VNS – Vietnam Ship Services Company provides LSA and FFE inspection for vessels calling at ports and anchorages across Vietnam. LSA stands for life-saving appliances, and FFE stands for fire fighting equipment. Under the SOLAS Convention, ships on international voyages must keep this equipment ready for use and have it inspected and serviced at regular intervals.
We coordinate onboard inspections, testing, repairs and certification at the berth or at anchor, through qualified personnel and approved service facilities in northern, central and southern Vietnam, as applicable to the equipment and scope of work. We also plan the work around the vessel’s port schedule and cargo operations to minimise disruption.
LSA Inspection and Service
Lifeboats and Rescue Boats
We carry out annual and five-yearly inspection of lifeboats and rescue boats from a wide range of makers. The inspection covers the hull and fittings, engine, throttle and fuel system, release mechanism, and the air supply system of enclosed lifeboats, including air cylinder refilling. We also check provisions, drinking water, first aid kits, oars and pyrotechnics. In addition, we arrange the annual thorough examination and five-yearly overhaul of on-load release gear by maker-authorised personnel, together with the operational tests required for the boat and its launching arrangements.
Davits and Launching Appliances
We inspect and maintain davits, winches, falls and brakes. In addition, we carry out load tests on davits and cranes with water bags, using test equipment with a capacity of up to 150 tonnes. Therefore, the launching arrangements can lower and recover the boat safely. Worn wire falls can also be renewed during the same port call.
Liferafts and Hydrostatic Release Units
Liferafts must be serviced at regular intervals at an approved liferaft service station, in line with IMO Resolution A.761(18). We land the liferafts and arrange the service by maker-certified technicians. The service includes opening and cleaning the container, inspecting the raft, replacing expired equipment and pressure-testing the buoyancy chambers. Finally, the raft is repacked, labelled and returned to the vessel with a new service certificate.
The service station is authorised by many liferaft makers, including Yantai Huayang (HYF), Ningbo Neptune, Shanghai Star, Shanghai Haian, Jiangsu Haining and SG Safety. Where the vessel cannot wait, we can also arrange a liferaft exchange. We also renew hydrostatic release units (HRUs) when they reach their expiry date.
Personal Life-Saving Appliances
We inspect lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits and lifebuoy lights and smoke signals. Where an item is damaged or expired, we replace it after agreeing it with the vessel.
FFE Inspection and Service
Portable Fire Extinguishers
We inspect, service and recharge portable and wheeled fire extinguishers. Where required, we also carry out hydrostatic testing of extinguisher cylinders.
Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
We inspect fixed fire extinguishing systems in engine rooms, pump rooms and cargo holds, including CO2, foam, dry powder, sprinkler and water mist systems. For CO2 systems, this includes weighing or level-checking the cylinders and checking the release controls, pipework and alarms. In addition, we check the condition of foam concentrate and dry powder units.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
We test smoke, heat and flame detectors, the fire detection panel, manual call points and the audible and visual alarms. Each detector and alarm is tested for correct response, and any faulty unit is reported or replaced.
Breathing Apparatus (SCBA and EEBD)
We inspect and service self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and emergency escape breathing devices (EEBD). This includes checking the sets and masks, testing the cylinders and refilling the air cylinders.
Fire Hoses, Nozzles and Fireman’s Outfits
We inspect fire hoses, nozzles, hydrants and fireman’s outfits, and we replace defective items when needed.
When You Need LSA and FFE Inspection
- Annual inspection due – the yearly inspection required under SOLAS and the vessel’s class and flag requirements
- Periodic inspections and tests – load tests, on-load release gear examinations and cylinder hydrostatic tests when due under the applicable requirements
- Before a Port State Control inspection – confirming that safety equipment is in order before an expected PSC inspection
- After a deficiency or use – rectifying defects found by PSC or class, or recharging equipment after a drill or an incident
How We Carry Out Your LSA and FFE Inspection
- Enquiry – You send us the vessel details, the LSA and FFE inventory and the due dates.
- Planning – We confirm the scope and schedule the work around cargo operations and the vessel’s port stay.
- Inspection on board – Our technicians inspect and test each item, and we land items that must be serviced ashore, such as liferafts.
- Service and repair – Where we find a defect, we service, recharge or replace the item after agreeing it with the vessel.
- Certificates and report – Finally, we hand over the service certificates issued by the approved service station, together with an inspection report.
VNS coordinates LSA and FFE inspection and servicing through qualified service partners in Vietnam. Depending on the equipment and scope of work, the inspections, tests and servicing are carried out by authorised personnel or approved service stations, which then issue the service certificates. Our main service partner is ISO 9001:2015 certified and holds approvals from classification societies including ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ClassNK, KR, BV, CCS, RINA and VR, as well as from the Panama, Liberia and Bahamas flag administrations. On request, we can provide the relevant approval documents for the vessel’s review. Where the work relates to a Port State Control or class deficiency, the vessel can present the certificates and report to the inspector or surveyor. However, closing the deficiency remains their decision.
What You Receive After the Work
On completion, you receive the service certificates issued by the approved service station for each system and item inspected, together with a report listing the results and the work carried out. For liferafts, you receive the certificates issued by the approved liferaft service station. These documents support your safety management records and can be presented during PSC and class inspections.
Related Services
- Marine Navigation Equipment Repair – radar, ECDIS, gyro compass, GMDSS, EPIRB, SART and VDR service
- Pier and Afloat Ship Repair Services – fire pump, pipe, electrical and steel repairs on board
- Marine NDT Services – crack detection on davits, hooks and lifting equipment
Ports and Anchorages We Cover
VNS provides LSA and FFE inspection at ports and anchorages throughout Vietnam. For the full list of locations, see our Port Call Services page.
Northern Vietnam: Hai Phong, Cai Lan, Cam Pha Anchorage, Hon Gai Anchorage, Nghi Son, Vissai
Central Vietnam: Cua Lo, Vung Ang, Son Duong, Hon La, Da Nang, Dung Quat, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Vinh Tan
Southern Vietnam: Vung Tau, Cai Mep, Phu My, Ho Chi Minh City, Go Gia Anchorage
Request a Quotation for LSA and FFE Inspection
So that we can prepare an accurate quotation, please send us:
- Vessel name, IMO number, port or anchorage and ETA / ETD
- LSA and FFE inventory, or the fire control and safety plan
- Number and type of lifeboats, liferafts, extinguishers, CO2 cylinders, SCBA and EEBD sets
- Due dates of annual and five-yearly items, and the class and flag requirements
- Any PSC or class deficiency to be cleared
VNS – Vietnam Ship Services Company
Head Office – Ho Chi Minh City
No. 8 Hoang Minh Giam Street, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hai Phong Branch
213A Lach Tray Street, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 869 655 569
Email: vietnamshipservice@gmail.com | vns.shiptech@gmail.com
