Some 25-person Nishi-F FF-65 freefall lifeboats built since October 2010 have an internal passage narrower than the 480 mm the LSA Code requires.
Some Nishi-F FF-65 freefall lifeboats have an internal passage that is narrower than the minimum clear width of 480 mm required by section 4.7.2.1 of the IMO Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code. The issue affects 25-person FF-65 lifeboats manufactured from October 2010 onwards. The manufacturer has published a letter on it, and the Liberian flag administration has issued Marine Advisory 18/2026.
What to do
- Check the model number and production date of any Nishi-F freefall lifeboats on board.
- For affected units, measure the clear width of the passage to confirm whether it complies.
- If it does not, contact Nishi-F or a local distributor to arrange rectification.
- Notify the vessel's flag administration and class so the deficiency can be controlled until it is put right.