THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA Marine Notice

LIBERIA MARITIME AUTHORITY

INS-004
Office of Rev. 07/20
Deputy Commissioner
of Maritime Affairs

TO: ALL SHIPOWNERS, OPERATORS, MASTERS AND OFFICERS OF

MERCHANT SHIPS, AND AUTHORIZED CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES

SUBJECT: Operational/Safety Checklist for SOLAS 1974, as amended, Regulations

Reference: Maritime Regulations 7.191

Supersedes: Marine Notice INS-004, dated 06/12

The following changes have been included: It has updated program contact information.

PURPOSE:

This Notice provides a reproducible copy of this Operational/Safety Checklist in the RLM-
300 to facilitate the inspection of safety equipment as required by SOLAS 1974, as amended,
Chapter III, Regulation 20.6 and 20.7 and other parts of SOLAS, as applicable. The Administration
strongly recommends the use of this format or a company sponsored planned maintenance system.

APPLICABILITY:

This Notice applies to Masters as it is their responsibility to ensure that all safety equipment,
including lifesaving and firefighting gear, is always in good condition and available for immediate
use. Masters should also be aware that Port State Control inspections are focusing greater attention
to the condition of lifesaving and firefighting equipment, based on the fact that these areas continue
to generate the greatest number of deficiencies on the average for all vessels inspected by Port State
Authorities.
Questions regarding this Marine Notice should be directed to the Fleet Performance Department at
prevention@[Link].

REQUIREMENTS:

1.0 Master’s Responsibility

Immediately upon assuming command and in accordance with Maritime Regulation

10.296(7), the master should appoint one of his officers as the designated safety officer to
make the weekly and monthly checks of equipment as required by SOLAS. If used, the form
is to be signed by the designated safety officer and reviewed by the master at the end of each
month.
1 of 2
Inquiries concerning the subject of this Notice should be directed to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Republic of
Liberia, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, 22980 Indian Creek Drive., Suite 200, Dulles, VA 20166,
USA. The most current version of all Marine Notices are available in the Online Library at: [Link]
2.0 Record Retention and Availability

2.1 The signed copy should be retained in the master/safety officer's file and should be made
available to our nautical inspector when he boards the vessel to inspect. The master can also
show this report to any Port State inspector or official that may visit the vessel as evidence of
maintenance of equipment.

2.2 The master should send the original to the owner/operator at convenient intervals to assure
shore side management that all of the equipment is being maintained in serviceable condition
and no delays should be expected due to Port State intervention with respect to any of these
items.

3.0 Corrective Action

Should corrective action require company assistance, such as furnishing spare parts, new
equipment or arranging shoreside labor, the master should immediately requisition an order
to maintain operational readiness at all times and to avoid being cited for any deficiencies.
We are fully confident that owners will respond to and cooperate with the master by taking
immediate corrective action.

4.0 Benefits

4.1 If each master adopts a positive attitude and insists that his designated safety officer conduct
these examinations in an effective manner, all equipment can be maintained defect-free and
the master, with complete confidence, can welcome inspection of this equipment by any
inspection body.

4.2 The master may also find the checklist to be valuable reference material for utilization during
general safety meetings held with the officers and crew.

5.0 Log Book Entry

The date of these inspections shall be entered into the Log Book as required by SOLAS
Chapter III, Regulation 20.6 and [Link].

* * * * *

INS-004 2 of 2 07/20
The Republic of Liberia
 ANNEX
OPERATIONAL/SAFETY CHECKLIST
SOLAS 1974, as amended
Month of: __________________________
SHIP'S OPERATIONAL SAFETY READINESS
Ship's Name: ___________________________________________ O.N. ______________________________________
Operator/Agent: _____________________________________________________________________________
Master: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

CHECKLIST 1 - PRIMARY LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT/SURVIVAL

CRAFT
WEEK
SOLAS REFERENCE CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
CHECK
ITEM K K K K
BOX √
BOX √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
Chapter III / Regulation     
1. Operational Readiness
20
Chapter III, regulation
2. Survival Craft
10 & 11
- Number & Type Chapter III, Regulation     
10, 11, 12, 13, 16
- Embarkation Area     
Pass. Vessels (PV)
- Davits/Launching Gear Chapter III, Regulation     
21, 23, 24 or 26
Cargo Vessels (CV)
Chapter III,Regulation     
- Instructions (posted) 12,13,16, 31, 33
Chapter III/9
Chapter III, Regulation     
- Falls
20.4
Regulation 20     
- Condition

- Required Equipment
Regulation 20.10     
- Marking
3. Liferafts Chapter III
- Condition Regulation 20.8     
Regulations 12, 13, 16,
- Stowage (PV) 21, 23, 24 & 26
- Launching     
- Launching Gear
(CV) 31, 33, 34 &
20.10
- Hydrostatic Releases Regulation 20.9.1     
- Marking
    
4. Rescue Boats Chapter III
- Condition Regulations 20, 34 &     
36
- Stowage     
Regulation 14, 23, 31
- Launch & Recover Regulation 17     

- Falls Regulation 20.4     

Chapter III & Chapter

5. Communication
IV
- VHF Radiotelephone Chapter III, Regulation     

- EPIRB Batteries
6.2     

- Radar Transponder Chapter IV, Regulation     

7-11
- Location/Mounting     
Chapter IV, Regulation
- Emergency Source of Power 13.6.2 & 15.9     

Chapter III, Regulation     

6. Visual Signals & Smoke Signals
6.3 & 7.1
Chapter III, Regulation     
7. Emergency alarms
6.4 & 6.5
Chapter III, Regulation     
8. Line Throwing Apparatus
18
9. Training; Manuals & Drills:
- NOTE: during drills, a
demonstration that key crew members Chapter III, Regulation     
on passenger vessels are acquainted 19 & 35
with the damage control

10. Maintenance/Instructions Chapter III, Regulation     

36
11. Muster List & Emergency Chapter III, Regulation     
Instructions 8, 37
Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective Actions Needed:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
 CHECKLIST 2 – PERSONAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT
WEEK
SOLAS CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
CHECK
ITEM K K K K
BOX √
REFERENCE BOX √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
Chapter III     
1. Operational Readiness
Regulation 20
2. Lifebuoys Chapter III
- Number & Type     

- Location
Regulations 7.1, 22.1     
and
- Condition Regulation 20.10     

- Marking/Reflective Tape     
Regulation 32.1
- Quick Release     
- Lights
- smokes Regulations 7.1     
- lifelines
3. Lifejackets Chapter III
- Number & Type     
Regulation 7.2, 22.2
- Location or, 26.5     
and
- Condition     
Regulation 20.10
- Marking/Reflecting Tape     
Regulation 32.2
- Lights/smokes/lifelines     

4. Immersion Suits Chapter III

- Number & Type Regulation 7.3, 22.4     

- Location     
Regulation 20.10
and
- Condition     
Regulation 32.3
Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective Action Needed:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
 CHECKLIST 3 - FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT
WEEK
SOLAS CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
CHECK
ITEM K K K K
BOX √
REFERENCE BOX √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
1. Readiness/Availability Regulation II-2/14     
2. Dampers, Vents, Fans & Remote
Regulations II-2/ 9.7     
Control
Chapter II-2-Part C
3. Firemain Integrity (Weekly)
Regulation 7
- Pumps (Operational)     
Chapter II-2/ 10.2.2
- Station (Outfitted)     
4. Fixed Gaseous Fire Extinguishing
Systems Chapter II-2- Part C
Chapter II-2/
- CO2 (Proof of servicing &
Regulation10.4, 10.5,     
inspection)
10.7 & 14
5. Foam Fire Extinguishing Systems Chapter II-2
Chapter II-2/10.8.1 &     
- Proof of sample testing
Fire Safety Code
6. Portable Extinguishers Chapter II-2-Part C
- Required Number     
Chapter II-2/10.3
- Location     

7. Fire detection Systems Chapter II-2-Part C

- Operational     
Chapter II-2/7
- Alarms     

- Testing Chapter II-2/7.3.2     

8. Fireman's Outfit Chapter II-2-Part C

- Required Number     
Chapter II-2,
- Location Regulation10.10     

- Breathing Apparatus MSC Circ 850     

9. Fire Control Plans Chapter II-2/15.2.4     

10. International Shore Connection Chapter II-2/[Link]     

11, Vertical Fire Zone Boundaries Chapter II-2

- Intact     
Various Regulations
- Fire Doors MSC-Circ.850     
12. General Fire Protection Chapter II-2     
- Housekeeping
- Stowage     
- Flammable Stores Various Regulations
- Instructions Posted     

13. EEBDs MSC Circ. 849     

Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective Actions Needed:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHECKLIST 4 - EMERGENCY SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

WEEK
SOLAS CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
CHECK
ITEM K K K K
BOX √
REFERENCE BOX √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
1. Emergency Generator Chapter II-1 Part D
- Type     

- Condition     
Chapter II-1,
- Back-out and re-start of Regulation 42-45     
Emergency Generator
- Inspection of Emergency Lights     

2. Operation of Emergency Fire Pump Chapter II-2- Part C

- Location Chapter     
- Able to provide adequate
II-2,
pressure to two hoses connected Regulation10.2.1.6 and     
at different locations. Regulation10.[Link]
Chapter II-1
3. Watertight Doors
Part B1 and B2
- Number & Type Chapter II-1,     

- Condition Regulation15     
(Passenger Vessels)
- Operational Test     
Regulation II-1/25 - 9
- Test of Indicators/Alarms (Cargo Vessels)     
4. Machinery Space Remote
Emergency Stops Chapter II- 2
- Opening & closing of skylights,
    
funnels, etc.
- Closing power operated doors
or actuating release mechanism
    
on doors other than power Chapter II-2,
operated watertight doors.
Regulation 5.2, and
- Stopping ventilating fans, and     
[Link]
- Stopping forced and induced
draft fans, oil fuel transfer
    
pumps, oil fuel unit pumps and
other similar fuel pumps.
Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective Actions Needed:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHECKLIST 5 – GAS, OIL AND CHEMICAL TANKERS

WEEK
SOLAS CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
CHECK
ITEM K K K K
BOX √
REFERENCE BOX √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
1. Cargo tank monitoring safety
devices Chapter VI & VII
Chapter VI, Regulation
O2 Monitoring, explosimeter and
3     
chemical detection equipment
and Chapter VII
- Number & Type adequate International Bulk     
Chemical Code
- Calibration completed     
and, International Gas
- Number of gas tubes adequate Carrier Code, as     
for the cargos carried applicable
2. Cabin Escape Sets Chapter VII
- Suitable for cargo carried International Bulk     
Chemical Code and,
- Adequate number, and     
International Gas
Carrier Code as     
- Operational
applicable
Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective Actions Needed:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
 CHECKLIST 6 - STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT
WEEK
SOLAS CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
CHECK
ITEM K K K K
BOX √
REFERENCE BOX √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
1. Structural assessment check for Chapter I
- Excessive corrosion of deck     
- Corrosion in ballast tanks (as
    
available) Chapter I,
- General assessment of safety Regulation11
structure on the basis of reports
    
of survey, condition evaluation
reports
Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective Action Needed:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHECKLIST 7 - NAVIGATION SAFETY

WEEK
SOLAS CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
CHECK
ITEM K K K K
BOX √
REFERENCE BOX √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
1. Navigation Equipment Chapters IV & V
- Type required (Radar, ARPA,
ECDIS, VDR, Gyro, Magnetic     
Chapter V, Regulation
Compass, Echo Sounder, etc.)
19
- Operational     
2. Charts, Notice to Mariners,
Regulation V/27     
Light List, Radio Aids Up-to-Date
3. International Code of Signals and Chapter V, Regulation
IAM SAR Manual 21
Chapter V, Regulation     
4. Pilot Ladders
23
Chapter IV, Regulation
5. Voyage Data Recorder
18.8
6. Steering Gear Chapter V
- Tests     
Chapter V, Regulation
- Drills 26     
Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective Actions Needed:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHECKLIST 8 - POLLUTION PREVENTION

WEEK
MARPOL CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
ITEM K K BOX K K K
REFERENCE BOX √ √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
1. Oil Record Book(s) ANNEX I
- Complete Regulation 17, 36     
Appendix III, 1 & 2
- Up-to-date     

2. Discharge Monitoring Equipment ANNEX I

Regulation 31, 32     
- Operating
    
- Records     
- Test of Oil Water Separator,
Alarms and Monitors MEPC.1/Circ.759
- Oily Waste Management Plan     

3. Sewage Treatment Plant Annex IV     

4.     
- Garbage Record Book Annex V
- Garbage Management Plan     
5. Prevention of Air Pollution
Annex VI     
Certificate valid?
Engine International Air Pollution Annex VI, Reg. 13 and     
Certificate valid? NOx Technical Code
- Bunker Delivery Notes Annex VI, Regulation     
18 and Resolution
- Fuel Oil Samples     
MEPC.96(47)
- Fuel Oil Change over Record if
operating in SOx Emission Control Regulation 14     
Area
6. Ballast Water Management Plans in Assembly Resolution
Effect
Ballast Water
Management     
Convention
2004
Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Corrective Actions Needed:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
 CHECKLIST 9 - SAFETY MANAGEMENT CODE
WEEK
SOLAS CHEC CHEC CHEC CHEC
CHECK
ITEM K K K K
BOX √
REFERENCE BOX √ BOX √ BOX √ BOX √
1. Safety Management System Chapter IX
- Internal audits being conducted     

- Nonconformities reported     

- Company responding to reports Regulation 5.0     

- Master aware of ISM Code
    
Responsibilities
- Crew aware of ISM Code
    
Responsibilities
2. Certificates Regulation 6.0     
Remarks:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corrective Actions Needed:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ____________________________ ________________________________

Master Ship's Safety Officer

Date: ______________ Date: _________________