How often are life-saving appliances required to be inspected?

Life-saving appliances are crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel on board a vessel. According to maritime safety regulations, these appliances must be inspected annually to verify that they are in good working condition and compliant with safety standards. Additionally, inspections are mandated after each use, particularly for equipment that may have been subjected to stress or operational wear during an emergency situation.

This dual requirement ensures that life-saving appliances are not only functioning properly at the outset of the annual inspection but also that any possible damage or operational failure that may have occurred during actual use is identified and rectified. Such a thorough approach helps guarantee the reliability and effectiveness of safety equipment when it is most needed, ultimately protecting lives.

In contrast, other frequencies of inspection, such as monthly, every two years, or solely before a ship's maiden voyage, do not align with the rigorous safety standards set for maritime operations. Monthly inspections may suggest a level of oversight that is not typically required for life-saving appliances under standard maritime regulations, while inspections every two years or only before initial sailings would not adequately ensure that equipment remains reliable and safe throughout a vessel's operational life.