Product Overview

Summary: This Lifeboat and Rescue Equipment Check Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step system for inspecting, testing and maintaining all lifesaving appliances on vessels and marine facilities. It helps Australian operators demonstrate due diligence, meet maritime and WHS obligations, and ensure that lifeboats, rescue craft and associated equipment are fully operational when an emergency occurs.

When a marine emergency unfolds, there is no margin for error – lifeboats, rescue boats and associated lifesaving equipment must work first time, every time. This Lifeboat and Rescue Equipment Check Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, repeatable approach to pre-use, routine and periodic inspections, function tests and documentation. It covers everything from visual checks of hull integrity and release mechanisms to verification of fuel, communications, emergency rations, PPE and signalling devices, ensuring that nothing critical is overlooked.

Tailored for Australian maritime and offshore operations, this SOP supports compliance with WHS legislation and relevant marine safety requirements by embedding risk management into day-to-day practice. It helps businesses eliminate ad‑hoc checks, reduce reliance on informal knowledge, and provide clear evidence that lifeboats and rescue equipment are maintained in a safe, serviceable condition. The result is a safer workplace at sea or alongside, improved readiness for abandon-ship and man-overboard scenarios, and stronger assurance for owners, operators and regulators alike.

Key Benefits

• Ensure lifeboats, rescue boats and associated lifesaving appliances are always ready for immediate deployment in an emergency.
• Reduce the risk of equipment failure during abandon-ship, man-overboard or rescue operations through systematic inspection and testing.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties and maritime safety obligations via documented, auditable checks.
• Standardise inspection routines across crews, shifts and vessels, improving consistency and reducing human error.
• Support effective training and onboarding by providing clear, practical checklists and responsibilities for all relevant personnel.

Who is this for?

• Vessel Masters and Skippers
• Marine Operations Managers
• Offshore Installation Managers (OIMs)
• Port and Terminal Managers
• Marine Safety Officers
• WHS Managers and Coordinators
• Deck Officers and Leading Hands
• Harbour Masters
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• Maintenance Supervisors (Marine and Offshore)

Hazards Addressed

• Failure of lifeboat launch and recovery systems during emergency evacuation
• Malfunction of quick-release hooks, falls and davits leading to dropped boats or uncontrolled descent
• Inadequate fuel, batteries or propulsion in rescue boats during search and rescue operations
• Non-functional communication equipment (radios, EPIRBs, SARTs) during emergencies
• Missing or expired lifejackets, flares, smoke signals and emergency rations
• Corrosion, damage or water ingress affecting hull integrity and buoyancy
• Injury to crew during lifeboat drills and test launches due to unsafe practices
• Failure of lifting points, slings or securing arrangements during stowage and maintenance
• Exposure to hazardous weather and sea conditions due to inadequate PPE or shelter in lifeboats

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Vessels/Facilities
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Master, OIM, Deck Crew, Maintenance, WHS)
• 4.0 Regulatory and Standards References
• 5.0 Description of Lifeboats, Rescue Boats and Associated Equipment
• 6.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls for Lifeboat and Rescue Operations
• 7.0 Pre-Use and Daily Inspection Requirements
• 8.0 Weekly and Monthly Lifeboat and Rescue Equipment Checks
• 9.0 Periodic (Annual and Major) Testing and Certification Requirements
• 10.0 Inspection Checklists and Acceptance Criteria
• 11.0 Lock-out, Tag-out and Isolation for Maintenance Activities
• 12.0 Documentation, Recordkeeping and Evidence of Compliance
• 13.0 Non-Conformance, Defect Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Drill Requirements
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures During Testing and Drills
• 16.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – duties relating to plant, emergency plans and remote or isolated work
• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) – Part C7A: Safety Equipment
• NSCV – Part C1: Arrangement, Accommodation and Personal Safety
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines