Life Saving Appliances

Question 1

LSA

Answer 1

Assess the condition of lifesaving equipment and arrangements, ensuring they are in working order and ready for immediate use before the ship leaves port and at all times during the voyage.

Question 2

General Alarm System

Answer 2

General alarms are used to notify persons on the ship of an emergency situation (or drill), and to summon crew to muster station(s). Verify the following:

• When general alarm is sounded, all entertainment sound systems are interrupted and automatically turned off for the duration of the emergency alarm.
• Audible alarm is sounded throughout the accommodations and normal crew working spaces.
• No sound dampening devices are installed on speakers.

Question 3

Life Jackets

Answer 3

Lifejackets are to be provided for all persons onboard, including non-crew members. Additional lifejackets are to be provided for watchstanders on the ship’s bridge, in the engine control room, at remotely located survival craft stations, and, in general, manned areas where access to individual lifejacket stowage could be impeded during an emergency.

Verify the following:

• Stowage per the fire and safety plan.
• Serviceable condition, with no unapproved modifications. Unapproved modifications can compromise the serviceability of the lifejacket (for example, cylindrical lights inserted into lifejacket by cutting a 1 ½-in.by-3-in. hole, markings covering retro-reflective tape).
• Lifejacket lights are functional or battery expiration date if light cannot be tested. A best practice is to test the lights on the lifejackets stowed specifically for the watchstanders. During the abandon ship drill, have the crew members test lights on their personal lifejackets.
• Whistle function.
• If provided, annual shore-based servicing for inflatable lifejackets.

Question 4

Immersion Suit

Answer 4

Immersion suits provide thermal protection from the elements, in addition to buoyancy. They are required for every person on board cargo ships, including non-crew members. Additional immersion suits are to be provided for watchstanders on the ship’s bridge, in the engine control room, at remotely located survival craft stations, and, in general, manned areas to where access to individual suit stowage could be impeded during an emergency.

Immersion suits may not be required by the administration if the ship, other than a bulk carrier, is constantly engaged in warm climates.

Verify the following:

• Stowage per the fire and safety plan.
• Type of immersion suit. Some immersion suits are worn in conjunction with a lifejacket.
• If not worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, verify immersion suit lights and whistles.
• Serviceable condition – check adhesion seals along seams adjoining the zipper to the suit and ensure there are no unapproved modifications.
• Appropriate size for the crew members.

Question 5

Immersion suit test/requirement

Answer 5

If the immersion suit is worn in conjunction with a lifejacket that requires tying of knots, have the crew unpack and don the immersion suit and lifejacket within two minutes. In most cases, securing a lifejacket while wearing the immersion suit is challenging to don within the required time frame.

Question 6

Anti-Exposure Suits

Answer 6

Verify the following:

• Provided for every person assigned to crew the rescue boat.
• Fitted lights are functional.

Question 7

Life Buoys

Answer 7

Lifebuoys are often examined during the deck walk. Verify the following:

• Required number and physical location per fire and safety plan, (if provided).
• Easily accessible and capable of being rapidly released. In some cases, the light on the lifebuoys can be stowed in a weathertight box that requires additional action impeding it being rapidly cast loose, such as removing wingnuts or unlocking a padlock.
• Man overboard buoys, refer to Chapter 5: Bridge.
• Serviceable condition, including grab lines, color, and retro-reflective material.
• Vessel’s name and registry are marked on lifebuoys.
• At least two lifebuoys have buoyant lifeline.
• Spot-check function of lights.

have a mass of not less than 2.5 kg

If it is intended to operate the quick-release arrangement provided for the self-activated smoke signals and self-igniting lights, have a mass of not less than 4 kg

Question 8

Muster or Embarkation

Answer 8

Ships are provided locations to muster persons onboard and embark in survival craft when abandoning ship. When transiting the accommodations of the ship, look for signs that clearly mark exits and the directions to the muster area(s).

Question 9

Muster & Embarkation Stations

Answer 9

At the muster and embarkation station(s), verify the following:

• No obstructions impeding evacuation routes or muster area(s).
• Adequately illuminated by emergency lighting.
• IMO markings guiding to embarkation station or muster routes are easily seen under emergency lighting (most are photo luminescent)
• If davit launched liferafts are onboard, embarkation has enough space to accommodate a stretcher.
• Muster List or Emergency Instructions:

 Instructions, posters and signs for survival craft are legible and understood by the crew.

 Substitutes for key persons who could become disabled or incapacitated.

 Emergency instructions can be easily seen by emergency lighting.

Question 10

Embarkation Ladders

Answer 10

Verify the following:

• Sufficient length to reach water in lightest seagoing condition.
• Ladders provided at each survival craft location, including remotely located survival craft.
• Condition of ladder(s), including attachments to deck, ropes, rungs, and fasteners.
• No unauthorized repairs.
• If embarkation ladder condition is questionable, deploy over the side to ensure serviceable condition prior to re-stowing

Question 11

Survival Craft

Answer 11

Survival craft include lifeboats, rescue boats, liferafts and marine evacuation systems. Verify required quantities with the SOLAS Safety Equipment Certificate, Form E

Question 12

Lifeboat Safety Features

Answer 12

Verify that appropriate safety features are in place, which can include the following for a gravity-launched pivot davit:

• Davit arms are fully in the upright position, with securing pins in place, preventing release of davit arms.
• Falls in good condition.
• Lifeboat hanging vertically, floating blocks securely seated in the notch of each davit arm, and lifeboat secured in the cradle by the gripes.
• Lifeboat release hooks in the closed position, with O-Ring securely seated in the lifeboat release hooks.
• Inspection pins or maintenance strops in place at the release hook for the examination (remove afterwards).

Question 13

Examine Lifeboat Davit System

Answer 13

Conduct a visual exam of the davit and lifeboat and verify the lifeboat is secured. Also take note of the surroundings, such as condition of the deck and handrails.
Damaged handrails could indicate lifeboat damage, either from dropping or banging into the side of the ship.

Examine the following equipment, paying additional attention to moving parts and those that require lubrication:

• Davit arms with safety pins securing them in place.
• Pivot points.
• Floating blocks.
• Sheaves able to freely turn, evenly spaced with falls riding in the groove.
• Falls are required to be replaced within five years, or more frequently if damaged. Look for broken wires or burrs, thinning/stretching, and verify falls are evenly spooled on the winch drum.
• Winch and controls (including remote pull).
• Proximity/limit switch.
• Gripes.

Question 14

Examine lifeboat Exterior

Answer 14

Examine the boat hull and canopy for general condition, unapproved repairs/modifications (new paint or resin different from the original color can indicate unauthorized repairs.)

Examine markings, including number of persons lifeboat is approved for, ship’s name and port marked on each side, means of identifying the ship to which the lifeboat belongs and visible from above. Be mindful of recent work as markings and retro are occasionally overlooked.

Also examine the following:

• Release hooks (approved type) and mounting hardware. Verify cam is in the fully-closed position, and indicator points to the closed position.
• Rub rail. Is it damaged/missing (potential point of water ingress)?
• Doors, hatches and windows/viewing ports.
• Skates and pudding pads (any damage hidden under them)? • Keel cooler tubes, if applicable.
• Hydrostatic unit (for offload release).
• Exhaust port.
• Hand grab ropes.
• Float plug.

Examine the steering/propulsion unit and have the crewmember perform an operational test. Have operator start engine, demonstrate propeller forward, reverse, and steering side-side (engine ought to start using only battery power, with charger unplugged, and be able to run five minutes out of the water). Verify no damage to directional nozzle, propeller, shaft, and mounting hardware.

Question 15

Examine Lifeboat Interior

Answer 15

Examine the interior of the lifeboat, verifying seating arrangements and condition of lifeboat equipment, including equipment for operation and interior lighting. Verify presence of operating instructions. Spot-check equipment and provisions/rations required by the LSA Code using the inventory list provided by the crewmember responsible for maintenance (typically the third officer). Conduct expanded exam of any hull damage identified while outside the lifeboat.

Question 16

Lifeboat for Tankships

Answer 16

In addition to the above requirements, lifeboats on tank ships carrying flammable cargoes have fire protection. These protections shall provide for the number of persons inside the lifeboat for a period of no less than eight minutes.

If the lifeboat is installed with a water spray system, conduct a visual exam of piping, connections and discharge nozzles, checking for blockages in the nozzles and wastage of the piping. Means shall be provided to flush the system with freshwater and can be utilized to test the system upon expansion.

Typically, the water spray system requires being in the water in order to run the spray and is fitted with a hose for flushing. Furthermore, if the ship carriers’ cargoes emit toxic vapors, verify the lifeboat is fitted with a self-contained air support system.

As a best practice, verify the following:

• Identify number of bottles in system, setting of regulator and relief valve, and verify posted operating instructions.
• Have crewmember turn one bottle on, watch gauge to ensure pressure on gauge matches bottle. Turn valve for bottle off, pause for a few seconds to ensure no “blow-by” or drop in pressure. If satisfactory, bleed off and repeat on other bottles.
• Common errors include blow-by at manifold, leaking connections, inoperable gauges, improper settings or bottles not charged, and crew unfamiliarity with the system.

Question 17

Free fall Lifeboats

Answer 17

Bulk carriers constructed on or after July 1, 2006, are required to carry a freefall lifeboat to provide for rapid abandonment by the persons onboard. Launching arrangements differ from a gravity-pivot davit. The freefall davit has a downward slope, and release procedures often entail a series of pumps on a lever from inside the boat, which positions the boat on the launching system rails, at which point it quickly slides down the rails and enters the water. Videos of freefall lifeboat launching are available online.

Reference (e), SOLAS, provides different requirements for the schedule of operation for freefall lifeboats. All lifeboats are required to be operated in the water at least once every three months. Freefall lifeboats can be lowered into the water versus launching, and then operated.

In addition, if not launched, simulated launching (approved by the administration) can be carried out at least once every six months as an alternative.

While examining the freefall lifeboat, also verify the following:

• Search and rescue locating device (SART) is provided inside the lifeboat.
• Lifeboat is secured in a manner the prevents unintentional release prior to entering (if entering the boat).

Question 18

Open Lifeboats

Answer 18

Rarely encountered anymore during a PSC exam, they occasionally are onboard older ships. See the applicable version of SOLAS based upon the ship’s keel laid date, as these boats precede the LSA Code. Other considerations for open lifeboats include:

 Deterioration due to exposure.

 At least one lifeboat has mechanical propulsion.

 The secondary lifeboat can have other means of propulsion, human or sail.

 Drain plugs installed.

Question 19

Testing Lifeboat Launching Appliance

Answer 19

A best practice is to witness the lifeboat tests during the lifesaving portion of the exam with only essential operating crew present. Some PSCEs prefer to lower the boats during the abandon ship drills, but this requires more crew and the nervousness of the crew could be higher during the drill.

Lower the lifeboat. Ensure that when lowered, there are no persons in the lifeboat and examiner is mindful to place themselves in a safe location while observing in anticipation of any potential accident.

• On cargo ships, the lifeboat shall be capable of being launched in 10 minutes after abandon ship signal is given, as per reference (e), SOLAS.
• During launching and lowering, observe movement of the launching system components.
• Brake test: If lifeboat launching arrangements are such that all crew would board the lifeboat prior to abandoning the ship, ensure that when the brake is freely released by the crewman from the lifted position, no additional assistance or force is used for setting the brake.

Have the crew test the proximity (limit) switch.

Question 20

Rescue Boat

Answer 20

Rescue boats are designed to rapidly deploy and recover in the event of a man overboard, when minutes count. Reference (e), requires launch within five minutes, and recovery within five minutes. Rescue boats are also frequently used to marshal liferafts or MES rafts. Some ships are equipped with separate rescue boats, others designate a lifeboat as a rescue boat. If the ship employs the latter, verify that the launching appliance meets the time requirements for a rescue boat.

NOTE:
A lifeboat with a rescue boat designation often has a two-speed winch, capable of quicker launching and recovery speeds to meet rescue boat requirements.

If the rescue boat is protected by a tarp, or equipment is stowed separately to protect from weathering, that could factor into the time required to launch. Consider these factors, along with the knowledge, organization and responsiveness of the crew when deciding if it is necessary to time the launching. If the drill is timed, ensure all essential personnel assigned to the rescue boat operation are present.

Question 21

Testing the Rescue Boat

Answer 21

Have crew demonstrate how they test the engine, and observe propeller operation ahead and astern, and steering port and starboard. If necessary, have crew provide cooling water prior to starting engine if an outboard.

If testing a water cooled outboard engine, ensure water is run through the unit during testing, otherwise cooling pump failure could result.

Question 22

Launching Appliance test

Answer 22

Verify the launching appliance does not depend on any means other than gravity or stored mechanical power which is independent of the ship’s power supplies. Have the crew turn out the boat from the stowed position and swing out the davit arm if practicable. Test the limit switch.

Question 23

Rescue Boat Equipment

Answer 23

Spot-check equipment required by the LSA Code. Verify markings: Number of persons the rescue boat is approved for, ship’s name and port marked on each side, means of identifying the ship to which the rescue boat belongs to, visible from above, and approval plate. Also verify that the rescue boat has sufficient fuel to operate four hours at six knots

Question 24

Fast Rescue boats

Answer 24

These are capable of making 20 knots or more of speed. Verify rescue boat crew have endorsements to operate the fast rescue boat.

Question 25

Life rafts

Answer 25

Liferafts are required for 100 percent of persons onboard. This is commonly met by providing 100 percent capacity of each side of the ship (for a total of 200 percent capability) unless the crew proves they are able to easily transfer liferafts from one side of the ship to the other. Verify required number and physical location with lifesaving arrangement plan, if provided. Examine the following:

• General condition of liferaft canister, weathertight to ensure no intrusion of elements, no cracks, deterioration of plastic, and sealed.
• Stowage height and painter length appropriate for distance to water in lightest seagoing condition.
• Verify fitted with “SOLAS A PACK,” however, “SOLAS B PACK,” (contains less gear) can be used on passenger ships engaged on short international voyages, as per reference (t), International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, Resolution MSC.48(66), 4.1.5.3.
• Stowage: Ready to launch within five minutes.
• If ship is fitted with a freefall lifeboat, the liferafts on at least one side are served by launching appliances.
• If fitted with a davit launched liferaft, examine the davit for operational readiness. Verify crew training in launching is provided within four months.
• Davit launched liferafts are able to be boarded within three minutes.

Question 26

Life rafts

Answer 26

• Servicing requirements:

 Serviced at an approved facility within previous 12 months,

extensions of up to five months can be granted by Administration beyond the 12 month servicing interval.

 Verify consumables are not expired if extension is given. Liferaft servicing certificate often provides expiration dates of consumables.

• Use of liferafts with intermediate service intervals.

 Some administrations have accepted and approved the use of newer liferafts with extended service intervals. These liferafts are commonly found on cruise ships but are less common on cargo ships. Guidelines for these liferafts are found in reference (ddd), Guidelines for the Approval of Inflatable Liferafts Subject to Extended Service Intervals Not Exceeding 30 Months, MSC.1/Circ. 1328 (series).

If any discrepancies are found, refer to service requirements established by the manufacturer.

• Float-free arrangements:

 Painter attached to ship/weak link. Verify installation meets

manufacturer’s specifications which can be verified in reference (e), SOLAS, Training Manual.

 Mechanical hydrostatic releases serviced within previous 12

months by approved facility, extensions of up to five months can be granted by Administration beyond the 12 month servicing interval.
- Hydrostatic unit approved type for the liferaft.
Less than 25 persons, more than 25 persons, (not EPIRB or VDR).
Expiration date.
- Liferaft (bow or stern) 100 meters from the closest survival craft can be securely fastened so as to permit manual release, as per reference (e).

Question 27

Mass Evacuation System MES

Answer 27

MES enable mass evacuation from a ship in a controlled manner. Due to the rarity of marine evacuation systems on cargo ships.

Question 28

Mutual Recognition Agreement

Answer 28

The USCG has a MRA with the EC, where certain equipment approved by the EC is accepted as meeting USCG equipment approvals and vice versa. The Marine Equipment Directive 2014/90/EU (MED) created a ‘wheelmark’ which is recognized internationally as a label for approved equipment.

Question 29

Two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus

Answer 29

At least 3 two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus shall be provided on every passenger ship and on every cargo ship of 500 gross tonnage and upwards. At least 2 two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus shall be provided on every cargo ship of 300 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage. Such apparatus shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization. * If a fixed two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus is fitted in a survival craft it shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization.

Question 30

SART

Answer 30

At least one search and rescue locating device shall be carried on each side of every passenger ship and of every cargo ship of 500 gross tonnage and upwards. At least one search and rescue locating device shall be carried on every cargo ship of 300 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage. Such search and rescue locating devices shall conform to the applicable performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization † . The search and rescue locating devices ‡ shall be stowed in such location that they can be rapidly placed in any survival craft other than the liferaft or liferafts required by regulation 31.1.4. Alternatively one search and rescue locating device shall be stowed in each survival craft other than those required by regulation 31.1.4. On ships carrying at least two search and rescue locating devices and equipped with free-fall lifeboats one of the search and rescue locating devices shall be stowed in a free-fall lifeboat and the other located in the immediate vicinity of the navigation bridge so that it can be utilized on board and ready for transfer to any of the other survival craft.

Question 31

Lifebuoys

Answer 31

Not less than one half of the total number of lifebuoys shall be provided with lifebuoy self-igniting lights complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.1.2 of the Code; not less than two of these shall also be provided with lifebuoy self-activating smoke signals complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.1.3 of the Code and be capable of quick release from the navigation bridge; lifebuoys with lights and those with lights and smoke signals shall be equally distributed on both sides of the ship and shall not be the lifebuoys provided with lifelines in compliance with the requirements of paragraph 1.2.

1.4 Each lifebuoy shall be marked in block capitals of the Roman alphabet with the name and port of registry of the ship on which it is carried.

Question 32

Life Jackets

Answer 32

A lifejacket complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.1 or 2.2.2 of the Code shall be provided for every person on board the ship and, in addition.

a number of lifejackets suitable for children equal to at least 10% of the number of passengers on board shall be provided or such greater number as may be required to provide a lifejacket for each child;

.4 a sufficient number of lifejackets shall be carried for persons on watch and for use at remotely located survival craft stations. The lifejackets carried for persons on watch should be stowed on the bridge, in the engine control room and at any other manned watch station.

Lifejackets shall be so placed as to be readily accessible and their position shall be plainly indicated.

Question 33

Muster List

Answer 33

This regulation applies to all ships.

2 Clear instructions to be followed in the event of an emergency shall be provided for every person on board. In the case of passenger ships these instructions shall be drawn up in the language or languages required by the ship’s flag State and in the English language.

3 Muster lists and emergency instructions complying with the requirements of regulation 37 shall be exhibited in conspicuous places throughout the ship including the navigation bridge, engine-roomand crew accommodation spaces.

4 Illustrations and instructions in appropriate languages shall be posted in passenger cabins and be conspicuously displayed at muster stations and other passenger spaces to inform passengers of:

.1

.2

.3

their muster station;

the essential actions they must take in an emergency; and

the method of donning lifejackets.

Question 34

Survival craft muster and embarkation arrangements

Answer 34

1 Lifeboats and liferafts for which approved launching appliances are required shall be stowed as close to accommodation and service spaces as possible.

2 Muster stations shall be provided close to the embarkation stations. Each muster station shall have sufficient clear deck space to accommodate all persons assigned to muster at that station, but at least 0.35 m 2 per person.

Muster and embarkation stations shall be readily accessible from accommodation and work areas.

Muster and embarkation stations shall be adequately illuminated by lighting supplied fromthe emergency source of electrical power required by regulation II-1/42 or II-1/43, as appropriate.

Davit-launched and free-fall launched survival craft muster and embarkation stations shall be so arranged as to enable stretcher cases to be placed in survival craft.

Question 35

Liferafts Stowage

Answer 35

Every liferaft shall be stowed with its painter permanently attached to the ship.

4. 2 Each liferaft or group of liferafts shall be stowed with a float-free arrangement complying with the requirements of paragraph 4.1.6 of the Code so that each floats free and, if inflatable, inflates automatically when the ship sinks.
5. 3 Liferafts shall be so stowed as to permit manual release of one raft or container at a time from their securing arrangements.

Davit-launched liferafts shall be stowed within reach of the lifting hooks, unless some means of transfer is provided which is not rendered inoperable within the limits of trim and list prescribed in paragraph 1.2 or by ship motion or power failure.

6 Liferafts intended for throw-overboard launching shall be so stowed as to be readily transferable for launching on either side of the ship unless liferafts, of the aggregate capacity required by regulation 31.1 to be capable of being launched on either side, are stowed on each side of the ship.

Question 36

Rescue Boat Stowage

Answer 36

Rescue boats shall be stowed:

.1 in a state of continuous readiness for launching in not more than 5 min, and if the inflatable type, in a fully inflated condition at all times;

.2 in a position suitable for launching and recovery;

.3 so that neither the rescue boat nor its stowage arrangements will interfere with the operation of any survival craft at any other launching station; and

.4 if it is also a lifeboat, in compliance with the requirements of regulation 13

Question 37

Lifebuoy numbers

Answer 37

Cargo ships shall carry not less than the number of lifebuoys complying with the requirements of regulation 7.1 and section 2.1 of the Code

200 and over in meters Minimum number of lifebuoys = 14

Question 38

Muster List

Answer 38

The muster list shall show the duties assigned to the different members of the crew including:

.1 closing of the watertight doors, fire doors, valves, scuppers, sidescuttles, skylights, portholes and other similar openings in the ship; .2 equipping of the survival craft and other life-saving appliances; .3 preparation and launching of survival craft; .4 general preparations of other life-saving appliances; .5 muster of passengers; .6 use of communication equipment; .7 manning of fire parties assigned to deal with fires; and .8 special duties assigned in respect to the use of fire-fighting equipment and installations.

The muster list shall be prepared before the ship proceeds to sea. After the muster list has been prepared, if any change takes place in the crew which necessitates an alteration in the muster list, the master shall either revise the list or prepare a new list.

Question 39

Lifebuoy self-igniting lights

Answer 39

Self-igniting lights required by regulation III/7.1.3 shall:

• be such that they cannot be extinguished by water;
• be of white colour and capable of either burning continuously with a luminous intensity of not less than 2 cd in all directions of the upper hemisphere or flashing (discharge flashing) at a rate of not less than 50 flashes and not more than 70 flashes per minute with at least the corresponding effective luminous intensity;
• be provided with a source of energy capable of meeting the requirement of paragraph 2.1.2.2 for a period of at least 2 h; and
• be capable of withstanding the drop test required by paragraph 2.1.1.6.

Question 40

Lifebuoy self-activating smoke signals

Answer 40

Self-activating smoke signals required by regulation III/7.1.3 shall:

• emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of at least 15 min when floating in calm water;
• not ignite explosively or emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time of the signal;
• not be swamped in a seaway;
• continue to emit smoke when fully submerged in water for a period of at least 10 s;
• be provided with a quick-release arrangement that will automatically release and activate the signal and associated self-igniting light connected to a lifebuoy having a mass of not more than 4 kg.

Question 41

Liferaft Equipments

Answer 41

The normal equipment of every liferaft shall consist of:

.1 one buoyant rescue quoit, attached to not less than 30 m of buoyant line;

.2

one knife of the non-folding type having a buoyant handle and lanyard attached and stowed in a pocket on the exterior of the canopy near the point at which the painter is attached to the liferaft. In addition, a liferaft which is permitted to accommodate 13 persons or more shall be provided with a second knife which need not be of the non-folding type;

.3

for a liferaft which is permitted to accommodate not more than 12 persons, one buoyant bailer. For a liferaft which is permitted to accommodate 13 persons or more, two buoyant bailers;

.4 .5

.6 .7

.8

two sponges;

two sea-anchors each with a shock-resistant hawser and tripping line if fitted, one being spare and the other per-manently attached to the liferaft in such a way that when the liferaft inflates or is waterborne it will cause the liferaft to lie oriented to the wind in the most stable manner. The strength of each sea-anchor and its hawser and tripping line if fitted shall be adequate in all sea conditions. The sea-anchors shall have means to prevent twisting of the line and shall be of a type which is unlikely to turn inside out between its shroud lines. The sea-anchor permanently attached to davitlaunched liferafts and liferafts fitted on passenger ships shall be arranged for manual deployment only. All other liferafts are to have the sea-anchor deployed automatically when the liferaft inflates;

two buoyant paddles;

three tin-openers and a pair of scissors. Safety knives containing special tin-opener blades are satisfactory for this requirement;

one first-aid outfit in a waterproof case capable of being closed tightly after use;

.9 .10

.11

.12

.13

.14

.15

.16

.17 .18

one whistle or equivalent sound signal;

four rocket parachute flares complying with the requirements of section 3.1;

six hand flares complying with the requirements of section 3.2;

two buoyant smoke signals complying with the requirements of section 3.3;

one waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signalling together with one spare set of batteries and one spare bulb in a waterproof container;

an efficient radar reflector, unless a survival craft radar transponder is stowed in the liferaft;

one daylight signalling mirror with instructions on its use for signalling to ships and aircraft;

one copy of the life-saving signals referred to in regulation V/29 on a waterproof card or in a waterproof container;

one set of fishing tackle;

a food ration consisting of not less than 10,000 kJ (2,400 kcal) for each person the liferaft is permitted to accommodate. These rations shall be palatable, edible throughout the marked life, and packed in a manner which can be readily divided and easily opened, taking into account immersion suit gloved hands.*

The rations shall be packed in permanently sealed metal containers or vacuum packed in a flexible packaging material with a negligible vapour transmission rate (< 0.1 g/m 2 per 24 h at 23ºC/85% relative humidity) when tested to a standard acceptable to the Administration. Flexible packaging materials shall be further protected by outer packaging, if needed, to prevent physical damage to the food ration and other items as result of sharp edges. The packaging shall be clearly marked with date of packing and date of expiry, the production lot number, the content in the package and instructions for use. Food rations complying with the requirements of an international standard acceptable to the Organization * are acceptable in compliance with these requirements;

19

.20

1.5 ℓ of fresh water for each person the liferaft is permitted to accommodate, of which either 0.5 ℓ per person may be replaced by a de-salting apparatus capable of producing an equal amount of fresh water in two days or 1 ℓ per person may be replaced by a manually powered reverse osmosis desalinator, as described in paragraph 4.4.7.5, capable of producing an equal amount of fresh water in two days.

21

.22 .23 .24

anti-seasickness medicine sufficient for at least 48 h and one seasickness bag for each person the liferaft is permitted to accommodate;

*instructions on how to survive;

instructions for immediate action; and

thermal protective aids complying with the requirements of section 2.5 sufficient for 10% of the number of persons the liferaft is permitted to accommodate or two, whichever is the greater.

Question 42

Hydrostatic release units

Answer 42

f a hydrostatic release unit is used in the float-free arrangements, it shall:

.1 be constructed of compatible materials so as to prevent malfunction of the unit. Galvanizing or other forms of metallic coating on parts of the hydrostatic release unit shall not be accepted; .2 automatically release the liferaft at a depth of not more than 4 m; .3 have drains to prevent the accumulation of water in the hydro-static chamber when the unit is in its normal position; .4 be so constructed as to prevent release when seas wash over the unit; .5 be permanently marked on its exterior with its type and serial number; .6 be permanently marked, on the unit or identification plate securely attached to the unit, with the date of manufacture, type and serial number and whether the unit is suitable for use with a liferaft with a capacity of more than 25 persons; .7 be such that each part connected to the painter system has a strength of not less than that required for the painter; and .8 if disposable, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph 4.1.6.3.6, be marked with a means of determining its date of expiry.

Question 43

Lifeboat Inspection

Answer 43

Each lifeboat shall be fitted with a permanently affixed approval plate, endorsed by the Administration or its representative, containing at least the following items:

.1 manufacturer’s name and address; .2 lifeboat model and serial number; .3 month and year of manufacture; .4 number of persons the lifeboat is approved to carry; and .5 the approval information required under paragraph 1.2.2.9. Each production lifeboat shall be provided with a certificate or declaration of conformity which, in addition to the above items, specifies:

.6 .7

number of the certificate of approval;

material of hull construction, in such detail as to ensure that compatibility problems in repair should not occur;

.8 total mass fully equipped and fully manned; .9 the measured towing force of the lifeboat; and .10 statement of approval as to sections 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8 or 4.9.

Question 44

Lifeboat equipment

Answer 44

.1

except for free-fall lifeboats, sufficient buoyant oars to make headway in calm seas. Thole pins, crutches or equivalent arrangements shall be provided for each oar provided. Thole pins or crutches shall be attached to the boat by lanyards or chains;

.2 .3 .4 .5

.6

.7

two boat-hooks;

a buoyant bailer and two buckets;

*

a survival manual;

an operational compass which is luminous or provided with suitable means of illumination. In a totally enclosed lifeboat, the compass shall be permanently fitted at the steering position; in any other lifeboat, it shall be provided with a binnacle, if necessary to protect it from the weather, and suitable mounting arrangements;

a sea-anchor of adequate size fitted with a shock-resistant hawser which provides a firm hand grip when wet. The strength of the sea-anchor, hawser and tripping line, if fitted, shall be adequate for all sea conditions;

two efficient painters of a length equal to not less than twice the distance from the stowage position of the lifeboat to the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 15 m, whichever is the greater. On lifeboats to be launched by free-fall launching, both painters shall be stowed near the bow ready for use. On other lifeboats, one painter attached to the release device required by paragraph 4.4.7.7 shall be placed at the forward end of the lifeboat and the other shall be firmly secured at or near the bow of the lifeboat ready for use;

.8 .9

.10 .11 .12

.13 .14 .15 .16

.17 .18 .19 .20 .21 .22

two hatchets, one at each end of the lifeboat;

watertight receptacles containing a total of 3 ℓ of fresh water as described in paragraph 4.1.5.1.19 for each person the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate, of which either 1 ℓ per person may be replaced by a desalting apparatus capable of producing an equal amount of fresh water in two days or 2 ℓ per person may be replaced by a manually powered reverseosmosis desalinator, as described in paragraph 4.4.7.5, capable of producing an equal amount of fresh water in two days;

a rustproof dipper with lanyard;

a rustproof graduated drinking vessel;

a food ration as described in paragraph 4.1.5.1.18 totalling not less than 10,000 kJ for each person the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate; these rations shall be kept in airtight packaging and be stowed in a watertight container;

four rocket parachute flares complying with the requirements of section 3.1;

six hand flares complying with the requirements of section 3.2;

two buoyant smoke signals complying with the requirements of section 3.3;

one waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signalling together with one spare set of batteries and one spare bulb in a waterproof container;

one daylight signalling mirror with instructions for its use for signalling to ships and aircraft;

one copy of the life-saving signals prescribed by regulation V/29 on a waterproof card or in a waterproof container;

one whistle or equivalent sound signal;

a first-aid outfit in a waterproof case capable of being closed tightly after use;

anti-seasickness medicine sufficient for at least 48 h and one seasickness bag for each person;

a jack-knife, to be kept attached to the boat by a lanyard; 23 .24 .25 .26 .27 .28 .29

three tin-openers;

two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to not less than 30 m of buoyant line;

if the lifeboat is not automatically self-bailing, a manual pump suitable for effective bailing;

one set of fishing tackle;

sufficient tools for minor adjustments to the engine and its accessories;

portable fire-extinguishing equipment of an approved type suitable for extinguishing oil fires; *

a searchlight with a horizontal and vertical sector of at least 6° and a measured luminous intensity of 2,500 cd which can work continuously for not less than 3 h;

.30 .31

.32

an efficient radar reflector, unless a survival craft radar transponder is stowed in the lifeboat;

thermal protective aids complying with the requirements of section 2.5 sufficient for 10% of the number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate or two, whichever is the greater; and

in the case of ships engaged on voyages of such a nature and duration that, in the opinion of the Administration, the items specified in paragraphs 4.4.8.12 and 4.4.8.26 are unnecessary, the Administration may allow these items to be dispensed with.

Question 45

Lifeboat markings

Answer 45

The number(s) of persons for which the lifeboat is approved, for passenger ships and/or cargo ships, as applicable, shall be clearly marked on it in clear permanent characters.

4. 4.9.2 The name and port of registry of the ship to which the lifeboat belongs shall be marked on each side of the lifeboat’s bow in block capitals of the Roman alphabet.
5. 4.9.3 Means of identifying the ship to which the lifeboat belongs and the number of the lifeboat shall be marked in such a way that they are visible from above.

Question 46

Lifeboats with a self-contained air support system

Answer 46

In addition to complying with the requirements of section 4.6 or 4.7, as applicable, a lifeboat with a self-contained air support system shall be so arranged that, when proceeding with all entrances and openings closed, the air in the lifeboat remains safe and breathable and the engine runs normally for a period of not less than 10 min. During this period the atmospheric pressure inside the lifeboat shall never fall below the outside atmospheric pressure nor shall it exceed it by more than 20 hPa. The system shall have visual indicators to indicate the pressure of the air supply at all times.

Question 47

Fire-protected lifeboats

Answer 47

In addition to complying with the requirements of section 4.8, a fire-protected lifeboat, when waterborne, shall be capable of protecting the number of persons it is permitted to accommodate when subjected to a continuous oil fire that envelops the lifeboat for a period of not less than 8 min.