Q.Is it recommended to continue putting FPDs at all times even with vessels having modified hooks as per SOLAS?

Answer 1 Answers

As the intention of modifying hooks go, the FPDs are not required to be used with modified hooks. However, for a practical approach, during drills,  the FPDs can be used for preventing inadvertent occurrences. In an emergency, as is intended by the hooks modification, extra steps of managing FPDs are removed due to design.

Also please note that FPDs also have expiry duration. The use of expired FPDs may cause unwanted results.