This Ro-Ro Locker Compliance Checklist is designed to help operators, shipyards, and technical teams prepare for Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) survey inspections.
It brings together the key equipment, certification, and documentation points typically reviewed during Ro-Ro locker checks, including MOB recovery equipment, lifting arrangements, SWL marking, and lifecycle records.
The checklist is based on recent survey preparation discussions and operational support work with Ro-Ro passenger vessels, where increased focus is being placed on item-level identification, certification, and traceability.
We also support operators with Ro-Ro locker equipment supply, lifting certification guidance, and survey preparation planning where additional assistance is needed to address compliance gaps early.
As Ro-Ro passenger vessels continue operating beyond 20 years of service, Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) surveys are increasingly placing greater attention on the equipment and documentation associated with onboard safety lockers. Based on recent survey preparation discussions, vessel support work, and locker upgrade projects, we are seeing increased focus on lifting equipment certification, Safe Working Load (SWL) markings, manufacturing dates, serial number traceability, service life information, and supporting documentation for individual locker contents.
This article explores current trends in Ro-Ro locker compliance, including how survey discussions are increasingly focusing on individual equipment items rather than only complete locker systems. It also examines common areas of interest such as lifting arrangements, recovery equipment, rope ladder specifications, lifecycle management, and documentation readiness.
Drawing on recent operational experience supporting operators, shipyards, and procurement teams, the article provides practical insight into the equipment, records, and compliance considerations that are increasingly being reviewed during PSSC survey preparation.
This article explores man overboard (MOB) recovery on commercial vessels, focusing on the gap between regulatory requirements and real-world recovery performance. MCA and SOLAS requirements place emphasis on ship-specific recovery plans and procedures, including consideration of the equipment intended for recovery. However, the presence of recovery equipment does not necessarily demonstrate that a recovery arrangement will be effective in practice, particularly when dealing with unconscious or non-assisting casualties.
Using a hypothetical scenario-based comparison, the article contrasts legacy MOB setups with updated, system-based recovery arrangements designed to maintain control throughout the recovery sequence. It highlights how factors such as crew numbers, vessel movement and freeboard height can affect recovery performance, and why effective recovery depends on the overall arrangement and operating circumstances, rather than simply the equipment carried onboard.
SOLAS lifejackets are certified marine safety devices designed for commercial shipping and offshore environments, built to meet internationally recognised performance standards under the SOLAS Convention.
In this article, you will learn what a SOLAS lifejacket is, how it works, the key safety features required for compliance, and where it is used across commercial and offshore industries. You will also gain an understanding of the inspection and servicing requirements that ensure ongoing SOLAS compliance, and why these standards are critical for maintaining crew safety at sea.
Vessel training manuals provide crews with clear guidance on emergency procedures, lifesaving appliances, survival techniques and fire safety equipment. Used across commercial vessels, workboats, fishing vessels and yachts where applicable, they help crews understand relevant onboard procedures and equipment.
These manuals can also support compliance with applicable maritime safety requirements and codes, including frameworks associated with the IMO, MCA and Red Ensign Group Yacht Codes, by documenting relevant safety procedures and equipment guidance.
This article explains when training manuals may be required or appropriate for different vessel types and outlines the differences between manuals for smaller coded vessels and those intended for larger coded vessels with more complex systems and equipment.
Manikins are a crucial tool for effective man overboard (MOB) training, allowing crews to practise recovery procedures safely and realistically. They help simulate real-life scenarios, including unconscious or incapacitated casualties, without putting anyone at risk. By using manikins, ship operators can improve crew skills, strengthen teamwork and coordination, and ensure recovery procedures are executed efficiently.
Beyond skill development, manikins enhance safety during drills, eliminating hazards such as hypothermia or injury that could occur with live participants. Their durable design makes them ideal for repeated use, supporting regular and realistic training sessions.
For maritime operators, manikins represent a smart investment: they ensure crews are confident, competent, and fully prepared to respond effectively to emergencies, aligning with SOLAS guidance and best-practice safety standards.
Suitable for vessels in the UK and worldwide, our range of Ruth Lee water rescue manikins provide a practical, reliable solution for enhancing MOB readiness across the shipping industry.
SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 requires ships to have ship-specific plans and procedures for the recovery of persons from the water following a man overboard incident. Rather than mandating specific equipment, the regulation focuses on recovery planning and procedures, taking into account the vessel’s characteristics, operating conditions and the equipment intended for recovery.
This article outlines the requirements of SOLAS III/17-1, the supporting IMO guidance, and the types of equipment commonly used to recover casualties from the water.
Recovering a person overboard is one of the most critical emergencies at sea. This article explains different types of man overboard (MOB) recovery equipment and procedures that may be used to recover casualties aboard vessels with varying freeboard and operating conditions. From low-freeboard ladders and scramble nets to rescue slings, lifting strops and cradles, it covers horizontal and vertical recovery methods, including parbuckling techniques that may be considered where crew numbers or vessel access present additional challenges.
The article considers how equipment and recovery arrangements may be assessed according to vessel type, casualty condition, freeboard and sea conditions, alongside applicable SOLAS requirements and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1447 guidance. It focuses on practical recovery considerations, including the limitations of different methods and the importance of ship-specific planning and procedures.
This article provides a complete guide to SOLAS-compliant lifebuoys (life rings) and their placement for both vessels and waterside locations. It covers lifebuoy specifications, buoyancy, grablines, self-igniting lights, smoke signals, and lifelines, along with detailed quantity requirements for cargo and passenger ships. Guidance also includes placement and accessibility recommendations for marinas, quays, and docks, following UK and European safety regulations and National Waterside Safety Forum (NWSF) guidance.
The page also explains maintenance and compliance, including inspection, painting, replacement, and proper storage, to ensure lifebuoys remain fully operational for man-overboard rescue operations. Maritime safety context and official references to SOLAS, IMO, and UK MCA guidelines are included to provide authoritative information.
The SB Davit Product Booklet is now available for download, providing a clear, visual, and informative guide to the SB Davit system. Designed for crews, safety teams, procurement teams, and stakeholders, the booklet covers the davit’s operation, installation options, compatible recovery attachments, winch systems, and deployment procedures. Whether you’re using the equipment on board, managing safety planning, or making purchasing decisions, this easy to follow, visual guide booklet helps your team stay informed, prepared, and confident in their MOB recovery operations.
