAS III inventory?
- Rescue boat crew trained and designated per muster list?
LSA Records
Lifeboat maintenance records.
- Lifeboat service and maintenance record up to date?
- Annual lifeboat service by shore technician within last 12 months?
- Davit/hydrostatic test current (every 5 years)?
- Any defects noted reported to Master and entered in maintenance system?
- Lifeboat Inspection Notes
Related Maritime Checklists
- Shipboard Medical Readiness and MLC Health Checklist
- Hot Work Permit-to-Work Marine Vessel Checklist
- General Permit-to-Work (PTW) System Audit Checklist
- Fishing Vessel Safety and Torremolinos Protocol Checklist
- MARPOL Annex V Garbage Management and Pollution Prevention Checklist
- Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations and IBC Code Compliance Checklist
- Piracy and Armed Robbery Prevention Checklist
- ECDIS Operation and Chart Correction Checklist
Related Vessel Safety Checklists
- Shipboard Fire Drill and Fire Safety Systems Checklist - FREE Download
- Confined Space Entry Permit-to-Work Checklist (Marine) - FREE Download
- Bulk Carrier Safety and Structural Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Shipboard Medical Readiness and MLC Health Checklist - FREE Download
- Hot Work Permit-to-Work Marine Vessel Checklist - FREE Download
- General Permit-to-Work (PTW) System Audit Checklist - FREE Download
- Fishing Vessel Safety and Torremolinos Protocol Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Lifeboat and Rescue Boat Inspection Checklist?
This lifeboat and rescue boat inspection checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chief officer / safety officer professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly.
Ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter III Life-Saving Appliances, IMO LSA Code Life-Saving Appliances, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 Lifeboat Safety, SOLAS III/20 LSA Maintenance and Inspections, IMO Resolution A.951(23) Maintenance of LSA. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Lifeboat and Rescue Boat Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Structural Condition, Launching System and Davits, Engine and Propulsion, LSA Equipment, Rescue Boat Specific Checks, LSA Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed weekly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Lifeboat and Rescue Boat Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Chief Officer / Safety Officer professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.