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The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance posted a policy letter, providing for post-installation testing guidance following replacement of on-load release mechanisms (“release hooks”) for lifeboats and rescue boats on all vessels subject to SOLAS Chapter III.

Understanding the intent of the IMO guidance, the Coast Guard has determined that the “5-knot test” may be unnecessary in some circumstances and infeasible in others.

For more information, please view policy letter 16-03.

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