New product agreements designed to aid supply
July 1 2014 saw IMO resolutions MSC338 (91) and MSC339 (91) addressing breathing apparatus and man overboard recovery systems become mandatory. For man overboard recovery systems, the updated regulations require that: “all ships shall have ship-specific plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the water, taking into account the guidelines developed by the IMO. The plans and procedures shall identify the equipment intended to be used for recovery purposes and measures to be taken to minimise the risk to shipboard personnel involved in recovery operations”.
Reflecting the fact that different vessels will have varying set-ups that might determine which is the best solution for them, Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) works with its customers on an individual basis to find the best compliance solutions. “WSS sees itself as a safety partner, one which can take care of the customers’ safety schedules, arrange servicing and carrying out any necessary product repairs or replacements,” says Andrew Sheriff, business manager for safety and refrigeration equipment. “We provide a dedicated online portal for our customers where each of the vessels’ safety certificates, safety service histories and due dates can be accessed anytime, anywhere.” The company’s range of around 200 products includes immersion suits, lifebuoys, liferafts, lifejackets, location lights and storage cabinets.
