Lifeboats and their launching systems rely on multiple critical components working together, from davits and winches through to release hooks and control systems.
We provide a complete service covering the full system, ensuring equipment is properly maintained, tested, and certified to meet operational and regulatory requirements.
We support the full lifeboat launching system, including:
Our engineers service manual, electric, and hydraulic davit systems across all major brands. Whether you’re operating hand-cranked equipment on smaller vessels or hydraulic systems handling heavy rescue craft, our engineers are trained and equipped to maintain them to SOLAS standards.
Services include:
Lifeboats and launching appliances require regular inspection and testing in line with SOLAS Chapter III and IMO Resolution MSC.402(96):
Annual inspections: Operational testing, visual examination, and certification.
Five-year inspections: Load testing of davits and winches, thorough mechanical examination, overhaul of critical components, and recertification.
Star handles both inspection types, ensuring full compliance with flag state and class requirements. Keeping these systems properly maintained helps avoid delays, non-conformities, and last-minute work ahead of class surveys.
Our engineers are trained and approved to service equipment from all major manufacturers. Work is carried out in line with SOLAS requirements, flag state and class rules, and manufacturer guidance.
This allows us to support mixed fleets and varied equipment setups with a single, consistent approach.
⚓ Expertise across lifeboats, davits, winches and release hooks
⚓ Multi-brand servicing for commercial, passenger, and offshore vessels
⚓ Fully compliant with SOLAS, flag and class rules
⚓ Fast UK response with mobile inspection teams and integrated logistics
We service all davit systems: manual, electric, and hydraulic. Whether you’ve got a hand-cranked system on a smaller vessel or hydraulic davits handling heavy rescue craft, our engineers are trained and equipped to maintain them to SOLAS and class standards.
Yes. We service manual, electric, and hydraulic winch systems across all major brands. Our engineers carry the tools and spares to handle most repairs onboard.
SOLAS requires annual inspections of all lifeboats, davits, winches, and release mechanisms. Additionally, a more thorough five-year inspection is required, which includes load testing and detailed examination of all mechanical components. We handle both.
SOLAS Chapter III and IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) set out the mandatory requirements. The core requirements are:
Star International is an authorised service provider with certified engineers, so all our work meets these regulatory standards.
The core requirements haven’t changed. Five-year thorough examination, overhaul, overload operational tests, and repair must be conducted by certified personnel of either the manufacturer or an authorised service provider – which is exactly what Star International provides.
From 1st January 2026, annual inspections have included verification of ventilation systems on totally enclosed lifeboats. We’ve already updated our inspection procedures to cover this.
All our work remains fully compliant with SOLAS Chapter III, IMO Resolution MSC.402(96), and class/flag requirements.
The five-year inspection is more comprehensive than annual checks. It includes full load testing of davits and winches, thorough examination of wire ropes and running gear, operational testing of release hooks under load, detailed inspection of mechanical components for wear or corrosion, and recertification to class and flag requirements.
Yes. Our engineers are trained to inspect, maintain, and repair free-fall lifeboats and their launching systems, including release mechanisms, skid tracks, and all associated equipment.
Yes, we service all major manufacturers including Viking, Survitec, Norsafe, Fassmer, and many others. Our multi-brand capability means we can maintain your entire fleet regardless of make or model.
Yes, our mobile teams are set up to work efficiently during short port calls. We coordinate closely with your schedule to minimise disruption and can prioritise urgent repairs to avoid delays.
If we identify any defects or safety concerns, we’ll inform you immediately with a clear explanation of the issue, the risk it poses, and recommended action. Where possible, we’ll carry out repairs on the spot.
For more complex issues, we’ll provide a detailed quote and work with you to schedule the repair at the earliest opportunity.
Yes. We carry common spares for most major brands and can source manufacturer-approved parts quickly when needed. This helps us complete most repairs without delays.
All our engineers are fully trained and hold relevant certifications for lifeboat and launching appliance servicing. We maintain approval from leading classification societies and work strictly to manufacturers’ guidelines and SOLAS requirements.
Yes. We inspect, maintain, and certify Jason’s Cradles for safe personnel transfer. Our engineers handle annual inspections, load testing, and repairs across all major brands.
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