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A davit is a crane-like piece of equipment used to raise and lower lifeboats from the side of a vessel and is of course of critical importance in emergencies. Correct maintenance of the davits and lifeboats can of course mean the difference between life and death and consequently, IMO – the International Maritime Organization – has issued clear and very strict guidelines on the inspection and maintenance of the life-saving equipment.

Until recently, the received opinion in the maritime sector has been that according to IMO guidelines only the manufacturers are qualified to inspect and service the equipment. This is, however, a misinterpretation and not a fact. The IMO guidelines underline that everyone with the right education, authorizations and practical experience can inspect and service davits and lifeboats – NOT only the manufacturers. Nevertheless, a strong IMO emphasis on practical experience has enabled the manufacturers to establish a difficult-to-break self-proclaimed monopoly. Because who else has lifeboats and davits to practice on apart from the manufacturers?

The manufacturers-only monopoly is, however, about to be broken. At the maritime training and education centre MARTEC in Frederikshavn, Denmark, a lifeboat and davit are part of the schools facilities and in cooperation with the maritime service provider Hytek A/S, the school now offers a customized education enabling the participants to inspect lifeboats and davits. The education at MARTEC gives the participants the necessary theoretical knowledge as well as the essential practical experience all in compliance with IMO guidelines.

So far one class has completed the new education. Among the first participants were employees from Hytek A/S enabling the company to offer its customers the complete package including inspection and service of lifeboats, davits and cranes. Hytek A/S is approved by all flag states and is as one of the only companies in the market capable of inspecting and servicing all kinds of lifeboats, davits and cranes regardless of the manufacture, no matter what flag the vessel is registered under and where in the world the ship is anchored.

At present, Hytek A/S and MARTEC have a new project in the pipeline: an education that enables the participants to inspect and service lifting appliances in compliance with all international rules and regulations. The establishment of a mobile education center is also part of the plans for the future. With a mobile education center, service engineers and technicians are capable of upgrading their skills no matter where they are stationed.