Dozens of Icelandic Ships Ordered to Undergo New Safety Checks

2026-02-25 - 11:54

Sixty-six Icelandic vessels must undergo renewed safety inspections after regulators determined that previous checks on onboard rubber lifeboats did not meet required standards. As reported by RÚV, the ruling by the Icelandic Transport Authority affects 87 lifeboats. What's the Story? 66 vessels required to undergo new inspections after lifeboat checks invalidated by the Icelandic Transport Authority 87 rubber lifeboats affected; ships considered unseaworthy until re-inspection by approved provider Review identified deficiencies in inspection procedures, documentation and inspector competence; 12 vessels recently at sea Fishing boats moored to the dock in Sauðárkrókur. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. Safety Checks Invalidated The ships are considered unseaworthy until approved service providers verify that the equipment complies with safety regulations. Twelve of the vessels have recently operated at sea. The authority said a review identified shortcomings in the inspection process conducted last year by one service company. Reported issues included insufficient examination of inflatable lifeboats, incomplete documentation and record management, and concerns regarding inspector competency. Supervision of lifesaving equipment inspections was strengthened earlier this autumn after earlier cases revealed deficiencies in boat preparation. Shipowners are now required to arrange fresh inspections to restore certification. The authority has not publicly identified the company involved.