VIKING helps owners comply with new lifeboat servicing regulations

From 1 July lifeboats must be serviced by qualified personnel, and to meet this need VIKING has established a specialised Lifeboat Division


New Solas rules regulating the servicing of lifeboats and equipment come into force on 1 July 2006. From this date lifeboat servicing must be performed by certified personnel.

“Shipowners and safety officers will need to find a service supplier they can trust,” says Hans-Henrik Madsen, VIKING’s global service director. “We are ready: VIKING has established a specialised Lifeboat Division with skilled personnel who are qualified to service lifeboats and lifeboat equipment.”

As a manufacturer and supplier of liferafts, MOB boats and other boats worldwide, VIKING has a thorough knowledge of these products, making it the natural choice for lifeboat servicing. With accompanying certification, the company now also services, tests, load tests and repairs lifeboats, MOB boats, PVC boats, lifting bags, self-righting balloons for rescue boats, PU fenders, davits and release hooks.

“We are doing whatever we can to take the hassle away from our customers,” Mr Madsen says. “When you consider the amount of life-saving equipment on board that now needs to be serviced, there are advantages to choosing a supplier that can do all of it. Our ‘total service concept’ includes global competitive pricing, handling specifications and service certificates”.

VIKING has a global network of 270 authorised servicing stations, supported by certified educational programmes, spare parts supply and continually updated online information and manuals. Specialised lifeboat servicing is conducted out of selected locations and can be performed on board ship.