BoatNerd.Com Discussion Boards

Here is part of the Federal Register which covers the Great Lakes and lifesaving equipment aboard US-flag Great Lakes vessels. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1996-05-20/pdf/96-11777.pdf

US-flagged Great Lakes vessels and Canadian vessels that operate west of a straight line from Capedes Rosiers to West Point, Anticosti Island and, on the north side of Anticosti Island, the 63rd Meridian do not have to meet SOLAS.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-I/subchapter-I-A/part-107/subpart-D/

Only CSL removed the freefall lifeboats not any of the Algoma bulkers or tankers

[quote=GuestfromEU post_id=249692 time=1657583685 user_id=11382]
It may be the first US flag lake ship with a free fall lifeboat, but other US flag ships built for ocean trading have been fitted with free fall lifeboats for 30+ years.

Open lifeboats have not been replaced as US flag ships on the lakes are not subject to SOLAS requirements. The USCG has authorized replacement of lifeboats with motorized rescue boats and rafts on the Great Lakes. There are restrictions to this, but likely applicable only to ships that trade into the Gulf of St Lawrence.
[/quote]

I wonder why they are exempt from SOLAS?

For the vast majority of the existing lakers with all-cabins aft, it's very difficult to install a free-falling lifeboat as the superstructure would require significant modification. Yes, the Canadian vessels built in China came with free-falling lifeboats, but they were quickly removed once they entered service on the lakes.

It may be the first US flag lake ship with a free fall lifeboat, but other US flag ships built for ocean trading have been fitted with free fall lifeboats for 30+ years.

Open lifeboats have not been replaced as US flag ships on the lakes are not subject to SOLAS requirements. The USCG has authorized replacement of lifeboats with motorized rescue boats and rafts on the Great Lakes. There are restrictions to this, but likely applicable only to ships that trade into the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Regardless of foreign builds being reflagged Canadian, its the first US Flag vessel with a free-fall lifeboat. Frankly, after El Faro and considering the water temperatures in the Lakes for most of the season, its shameful none of the US flag carriers haven't ditched their ancient uncovered davit boats for more modern lifesaving equipment. But profit is profit I suppose

I think it's the first US Flag Laker with a free fall stern lifeboat.

puting aside the current mark w. barker the last essel to be built {laker} was the paterson in 1985

None of those were built on the Lakes, right?

What I read was the first time a stern lifeboat had been deployed.....

The news today mentioned that the Mark Barker was the first rear mounted lifeboat launched on any of the lakes and that isn’t even close to being correct all the new Algoma vessels have them starting with the equinox but the Algoma tankers came with them even before that fyi