§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Minister for Trade how often sea-going passenger and vehicle ferries have to demonstrate the ability of each and every lifeboat to be swung out and launched without seizure or jamming of all the davits and equipment necessary to enable all the lifeboats to be loaded with passengers and launched safely in the sea; how often on each and every vessel this must be witnessed by an official of his Department or a licensed surveyor; and whether this capacity must be demonstrated before carrying passengers after repainting of joints and threads whose smooth operation might be adversely affected by such painting.
§ Mr. SproatThe Merchant Shipping (Musters) Regulations 1980 require every lifeboat to be swung out at least once a month. The practicality of launching boats into the water clearly depends on the circumstances of the ship, but, if practicable and reasonable, each boat must be lowered at least once every four months. In addition, the crew are required to be mustered and trained in their emergency duties at more frequent intervals; in the case of passenger ferries this must be done at least once a week, when practicable.
There is no statutory requirement for these drills to be witnessed by a Department of Trade surveyor, although in the case of passenger ships they are so witnessed from time to time. In the course of his survey for renewal of the passenger certificate the surveyor will satisfy himself that the lifeboats can be readily swung out. In addition there is provision for prosecution of the owner and master if the equipment is not kept fit and ready for use at all times.