The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has moved to set higher standards for all on-load release hooks, and it is expected to include higher standards for existing lifeboats.rnThe maritime industry will be set a massive task when the IMO's new lifeboat recommendations are adopted and enter into force. Some 50,000 merchant ships will need to have new DE52 compliant hooks fitted rather than the on-load release hooks currently fitted to most vessels.rnUntil the recommendations, which cover the hook design, materials and operation, are formally adopted, no-one can be certain what the exact future requirements will be, when they will come into effect and how the backdated requirements will be applied. That will become clear next year when IMO's Maritime Safety Committee meets again.
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