Division .4 Lifeboats and rescue boats shall be lowered at successive drills in accordance with the provision of SOLAS Regulation III/19.3.3.2, 3.3.3, and 3.3.6.F1

If lifeboat and rescue boat launching drills are carried out with the ship making headway, such drills shall, because of the dangers involved, be practised in sheltered waters only and under the supervision of an officer experienced in such drills, having regard to the guidelines in IMO Resolution A.624(15) ‘ Guidelines on training for the purpose of launching lifeboats and rescue boats from ships making headway throw the water ’ , and the guidelines in IMO Resolution A.771(18) ‘ Recommendations on training requirements for crews on fast rescue boats ’ .

The Administration of the flag State may allow ships not to launch the lifeboats on one side if their berthing arrangements in port and their trading patterns do not permit launching of lifeboats on that side. However, all such lifeboats shall be lowered at least once every 3 months and launched at least annually.