Nishi-F FF-65 Freefall Lifeboat – Safety Advisory
LISCR – Nishi-F Co., Ltd. Freefall Lifeboat Model FF-65 (Capacity: 25 persons)
Publication date: 02 October 2026
This Newsletter informs shipowners, operators and Masters about Liberia Maritime Authority Marine Advisory 18/26 concerning the Nishi-F Co., Ltd. freefall lifeboat (FFLB), model FF-65, with a capacity of 25 persons and manufactured from October 2010 onwards.
Scope and Purpose of Marine Advisory 18/26
Marine Advisory 18/26 concerns a technical issue identified in certain Nishi-F Co., Ltd. freefall lifeboats, model FF-65, with a capacity of 25 persons.
The advisory highlights a non-compliance issue involving the internal passage width of affected lifeboats in relation to the requirements of the IMO Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code.
Affected Lifeboat Model
Manufacturer: Nishi-F Co., Ltd.
Model: FF-65
Capacity: 25 persons
Manufacturing period: October 2010 onwards
Identified Technical Deficiency – Internal Passage Width
The manufacturer has confirmed that, in some FF-65 freefall lifeboats, the passage width inside the lifeboat does not meet the required minimum standard.
Required Passage Width: 480 mm
The required minimum passage width is 480 mm, in accordance with Chapter 4.7.2.1 of the IMO Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code.
The identified issue concerns the available passage width between the seating arrangements inside the affected freefall lifeboats.
ClassNK-Approved Repair Method
A repair method has been approved by ClassNK to address the identified passage-width deficiency.
The approved repair method involves the following modifications:
Adjustment Bracket Installation
Install adjustment brackets on the seat mounting bolts on both sides of the passage.
Seat Position Adjustment
Adjust the position of the seats to provide the required passage clearance.
Seat Angle Adjustment
Adjust the seat angle as part of the approved modification.
Verification of Passage Width
Ensure that the required minimum passage width of 480 mm is achieved following the modifications.
Recommended Attention for Shipowners and Operators
Shipowners and operators with Nishi-F FF-65 freefall lifeboats should review Marine Advisory 18/26 and establish whether their equipment falls within the affected manufacturing period and model specification.
Identify whether the vessel is fitted with a Nishi-F Co., Ltd. FF-65 freefall lifeboat with a capacity of 25 persons.
Check the lifeboat manufacturing date, particularly where the equipment was manufactured from October 2010 onwards.
Review the internal passage width against the 480 mm requirement specified in Chapter 4.7.2.1 of the IMO LSA Code.
Consult the official Marine Advisory and the manufacturer regarding the applicability and implementation of the ClassNK-approved repair method.
Verify that the required passage width is achieved following any applicable modification.
Official Regulatory Reference
Marine Advisory 18/2026
Issuing Authority: Liberia Maritime Authority
Reference: Nishi-F Co., Ltd. Freefall Lifeboat Model FF-65 (Capacity: 25 persons).
The complete Marine Advisory, including the manufacturer's information and supporting photographs, is available through the document link below.