To offer shipowners and managers as much options of cost reductions as possible, German-based LSA service Gmbh focusses on[ds_preview] different measures. For the »Independent Lifeboat Service and Testing Organization« (ILSTO), good maintainance is one part which increases the safety and reduces costs. A further aspect is that vessel crew becomes more familiar with the deck and lifesaving equipment. »Due to lack of this familiarization the safety aspect as actual needs to be improved and will automatic lay to reducing of maintenance costs or replacements of the parts which are out of order«, LSA service says.
As certified ILSTO providers LSA could contribute to cost reductions for inspection and repair comparing to manufacturers’ inspection programs with high costs. »By servicing and inspection of all kind of makers’ and manufacturers’ equipment the knowledge of the engineers is brought on a high level and several systems can be compared.« According to LSA, another aspect of importance is regular operation of deck equipment, as a running system will not seize.
For life raft automatic release gears, LSA offers non-expiry automatic release hook installation. There would be no »back and forwarding costs« arising and the hook could be serviced on the vessel during the five-yearly overhaul inspections.
A topic to bear in mind would be the new implemented IMO 1392 rules. Due to this, the safety standard has come to the next level as well as confidence of the crews to use their life saving equipment. »As due to several flag state requirements these IMO 1392 rules have entered into force for single suspension rescue boat release gear. This has increased costs again as most hooks being of the on-load type and need to be changed for compliant or off-load hooks«, the Bassum-headquartered company says. LSA service had a certified and compliant off-load hook in program with a non-expiry date, it was added. »This solution will reduce the maintenance costs either as several manufacturers are using the overhaul program with forwarding of the hooks to their workshops every five years. This is separate from the costs of a logistic operation with back and forwarding costs.
