Technical information
The rules behind the work, in plain words.
Short guides for superintendents and masters: what the IMO instruments require, which dates matter and what to have ready for the surveyor. Each guide lists the sources it was checked against.
Enclosed spaces
Gas detectors for enclosed space entry: SOLAS XI-1/7, calibration and bump tests
What the portable atmosphere testing instrument must measure, how often it is calibrated and bump tested, what the 2025 entry recommendations add, and what PSC checks.
Reviewed 4 October 2026 · Gas detection & calibration
Fire-fighting
Fixed CO₂ systems: what is checked monthly, every two, five, ten and twenty years
The maintenance schedule for fixed CO₂ fire-extinguishing systems under MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1, the cylinder testing regime, the Dutch flag deadline and the safety rules for working on the system.
Reviewed 4 October 2026 · Fixed fire-fighting systems
Life-saving appliances
Lifeboats, davits and release gear: what MSC.402(96) requires
Who may examine lifeboats, rescue boats, davits and release gear, how service providers are authorised, the annual and five-yearly tests, and the paperwork to keep.
Reviewed 4 October 2026 · Lifeboats & davits, Load testing
Life-saving appliances
Liferafts and HRUs: service intervals, extensions and approved stations
How often inflatable liferafts and hydrostatic release units must be serviced, when 17, 18 or 30 months is allowed, what the service station must test and what to check when the raft comes back.
Reviewed 4 October 2026 · Liferafts & HRUs
Fire-fighting
PFOS foam ban on ships: what to do before your next survey
Since 1 January 2026 SOLAS bans fire-extinguishing media containing PFOS. What counts, how flag and class check it, and the order of work for replacing the foam.
Reviewed 4 October 2026 · PFOS-free foam, Fixed fire-fighting systems
Pilot transfer
Pilot ladders: the new SOLAS V/23 rules from 2028
What changes for pilot transfer arrangements on 1 January 2028, what applies to existing ships, the 36/30-month replacement rule and what to prepare now.
Reviewed 4 October 2026 · Pilot ladders
These guides are planning aids, not legal advice. The current text of SOLAS and the referenced codes and circulars, your flag's interpretation and the maker's instructions always take precedence.
Request service
Tell us the ship and the port. We will take it from there.
A vessel name, an IMO number and an ETA are enough to get a quote moving. Attach last year's certificates if you have them.