Lifejacket approval withdrawn

There has been a wholesale withdrawl of type-approval for the Italian-made Canepa & Campi Artica lifejackets used during the sinking of the fast ferry Sleipner, which resulted in the loss of 19 lives. The lifejackets, which were originally tested and type-approved by RINA in 1997, failed in operation.

Based on the tests originally carried out by RINA, BV then issued type-approval on the lifejacket. The UK?s Marine and Coastguard Agency issued type-approval based on BV?s approval, and the Norwegian authorities? approval was given on the basis of that from the UK.

Following the incident the Norwegian Maritime Directorate banned the use of the lifejacket, and in January the UK repeated the tests carried out by RINA, resulting in both the UK and BV withdrawing their authorisations. The tests showed the lifejackets were difficult to put on and could leave unconscious people face down, causing them to drown.

BV has asked the manufacturer to stop the supply of these lifejackets and trace all lot numbers sold. RINA?s laboratory will retest the lifejackets.