NoticeonImplementationoftheAmendmentstoSOLASChapterIII(ResolutionMSC.404(96))andResolution402(96)

CCSTechnical Information(2016)Technical Information No.27 Total No.2290ct17,2016(Total 2 pages)To:Relevant departments of the Headquarters,Shanghai Rules and Technology Center,WuhanRules and Research Institute,plan approval centers,branches,CCS surveyors,relevant shipyards,product manufacturers,designers and shipping companiesNotice on Implementation of the Amendments to SOLAS Chapter Ill(Resolution MSC.404(96))and Resolution 402(96)On 19 May 2016,the Intemational Maritime Organization(IMO)adopted the amendments to theInternational Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)by Resolution MSC.404(96)andadopted the Requirements for Maintenance,Thorough Examination,Operational Testing,Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats,Launching Appliances and Release Gear byResolution MSC.402(96),by which revision was made to SOLAS Reg.III/20,emphasizing thatattention should be given to ensuring the reliability of the life-saving appliances duringmaintenance,testing and examination of them,and Resolution MSC.402(96)is to be enforced.The above amendments to SOLAS will enter into force from 1 January 2020,applicable to all ships (including existing ships).Although Resolution MSC.402(96)on the Requirements for Maintenance,Thorough Examination,Operational Testing,Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue boats,Launching Appliances andRelease Gear is not a mandatory document,as it has been referred to in theamendments to SOLAS,it is to be implemented simultaneously with ResolutionMSC.404(96).The Chinese versions of Resolutions MSC.402(96)and MSC.404(96)are provided in