Report Text: No painters from any liferaft were attached to any part of the ship construction for automatic activation in case of the vessel sinking. The liferafts were sent ashore for annual service and upon return the chief officer did not ensure the correct securing of the liferaft painters.
Preventative action: Master discussed the issue with all crewmembers during a boat drill briefing and also advised that the liferafts should be checked during weekly routine inspections.
CHIRP Comment
The end of the painter of every liferaft should be secured to a suitable strong point so that on being launched the raft is held to the ship and thereby inflates the liferaft. See MCA’s Marine Guidance Note M343.
