Nishi-F has identified a potential passage-width issue affecting certain FF-65 free-fall lifeboats. Owners and managers should verify compliance with the 480 mm minimum requirement and arrange corrective measures where necessary. If your ships have a free-fall lifeboat of this type on board, please review this news for more information.
NEED TO KNOW
- The affected equipment is the Nishi-F Co., Ltd. FF-65 free-fall lifeboat, with a capacity of 25 persons, manufactured from October 2010 onwards.
- The clear passage width between seats may be less than the 480 mm required by LSA Code paragraph 4.7.2.1.
- Owners and managers should identify any affected lifeboats on board and verify the clear passage width.
Background
Nishi-F Co., Ltd. has issued a product safety notice concerning FF-65 free-fall lifeboats with a capacity of 25 persons, manufactured from October 2010 onwards.
The notice concerns the clear passage width between seats and compliance with paragraph 4.7.2.1 of the IMO Life-Saving Appliance Code.
What is the issue?
For affected FF-65 lifeboats, the existing seating arrangement may result in a clear passage width of less than the required 480 mm at certain locations.
Nishi-F has developed corrective measures for affected free-fall lifeboats and has issued instructions for checking the relevant passage widths and, where necessary, adjusting the seating arrangement. The corrective measures include the use of seat adjusters and spacers and, depending on the location, modification of the seat mounting arrangement.
Flag administration guidance
The matter has also been addressed by flag administrations. In particular, the Liberia Maritime Authority has issued a Marine Advisory 18/2026 Rev.1 concerning Nishi-F FF-65 free-fall lifeboats.
Owners and managers should therefore also consider any specific instructions issued by the vessel's flag administration when planning verification and rectification.
Passage width and seat arrangement view. Extract from Liberia Maritime Authority's Marine Advisory 18/2026 Rev.1
Recommendations
DNV recommends that owners and managers of vessels fitted with Nishi-F FF-65 free-fall lifeboats, providing a capacity of 25 persons and manufactured from October 2010 onwards, take the following actions to avoid non-compliance and possible PSC deficiencies:
- Identify whether the affected lifeboat model is installed on board.
- Verify the clear passage width against the requirements of LSA Code paragraph 4.7.2.1.
- Contact Nishi-F Co., Ltd. (nfas@nishi-f.com) or an appropriately authorized service supplier for verification and, where required, adjustment of the seating arrangement in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Retain documentation confirming the verification and any corrective measures carried out.
- Contact your relevant class and the vessel's flag administration if non-compliance is identified and cannot be rectified immediately.
For free-fall lifeboats of other make and models, operators are recommended to verify the width of the applicable passageway. For vessels with keels laid on or after 1 July 2010, where the measured width is less than 480 mm, an approved rectification plan should be arranged with the manufacturer in accordance with LSA Code paragraph 4.7.2.1.
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