MARINE NOTICE 3 / 2010:
Defect with Veleria S. Giorgio ALTURA Lifebuoys
Supersedes Marine Notice 17/2009
The purpose of this Marine Notice is to draw attention to potential defects that may be found with lifebuoys supplied by Veleria S. Giorgio of Italy.
This issue has been brought to the attention of AMSA by an Australian operator who tested lifebuoys on their vessel and found some did not float. It is also noted that the press have reported that a number of Swedish passenger RO-RO ferries found similar problems with lifebuoys supplied by Veleria S. Giorgio.
Investigations have revealed that in some cases, the buoyancy foam within the plastic shell has shrunk and water has entered through a 15 millimetre hole in the shell. This hole is usually covered by the retroreflective tape.
The defect appears to be confined to the following model:
ALTURA 2.5 kg, produced by Veleria San Giorgio
Production lot 01/04 (as marked on the lifebuoys)
If this model lifebuoy is found onboard, the following rectification action is recommended:
- Companies call the relevant Class Society to confirm if lifebuoys have this defect and, if so, seek prompt renewal; or
- Companies arrange the renewal of lifebuoys in any case.
The information to hand does not indicate all lifebuoys supplied by Veleria S. Giorgio are defective, nor is it the intention of this Notice to suggest that this is the case. However, operators are advised to check the manufacturer of all lifebuoys carried on their vessels, and if these are a Veleria S. Giorgio product then they should be inspected and tested to confirm they are free of defects.
If any defects are noted with such lifebuoys, corrective action is to be taken and the Manager, Ship Inspections should be informed using the incident reporting system which is described at: www.amsa.gov.au/Shipping_Safety/Incident_Reporting/
Such reports should include full details of the item in question (model, lot number, date of manufacture etc) and the nature of the defect.
AMSA reminds vessel operators that they are obligated to regularly inspect all life saving appliances, irrespective of manufacturer, to ensure they are free of defects, either as a result of damage or how they are manufactured.
Graham Peachey
Chief Executive Officer
1 February 2009
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181,
Canberra City ACT 2601
File No: 018236
Internet Address for all current Marine Notices: www.amsa.gov.au