Development concludes for lifeboat release technology

The nine-month development programme is said to stem from knowledge and expertise gained from installing over 400 sets of RocLoc hooks over the past five years. The new version offers, says the company, enhanced functional features which are in-line with the new LSA Code 6.4.7.6 requirements that were ratified by MSC 89 in July 2011, and which will come into force in January, 2013.

The new RocLoc MkII is claimed to be about 30% smaller in overall size, 40% lighter, and iconsiderably simpler to manufacture than the previous versions. Mad Rock says that in addition, it has improved stability by reducing wear on all critical components to a minimum. Following completion of in-house tests, the RocLoc MkII design has been submitted for Flag State type approval under the MSC 89 ratified lifeboat hook LSA Code improvements, and the company expects approval to be issued by early 2012.

“Mad Rock has received a great deal of interest in our RocLoc technology from potential customers since the ratification of the new regulations in July”, stated Dean Pelley, CEO & CTO of Mad Rock. “As with its predecessors, the RocLocTM MkII on-load lifeboat hook system design delivers superior stability performance characteristics while minimizing the time and costs of installations.”

In addition, Mad Rock says that a European patent has now been granted for the RocLoc technology. With an estimated 40,000 ships possibly needing new on-load lifeboat hook systems, the company expects demand for retrofitting to be strong.