LSA - Lifebuoys, Lifejackets, Immersion Suits, Anti Exposure Suits, Thermal Protective Aids

Question 1

What construction specifications must lifebuoys meet to fulfill the requirements of the code?

Answer 1

• Have an outer diameter not more than 800mm and inner diameter not less than 400mm.
• Be capable of supporting not less than than 14.5kg of iron in fresh water for not less than 24h.
• Have a mass not less than 2.5kg other than for MOB lifebuoy which is not less than 4kg.
• Be fitted with a grabline not less than 9mm in diameter and not less than 4 times the outer body diameter in length.
• Should not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in fire for 2 seconds.
• To withstand a drop into water from height at which it is stowed above waterline in lightest sea going condition or 30 metres whichever is
  greater without impairing its operating capability.
• Each lifebuoy shall be marked with name of ship and port of registry.

Question 2

As per SOLAS how should lifebuoys be distributed?

Answer 2

So distributed as to be readily available on both sides of the ship and as far as practicable on all open decks extending to the ship’s side; at
least one shall be placed in the vicinity of the stern.

So stowed as to be capable of being rapidly cast loose, and not permanently secured in any way.

At least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline complying with the requirements of the Code equal in length
to not less than twice the height at which it is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition, or 30 mtr, whichever is the greater.

Not less than one-half of the total number of lifebuoys shall be provided with lifebuoy self-igniting lights, not less than two of these shall also be
provided with lifebuoy self-activating smoke signals complying with the requirements the Code and be capable of quick release from the navigation
bridge;

Question 3

What requirements must self igniting lights meet?

Answer 3

That they cannot be extinguished by water.

To be of white colour and flash not less than 50fpm and not more than 70fpm.

To be provided with a source of energy capable of sustaing power for at least 2 hours.

Question 4

What requirements must self activating smoke signals meet?

Answer 4

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 10s.

Be capable of withstanding the drop test into the water from the height at which it is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or
30 m, whichever is the greater, without impairing either its operating capability or that of its attached components.

Question 5

What requirements must buoyant lifelines meet?

Answer 5

Be non-kinking.

Have a diameter of not less than 8 mm.

Have a breaking strength of not less than 5 kN.