The Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, 2023 Edition is the International Maritime Organization's book of the technical standards for life-saving equipment required by SOLAS chapter III. It brings together the LSA Code and IMO's recommendations on testing and approving life-saving appliances.

Edition at a glance

What's inside

• The International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code
• Revised Recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances
• Code of practice for the evaluation, testing and acceptance of prototype novel life-saving appliances

Equipment covered

• Personal appliances: lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, anti-exposure suits and thermal protective aids
• Visual signals: parachute rockets, hand flares and buoyant smoke signals
• Survival craft: liferafts, lifeboats and rescue boats
• Launching and embarkation appliances, and marine evacuation systems
• Line-throwing appliances and general alarm systems

Why it matters

The LSA Code has been mandatory under SOLAS chapter III since 1 July 1998. Surveyors and flag administrations check life-saving equipment against it, and makers follow its testing recommendations to get new equipment approved.

Who uses it

Ship operators and safety officers, equipment makers and service stations, surveyors, and flag and class staff who approve and inspect life-saving appliances.