Safety Alert - Technical No.15
LIFEJACKET LIGHTS-Danyang YD1
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The MCA has been informed of fires onboard a ship which took place over a short period of time. The source is suspected as being a version of Chinese-made Danyang YD1 lifejacket lights. Although Danyang YD1 lights are available which are MED approved, we understand that the lights in question do not have the MED wheelmark.
1. Introduction
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has been informed of two fires onboard a non UK registered cruise ship which took place within a short period of time. Following a third party investigation, it was concluded that the likely sources of both fires were defective Danyang YD1 lifejacket lights. Subsequent testing of a batch of these non MED marked lights identified specific problems including failure to operate for a full 8 hours and cases of severe overheating/explosion.
2. Action to be Taken
The MCA advises that in the interest of safety, lifejacket lights should be checked and any non MED lights found should be replaced with the appropriate MED approved lights.
Also, the MCA would welcome receiving any reports from masters of ships, shipping companies and other interested stakeholders, regarding any experiences they have related to this equipment. Such correspondence should be addressed to:
Shipping Safety Branch
Maritime and Coastguard agency
Bay 2/11
Spring Place
105, Commercial Road
SOUTHAMPTON
SO15 1EG
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44(0)23 8032 9100
Fax: +44(0)23 8032 9251
e-mail: shippingsafety@mcga.gov.uk
3. Product Information
Position Indicating Light for LSA Lifejacket light YD1
Non MED type
Close up of Non MED Lifejacket light label
For further information please contact
Shipping Safety Branch,
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Tel: +44 (023) 8032 9114.
Issued: February 2008