201327 Lifebuoys in storage at sea

I recently took over a ship. As with every ship I join, I asked the 3rd officer ‘I hope you don’t place the lifebuoys in stores at sea?’ The answer was ‘Yes sir, we were instructed by the Master to place them in the stores during a loaded passage’.

The vessel was in port and the company’s QHSE superintendent was also on board for an audit. This was also included in the Audit Findings. We had a safety meeting immediately and the hazards associated
 practice were discussed. All those present at the meeting understood the wrong practice, but never spoke against it. It was also noted that a number of seamen / officers present at the meeting had experienced this practice in the recent past but were scared to go against the Master’s orders or even suggest doing so! This is the third ship in three years where I have found this practice. I wonder how many others there are.

All these ships have had locking pins to secure the lifebuoy in the cradle and ensure it remains in place in case of shipping seas. A securing pin arrangement can easily be fabricated / welded if necessary. However, the lifebuoys need to be in place, whether or not there is a locking pin.