SOLAS compliance is essential for vessel safety and smooth port operations. Failing inspections leads to costly delays and potential detentions.

Top 5 Failures Found During SOLAS & PSC Inspections

1. Expired Certificates: Liferafts, extinguishers, and radio equipment out of date.
2. Liferaft Deficiencies: Outdated HRUs, damaged canisters, or poor stowage.
3. Fire-Fighting Equipment Issues: Missing extinguishers, low-pressure SCBAs, untested foam.
4. GMDSS Failures: Dead EPIRB batteries, faulty NAVTEX, no VDR APT certificate.
5. Calibration & Gas Detection: Expired or missing calibration certificates.

How to Avoid These Failures

• Keep a digital log of all service certificates.
• Schedule services in advance of port calls.
• Train crew on regular maintenance checks.

Our Support

We provide end-to-end SOLAS compliance services in Saudi Arabia, ensuring zero delays during PSC inspections. Contact us to book inspection support.

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The Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) are critical for safety and collision avoidance. PSC inspectors focus heavily on both.

AIS Inspections

• Verify MMSI, IMO number, and call sign are correctly programmed.
• Check GPS input and display integrity.
• Ensure power supply and backup batteries function.

EPIRB Inspections

• Check battery expiry date.
• Test transmission and strobe light.
• Verify registration with local maritime authority.

How We Assist

Our technicians conduct AIS & EPIRB inspections with immediate certification, minimizing PSC delays. Book an inspection today.

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During fire or smoke emergencies, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD) are essential for crew survival and firefighting operations.

Service Intervals

• Monthly checks: Pressure levels, mask condition, straps, and valves.
• Annual servicing: Hydrotesting of cylinders, regulator inspection.
• EEBD replacement: Every 10 years, or as per OEM guidelines.

Common Failures Found

• Low cylinder pressure due to leakage.
• Damaged or fogged face masks.
• Expired EEBD units not replaced.

Training Matters

Regular crew drills with SCBAs and EEBDs improve response times and reduce risk during real emergencies.

Our Services

We supply, service, and certify SCBAs and EEBDs across Saudi ports. Arrange servicing for your fleet today.

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Foam extinguishes oil and fuel fires by cutting oxygen supply and preventing re-ignition. SOLAS requires annual foam concentrate sampling and testing.

Foam Testing Checklist

• Check foam expansion ratio.
• Test drainage time.
• Analyze foam chemical stability.
• Compare results with OEM specifications.

Common Failures

• Degraded foam concentrate from poor storage.
• Water contamination reducing expansion properties.
• Expired or mislabeled foam drums.

Why Testing Saves Money

Replacing foam is costly. Annual lab testing helps identify usable foam versus degraded stock, reducing unnecessary replacement.

How We Help

We conduct foam sample collection and lab testing, issuing class-approved certificates. Book foam testing for your vessel today.

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Engine rooms are high-risk spaces. CO₂ fire suppression systems are designed to flood the compartment, extinguishing fires instantly. SOLAS requires annual inspections and 2-yearly cylinder weighing or ultrasonic testing.

Annual Testing Requirements

• Check cylinder pressure and weight.
• Inspect release valves, hoses, and piping for leaks.
• Verify alarms and shutdown interlocks.
• Confirm control panel indicators function correctly.

Common Failures Found

• Empty or undercharged cylinders.
• Blocked or corroded nozzles.
• Control panel malfunctions.

Documentation

Keep service reports and cylinder certificates onboard. Inspectors often cross-check these against vessel fire control plans.

Our Support

We provide class-approved CO₂ system servicing in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Our engineers test, weigh, and certify systems for PSC and class compliance. Schedule your CO₂ test today.

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A Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) automatically releases a liferaft if a vessel sinks below 4 meters. It ensures liferafts float free when manual launching is impossible.

Replacement Cycles

• Most HRUs must be replaced every 2 years.
• Check expiry dates stamped on the unit casing.
• Plastic HRUs are disposable, while metal ones may allow testing and recertification.

Installation Requirements

• Mounted between the liferaft lashings and the deck cradle.
• Painters must be properly connected to the weak link.

Common Failures

• Expired HRUs not replaced in time.
• Improper connection of painter lines.
• Storage at incorrect height affecting function.

Stay Compliant

During PSC, expired HRUs are one of the easiest deficiencies to spot. Keep them updated and documented.

Our Support

We stock and install SOLAS-approved HRUs in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Order replacements today.

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SOLAS requires vessels to carry liferafts with enough capacity for all persons onboard. But choosing capacity is not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring survival in emergencies.

Factors to Consider

• Crew Size & Passengers: Calculate total number on board.
• Vessel Type: Cargo, tanker, passenger vessels have different requirements.
• Flag & Class Rules: Some flags require additional spare capacity.
• Redundancy: Distribute liferafts on both sides of the vessel.

Common Mistakes Shipowners Make

• Relying on one oversized raft instead of multiple distributed units.
• Not accounting for temporary workers or riding squads.
• Overlooking HRU expiry and placement height.

Checklist for Compliance

Before departure, verify:

• Liferaft service dates are valid.
• Capacity matches crew/passenger lists.
• Deployment arrangement allows launching on either side.

Our Recommendation

At Offshore Safety Equipment, we supply and service SOLAS-approved liferafts from major OEMs. We ensure correct sizing, stowage, and certification for Saudi and Gulf ports.

Get expert advice on liferaft capacity for your vessel today.

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Lifeboats are a vessel’s last line of defense in emergencies. SOLAS and IMO MSC.402(96) mandate annual and five-year servicing of lifeboats, davits, and release gear by approved service suppliers. Failure to comply risks PSC detentions, fines, and—more importantly—crew safety.

Key Components Inspected

• Release Mechanisms: Testing both on-load and off-load release gear.
• Fall Wires: Checking for wear, greasing, and certification of replacement intervals.
• Hull & Canopy: Inspecting for cracks, leaks, or UV degradation.
• Load Test: Conducted per MSC.402(96) guidelines to ensure strength.

Common Failures Found by Inspectors

• Poorly maintained release gear leading to malfunctions.
• Expired certificates of fall wires.
• Unrecorded or missing 5-year servicing.

Documentation to Keep Onboard

After servicing, the vessel must keep:

• Signed and stamped service report.
• Updated certificates for lifeboats, davits, and release gear.
• Record of load test results.

How Offshore Safety Equipment Helps

Our team provides class-approved lifeboat and davit servicing across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. We ensure compliance, minimize downtime, and provide full reports for PSC inspections.

Request lifeboat servicing today to stay compliant and protect your crew.

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SOLAS requires liferaft inspection by approved stations. Poor stowage, expired HRUs and damaged canisters are common PSC findings.

Your Pre-Port Checklist

• Confirm last service date and certificate validity.
• Verify HRU expiry and painter line condition.
• Check cradle condition, lashings, and markings.

During Service

Technicians inspect canister integrity, inflation, valves, equipment packs, flares and lights. Reports include photos, findings and next due date.

Documentation

Keep the latest certificate and service report onboard. Ensure serial numbers match the raft & canister labels.

Service in KSA & the Gulf

We provide class-approved liferaft servicing with rapid turnaround in Jeddah, Dammam, Yanbu & Gulf ports. Request liferaft service.

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