GovWire

Developed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), a new online tool will provide easier search and filtering capabilities for seafarers looking to locate approved service stations for life-saving appliances (LSAs).

The search engine provides users with filterable results to identify MCA-approved service stations across the UK, according to appliance type, manufacturer and service station location.

MCA-approved service stations are annually assessed and certified to carry out servicing work to these devices, which include devices including lifejackets, life rafts, marine evacuation systems (MES) and inflated rescue boats.

All SOLAS-certificated inflatable LSAs for use on board UK ships must be serviced at UK approved service stations, at intervals not exceeding 12 months (unless otherwise exempted).

MCA Life-saving Appliances Lead Robert Stone-Ward said:

Servicing LSA is a legal requirement under SOLAS that ensures that your devices are functioning correctly and will be ready for use in an emergency.

Our new tool is a simple way for seafarers and those with responsibilities for maintaining safety equipment to more easily find an MCA-approved service station for a range of devices, in a location closest to them.

Visit the Find a service station for your inflatable life-saving appliances page to use the tool.