IRS signs off on India's first domestic tanker lifeboat

The approval covers a 120-person lifeboat and a 50-person licensed model.

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has certified India's first domestically manufactured totally enclosed tanker lifeboat.

The Type Approval Certification covers SHM Shipcare Pvt. Ltd.'s SHM PN95FA, a 120-person totally enclosed tanker lifeboat that the company said is the first of its kind manufactured in India.

IRS also certified the SHM KISS 700, a 50-person capacity totally enclosed tanker lifeboat produced under a technology licensing agreement with PALFINGER Marine Europe B.V.

The classification society said that both lifeboat models completed design appraisal, prototype evaluation and testing in line with applicable International Maritime Organization and Safety of Life at Sea requirements.

The classification society said it worked with the manufacturer on regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and testing during the certification process.

"The successful certification of the SHM PN95FA and SHM KISS 700 lifeboats is a proud milestone for SHM Shipcare and a testament to India's growing capabilities in manufacturing advanced maritime safety appliances," said Mohammad Hajee, Director of SHM Shipcare Pvt. Ltd.

P.K. Mishra, Managing Director of IRS, said the certification strengthens India's maritime manufacturing capabilities and supports the country's drive to expand domestic production of maritime safety equipment.