International Life-Saving Appliance Code

International Life-Saving Appliance Code

Preamble

1.The purpose of this Code is to provide international standards for life-saving appliances required by Chapter III of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974.

2.On and after 1 July 1998, the requirements of this Code will be mandatory under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended. Any future amendments to the Code will be adopted and brought into force in accordance with the procedure laid down in article VIII of that Convention.

Chapter I

General

Definitions

1.1.1Convention means the International Convention for the Safety of life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

1.1.2Effective clearance of the ship is the ability of the free-fall lifeboat to move away from the ship after free-fall launching without using its engine.

1.1.3Free-fall acceleration is the rate of change of velocity experienced by the occupants during launching of a free-fall lifeboat.

1.1.4Free-fall certification height is the greatest launching height for which the lifeboat is to be approved, measured from the still water surface to the lowest point on the lifeboat when the lifeboat is in the launch configuration.

1.1.5Launching ramp angle is the angle between the horizontal and the launch rail of the lifeboat in its launching position with the ship on even keel.

1.1.6Launching ramp length is the distance between the stern of the lifeboat and the lower end of the launching ramp.

1.1.7Regulation means a regulation contained in the annex to the Convention.

1.1.8Required free-fall height is the greatest distance measured from the still water surface to the lowest point of the lifeboat when the lifeboat is in the launch configuration and the ship is in its lightest seagoing condition.

1.1.9Retro-reflective material is a material which reflects in the opposite direction a beam of light directed on it.

1.1.10Water-entry angle is the angle between the horizontal and the launch rail of the lifeboat when it first enters the water.

1.1.11The terms used in this Code have the same meaning as those defined in regulation III/3.

1.2General requirements for life-saving appliances

1.2.1Paragraph 1.2.2.7 applies to life-saving appliances on all ships.

1.2.2Unless expressly provided otherwise or unless, in the opinion of the Administration having regard to the particular voyages on which the ship is constantly engaged, other requirements are appropriate, all life-saving appliances prescribed in this part shall:

.1be constructed with proper workmanship and materials;

.2not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range -30°C to +65°C;

.3if they are likely to be immersed in seawater during their use, operate throughout the seawater temperature range -1°C to +30°C;

.4where applicable, be rot-proof, corrosion-resistant, and not be unduly affected by seawater, oil or fungal attack;

.5where exposed to sunlight, be resistant to deterioration;

.6be of highly visible colour on all parts where this assist detection;

.7be fitted with retro-reflective material where it will assist in detection and in accordance with the recommendations of the Organization;

.8if they are to be used in a seaway, be capable of satisfactory operation in that environment;

.9be clearly marked with approval information, including the Administration which approved it and any operational restrictions; and

.10where applicable, be provided with electrical short-circuit protection to prevent damage or injury.

1.2.3The Administration shall determine the period of acceptability of life-saving appliances which are subject to deterioration with age. Such life-saving appliances shall be marked with a means for determining their age or the date by which they must be replaced. Permanent marking with a date of expiry is the preferred method of establishing the period of acceptability. Batteries not marked with an expiration date may be used if they are replaced annually, or in the case a secondary battery (accumulator), if the condition of the electrolyte can be readily checked.

Chapter II

Personal life-saving appliances

Lifebuoys

2.1.1Lifebuoy specification

Every lifebuoy shall:

.1have an outer diameter of not more 800 mm and an inner diameter of not less 400 mm;

.2be constructed of inherently buoyant material; it shall not depend upon rushes, cork shavings or granulated cork, any other loose granulated material or any air compartment which depends on insulation for buoyancy;

.3be capable of supporting not less than 14.5 kg of iron in fresh water for a period of 24h;

.4have a mass of not less than 2.5 kg;

.5not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 s;

.6be constructed to withstand a drop into the water from the height at which it is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 30 m, whichever is greater, without impairing either its operational capability or that of its attached components;

.7if it is intended to operate the quick-release arrangement provided for the self-activated smoke signals and self igniting lights, have a mass sufficient to operate the quick-release arrangement; and

.8be fitted with a grabline not less than 9.5 mm in diameter and not less than four times the outside diameter of the body of the buoy in length. The grabline shall be secured at four equidistant points around the circumference of the buoy to form four equal loops.

2.1.2Lifebuoy self-igniting lights

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

.1be such that they cannot be extinguished by water;

.2be of white color 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 not less than 50 flashes and not more than 70 flashes per minute with at least the corresponding effective luminous intensity;

.3be provided with a source of energy capable of meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.1.2.2 for a period of at least 2 h; and

.4be capable of withstanding the drop test required by paragraph 2.1.1.6.

2.1.3Lifebuoy self-activating smoke signals

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

.1emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of at least 15 min when floating in calm water;

.2not ignite explosively or emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time of the signal;

.3not be swamped in a seaway;

.4continue to emit smoke when fully submerged in water for a period of at least 10 s; and

.5be capable of withstanding the drop test required by paragraph 2.1.1.6.

2.1.4Buoyant lifelines

Buoyant lifelines required by regulation III/7.1.2 shall:

.1be non-kinking;

.2have a diameter of not less than 8 mm; and

.3have a breaking strength of not less than 5 kN.

Lifejackets

2.2.1General requirements for lifejacket’s

2.2.1.1A lifejacket shall not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 s.

2.2.1.2An adult lifejacket shall be so constructed that:

.1at least 75% of persons, who are completely unfamiliar with the lifejacket, can correctly don it within a period of 1 min without assistance, guidance or prior demonstration;

.2after demonstration, all persons can correctly don it within a period of 1 min without assistance;

.3it is clearly capable of being worn in only one way or, as far as is practicable, cannot be donned incorrectly;

.4it is comfortable to wear; and

.5it allows the wearer to jump from a height of at least 4.5 m into the water without injury and without dislodging or damaging the lifejacket.

2.2.1.3An adult lifejacket shall have sufficient buoyancy and stability in calm fresh water to:

.1lift the mouth of an exhausted or unconscious person not less than 120 mm clear of the water with the body inclined backwards at an angle of not less than 20° from the vertical position; and

.2turn the body of an unconscious person in the water from any position to one where the mouth is clear of the water in not more than 5 s.

2.2.1.4An adult lifejacket shall allow the person wearing it to swim a short distance and to board a survival craft.

2.2.1.5A child lifejacket shall be constructed and perform the same as an adult lifejacket except as follows:

.1donning assistance is permitted for small children;

.2it shall only be required to lift the mouth of an exhausted or unconscious wearer clear of the water a distance appropriate .to the size of the intended wearer; and

.3assistance may be given to board a survival craft, but wearer mobility shall not be significantly reduced.

2.2.1.6In addition to the markings required by paragraph 1.2.2.9, a child lifejacket shall be marked with:

.1the height or weight range for which the lifejacket will meet the testing and evaluation criteria recommended by the Organization[*]; and

.2a "child" symbol as shown in the "child's lifejacket" symbol adopted by the Organization[†].

2.2.1.7A lifejacket shall have buoyancy which is not reduced by more than 5% after 24 h submersion in fresh water.

2.2.1.8Each lifejacket shall be fitted with a whistle firmly secured by a cord.

2.2.2Inflatable lifejackets

A lifejacket which depends on inflation for buoyancy shall have not less than two separate compartments and comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.1 and shall:

.1inflate automatically on immersion, be provided with a device to permit inflation by a single manual motion and be capable of being inflated by mouth;

.2in the event of loss of buoyancy in any one compartment be capable of complying with the requirements of paragraphs 2.2.1.2, 2.2.1.3 and 2.2.1.4; and

.3comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.1.7 after inflation by means of the automatic mechanism.

2.2.3Lifejacket lights

2.2.3.1Each lifejacket light shall:

.1have a luminous intensity of not less than 0.75 cd in all directions of the upper hemisphere;

.2have a source of energy capable of providing a luminous intensity of 0.75 cd for a period of at least 8 h;

.3be visible over as great a segment of the upper hemisphere as is practicable when attached to a lifejacket; and

.4be of white colour.

2.2.3.2If the light referred to in paragraph 2.2.3.1 is a flashing light, it shall, in addition:

.1be provided with a manually operated switch; and

.2flash at a rate of not less than 50 flashes and not more than 70 flashes per minute with an effective luminous intensity of at least 0.75 cd.

Immersion suits

2.3.1General requirements for immersion suits

2.3.1.1The immersion suit shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that:

.1it can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min, taking into account any associated clothing[‡] and a lifejacket if the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket;

.2it will not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 s;

.3it will cover the whole body with the exception of the face; hands shall also be covered unless permanently attached gloves are provided;

.4it is provided with arrangements to minimize or reduce free air in the legs of the suit; and

.5following a jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water there is no undue ingress of water into the suit.

2.3.1.2An immersion suit which also complies with the requirements of section 2.2 may be classified as a lifejacket.

2.3.1.3An immersion suit shall permit the person wearing it, and also wearing a lifejacket if the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, to:

.1climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5 m in length;

.2perform normal duties associated with abandonment;

.3jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water without damaging or dislodging the immersion suit or being injured; and

.4swim a short distance through the water and hoard a survival craft.

2.3.1.4An immersion suit which has buoyancy and is designed to be worn without a lifejacket shall be fitted with a light complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.3 and the whistle prescribed by paragraph 2.2.1.8.

2.3.1.5If the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, the lifejacket shall be worn over the immersion suit. A person wearing such an immersion suit shall be able to don a lifejacket without assistance.

2.3.2Thermal performance requirements for immersion suits

2.3.2.1An immersion suit made of material which has no inherent insulation shall be:

.1marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing; and

.2so constructed that, when worn in conjunction with warm clothing, and with a lifejacket if the immersion suit is to be worn with a lifejacket, the immersion suit continues to provide sufficient thermal protection, following one jump by the wearer into the water from a height of 4.5 m, to ensure that when it is worn for a period of 1 h in calm circulating water at a temperature of 5°C, the wearer's body core temperature does not fall more than 2°C.

2.3.2.2An immersion suit made of material with inherent insulation, when worn either on its own or with a lifejacket, if the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, shall provide the wearer with sufficient thermal insulation, following one jump into the water from a height of 4.5 m, to ensure that the wearer's body core temperature does not fall more than 2°C after a period of 6 h immersion in calm circulating water at a temperature of between 0°C and 2°C.

2.3.3Buoyancy requirements

A person in fresh water wearing either an immersion suit or an immersion suit with a lifejacket, shall be able to turn from a face-down to a face-up position in not more than 5 s.

2.4Anti-exposure suits

2.4.1General requirements for anti-exposure suits

2.4.1.1The anti-exposure suit shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that it:

.1provides inherent buoyancy of at least 70 N;

.2is made of material which reduces the risk of heat stress during rescue and evacuation operations;

.3covers the whole body with the exception of the head and hands and, where the Administration so permits, feet; gloves and a hood shall be provided in such a manner as to remain available for use with the anti-exposure suits;

.4can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min;

.5does not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 s;

.6is equipped with a pocket for a portable VHF telephone: and

.7has a lateral field of vision of at least 120°.

2.4.1.2An anti-exposure suit which also complies with the requirements of section 2.2 may be classified as a lifejacket.

2.4.1.3An anti-exposure suit shall permit the person wearing it to:

.1climb up and down a vertical ladder of at [east 5 m in length;

.2jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water with feet first, without damaging or dislodging the suit, or being injured;

.3swim through the water at least 25 m and board a survival craft;

.4don a lifejacket without assistance; and

.5perform all duties associated with abandonment, assist others and operate a rescue boat.

2.4.1.4An anti-exposure suit shall be fitted with a light complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.3 and the whistle prescribed by paragraph 2.2.1.8.

2.4.2Thermal performance requirement’s for anti-exposure suits

2.4.2.1An anti-exposure suit shall:

.1if made of material which has no inherent insulation, be marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing; and

.2be so constructed, that when worn as marked, the suit continues to provide sufficient thermal protection following one jump into the water which totally submerges the wearer and shall ensure that when it is worn in calm circulating water at a temperature of 5'C, the wearer's body core temperature does not fall at a rate of more than 1.5'C per hour, after the first 0.5 h.

2.4.3Stability requirements

A person in fresh water wearing an anti-exposure suit complying with the requirements of this section shall be able to turn from a face-down to a face-up position in not more than 5 s and shall be stable face-up. The suit shall have no tendency to turn the wearer face-down in moderate sea conditions.

Thermal protective aids

2.5.1A thermal protective aid shall be made of waterproof material having a thermal conductance of not more than 7,800 W/m² K) and shall be so constructed that, when used to enclose a person, it shall reduce both the convective and evaporative heat loss from the wearer's body.

2.5.2The thermal protective aid shall:

.1cover the whole body of persons of all sizes wearing a lifejacket with the exception of the face. Hands shall also be covered unless permanently attached gloves are provided;

.2be capable of being unpacked and easily donned without assistance in a survival craft or rescue boat; and

.3permit the wearer to remove it in the water in not more than 2 min, if it impairs ability to swim.

2.5.3The thermal protective aid shall function properly throughout an air temperature range -30°C to +20°C.

Chapter III

Visual signals

Rocket parachute flares

3.1.1The rocket parachute flare shall:

.1be contained in a water-resistant casing;

.2have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the rocket parachute flare printed on its casing;

.3have integral means of ignition; and

.4be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing when used in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions.

3.1.2The rocket shall, when fired vertically, reach an altitude of not less than 300 m. At or near the top of its trajectory, the rocket shall eject a parachute flare, which shell:

.1burn with a bright red colour:

.2burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 30,000 cd;

.3have a burning period of not less than 40 s;

.4have a rate' of descent of not more than 5 m/s; and

.5not damage its parachute or attachments while burning.

Hand flares

3.2.1The hand flare shall:

.1be contained in a water-resistant casing;

.2have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the hand flare printed on its casing;

.3have a self-contained means of ignition; and

.4be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing and not endanger the survival craft by burning or glowing residues when used in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions.

3.2.2The hand flare shall:

.1burn with a bright red colour;

.2burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 cd;

.3have a burning period of not less than 1 min; and

.4continue to burn after having been immersed for a period of 10 s under 10 m of water.

Buoyant smoke signals

3.3.1The buoyant smoke signal shall:

.1be contained in a water-resistant casing;

.2not ignite explosively when used in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions; and

.3have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the buoyant smoke signal printed on its casing.

3.3.2The buoyant smoke signal shall:

.1emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of not less than 3 min when floating in calm water;

.2not emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time;

.3not be swamped in a seaway; and

.4continue to emit smoke when submerged in water for a period of 10 s under 100 mm of water.

Chapter IV

Survival craft

Inflatable liferafts

4.2.1Inflatable liferafts shall comply with the requirements of section 4.1 and, in addition, shall comply with the requirements of this section.

4.2.2Construction of inflatable liferaft

4.2.2.1The main buoyancy chamber shall be divided into not less than two separate compartments, each inflated through a nonreturn inflation valve on each compartment. The buoyancy chambers shall be so arranged that, in the event of any one of the compartments being damaged or failing to inflate, the intact compartments shall be able to support, with positive freeboard over the liferaft's entire periphery, the number of persons which the liferaft is permitted to accommodate, each having a mass of 75 kg and seated in their normal positions.

4.2.2.2The floor of the liferaft shall be waterproof and shall be capable of being sufficiently insulated against cold either:

.1by means of one or more compartments that the occupants can inflate, or which inflate automatically and can be deflated and re-inflated by the occupants; or

.2by other equally efficient means not dependent on inflation.

4.2.2.3The liferaft shall be capable of being inflated by one person. The liferaft shall be inflated with a non-toxic gas. Inflation shall be completed within a period of 1 min at an ambient temperature of between 18°C and 20°C and within a period of 3 min at an ambient temperature of -30°C. After inflation, the liferaft shall maintain its form when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment.

4.2.2.4Each inflatable compartment shall be capable of withstanding a pressure equal to at least three times the working pressure and shall be prevented from reaching a pressure exceeding twice the working pressure either by means of relief valves or by a limited gas supply. Means shall be provided for fitting the topping-up pump or bellows required by paragraph 4.2.9.1.2 so that the working pressure can be maintained.

4.2.3Carrying capacity of inflatable liferafts

The number of persons which a liferaft shall be permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the lesser of:

.1the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0.096 the volume, measured in cubic metres, of the main buoyancy tubes (which for this purpose shall include neither the arches nor the thwarts, if fitted) when inflated; or

.2the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0.372 the inner horizontal cross-sectional area of the liferaft measured in square metres (which for this purpose may include the thwart or thwarts, if fitted) measured to the innermost edge of the buoyancy tubes; or

.3the number of persons having an average mass of 75 kg, all wearing either immersion suits and lifejackets or, in the case of davit-launched liferafts, lifejackets, that can be seated with sufficient comfort and headroom without interfering with the operation of any of the liferaft's equipment.

4.2.4Access into inflatable liferafts

4.2.4.1At least one entrance shall be fitted with a semi-rigid boarding ramp, capable of supporting a person weighing 100 kg, to enable persons to board the liferaft from the sea. The boarding ramp shall be so arranged as to prevent significant deflation of the liferaft if the ramp is damaged. In the case of a davit-launched liferaft having more than one entrance, the boarding ramp shall be fitted at the entrance opposite the bowsing lines and embarkation facilities.

4.2.4.2Entrances not provided with a boarding ramp shall have a boarding ladder, the lowest step of which shall be situated not less than 0.4 m below the liferaft's light waterline.

4.2.4.3There shall be means inside the liferaft to assist persons to pull themselves into the liferaft from the ladder.

4.2.5Stability of inflatable liferafts

4.2.5.1Every inflatable liferaft shall be so constructed that, when fully inflated and floating with the canopy uppermost, it is stable in a seaway.

4.2.5.2The stability of the liferaft when in the inverted position shall be such that it can be righted in a seaway and in calm water by one person.

4.2.5.3The stability of the liferaft when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment shall be such that it can be towed at speeds of up to 3 knots in calm water.

4.2.5.4The liferaft shall be fitted with water pockets complying with the following requirements:

.1the water pockets shall be of a highly visible colour;

.2the design shall be such that the pockets fill to at least 60% of their capacity within 25 s of deployment;

.3the pockets shall have an aggregate capacity of at least 220 l for liferafts up to 10 persons;

.4the pockets for liferafts certified to carry more than 10 persons shall have an aggregate capacity of not less than 20N l, where N = number of persons carried; and

.5the pockets shall be positioned symmetrically round the circumference of the liferaft. Means shall be provided to enable air to readily escape from underneath the liferaft.

4.2.6Containers for inflatable liferaft

4.2.6.1The liferaft shall be packed in a container that is:

.1so constructed as to withstand hard wear under conditions encountered at sea;

.2of sufficient inherent buoyancy, when packed with the liferaft and its equipment, to pull the painter from within and to operate the inflation mechanism should the ship sink; and

.3as far as practicable watertight, except for drain holes in the container bottom.

4.2.6.2The liferaft shall be packed in its container in such a wav as to ensure, as far as possible, that the waterborne liferaft inflates in an upright position on breaking tree from its container.

4.2.6.3The container shall be marked with:

.1maker's name or trade mark;

.2serial number;

.3name of approving authority and the number of persons it is permitted to carry;

.4SOLAS;

.5type of emergency pack enclosed;

.6date when last serviced;

.7length of painter;

.8maximum permitted height at stowage above waterline (depending on drop-test height and length of painter); and

.9launching instructions.

4.2.7Markings on inflatable liferafts

4.2.7.1The liferaft shall be marked with:

.1maker's name or trade mark;

.2serial number;

.3date of manufacture (month and year);

.4name of approving authority;

.5name and place of servicing station where it was last serviced; and

.6number of persons it is permitted to accommodate over each entrance in characters not less than 100 mm in height of a colour contrasting with that of the liferaft.

4.2.7.2Provision shall be made for marking each liferaft with the name and port of registry of the ship to which it is to be fitted, in such a form that the ship identification can be changed at any time without opening the container.

4.2.8Davit-launched inflatable liferafts

4.2.8.1In addition to complying with the above requirements, a liferaft for use with an approved launching appliance shall, when suspended from its lifting hook or bridle, withstand a load of:

.14 times the mass of its full complement of persons and equipment, al an ambient temperature and a stabilized liferaft temperature of 20±3°C with all relief valves inoperative; and

.21.1 times the mass of its full complement of persons and equipment at an ambient temperature and a stabilized liferaft temperature of -30°C with all relief valves operative.

4.2.8.2Rigid containers for liferafts to be launched by a launching appliance shall be so secured that the container or parts of it are prevented from tailing into the sea during and after inflation and launching of the contained liferaft.

4.2.9Additional equipment for inflatable liferafts

4.2.9.1In addition to the equipment required by paragraph 4.1.5, every inflatable liferaft shall be provided with:

.1one repair outfit for repairing punctures in buoyancy compartments; and

.2one topping-up pump or bellows.

4.2.9.2The knives required by paragraph 4.1.5.1.2 shall be safety knives, and the tin-openers and scissors required by paragraph 4.1.5.1.7 shall be of the safety type.

Rigid liferafts

4.3.1Rigid liferafts shall comply with the requirements of section 4.1 and, in addition, shall comply with the requirements of this section.

4.3.2Construction of rigid liferafts

4.3.2.1The buoyancy of the liferaft shall be provided by approved inherently buoyant material placed as near as possible to the periphery of the liferaft. The buoyant material shall be fire-retardant or be protected by a fire-retardant covering.

4.3.2.2The floor of the liferaft shall prevent the ingress of water and shall effectively support the occupants out of the water and insulate them from cold.

4.3.3Carrying capacity of rigid liferafts

The number of persons which it liferaft shall be permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the lesser of:

.1the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0.096 the volume, measured in cubic metres, of the buoyancy material multiplied by a factor of 1 minus the specific gravity of that material; or

.2the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0.372 the horizontal cross-sectional area of the floor of the liferaft measured in square metres; or

.3the number of persons having an average mass of 75 kg, all wearing immersion suits and lifejackets, that can be seated with sufficient comfort and headroom without interfering with the operation of any of the liferaft's equipment.

4.3.4Access into rigid liferafts

4.3.4.1At least one entrance shall be fitted with a rigid boarding ramp to enable persons to hoard the liferaft from the sea. In the case of a davit-launched liferaft having more than one entrance, the hoarding ramp shall be fitted at the entrance opposite to the bowsing and embarkation facilities.

4.3.4.2Entrances not provided with a boarding ramp shall have a boarding ladder, the lowest step of which shall be situated not less than 0.4 m below the liferaft's light waterline.

4.3.4.3There shall be means inside the liferaft to assist persons to pull themselves into the liferaft from the ladder.

4.3.5Stability of rigid liferafts

4.3.5.1Unless the liferaft is capable of operating safely whichever way up it is floating, its strength and stability shall be such that it is either self-righting or can be readily righted in a seaway and in calm water by one person.

4.3.5.2The stability of a liferaft when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment shall be such that it can be lowed at speeds of up to 3 knots in calm water.

4.3.6Marking on rigid liferafts

The liferaft shall be marked with:

.1name and port of registry of the ship to which it belongs;

.2maker's name or trade mark;

.3serial number;

.4name of approving authority;

.5number of persons it is permitted lo accommodate over each entrance in characters not less than 100 mm in height of a colour contrasting with that of the liferaft;

.6SOLAS;

.7type of emergency pack enclosed;

.8length of painter;

.9maximum permitted height of stowage above waterline (drop-test height); and

.10launching instructions.

4.3.7Davit launched rigid liferafts

In addition to the above requirements, a rigid liferaft for use with an approved launching appliance shall, when suspended from its lifting hook or bridle, withstand a load of four times the mass of its full complement of persons and equipment.

Partially enclosed lifeboats

4.5.1Partially enclosed lifeboats shall comply with the requirements of section 4.4 and in addition shall comply with the requirements of this section.

4.5.2Partially enclosed lifeboats shall be provided with permanently attached rigid covers extending over not less than 20% of the length of the lifeboat from the stem and not less than 20% of the length of the lifeboat from the aftermost part of the lifeboat. The lifeboat shall be fitted with a permanently attached foldable canopy which together with the rigid covers completely encloses the occupants of the lifeboat in a weatherproof shelter and protects them from exposure. The lifeboat shall have entrances at both ends and on each side. Entrances in the rigid covers shall be watertight when closed. The canopy shall be so arranged that:

.1it is provided with adequate rigid sections or battens to permit erection of the canopy;

.2it can be easily erected by not more than two persons;

.3it is insulated to protect the occupants against heat and cold by means of not less than two layers of material separated by an air gap or other equally efficient means; means shall be provided to prevent accumulation of water in the air gap;

.4its exterior is of a highly visible colour and its interior is of a colour which does not cause discomfort to the occupants;

.5entrances in the canopy are provided with efficient adjustable closing arrangements which can be easily and quickly opened and closed from inside or outside so as to permit ventilation but exclude seawater, wind and cold; means shall be provided for holding the entrances securely in the open and closed position;

.6with the entrances closed, it admits sufficient air for the occupants at all times;

.7it has means for collecting rainwater; and

.8the occupants can escape in the event of the lifeboat capsizing.

4.5.3The interior of the lifeboat shall be of a highly visible colour.

4.5.4If a fixed two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus is fitted in the lifeboat, it shall be installed in a cabin large enough to accommodate both the equipment and the person using it. No separate cabin is required if the construction of the lifeboat provides a sheltered space to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Totally enclosed lifeboats

4.6.1Totally enclosed lifeboats shall comply with the requirements of section 4.4 and in addition shall comply with the requirements of this section.

4.6.2Enclosure

Every totally enclosed lifeboat shall be provided with a rigid watertight enclosure which completely encloses the lifeboat. The enclosure shall be so arranged that:

.1it provides shelter for the occupants;

.2access to the lifeboat is provided by hatches which can be closed to make the lifeboat watertight;

.3except for free-fall lifeboats, hatches are positioned so as to allow launching and recovery operations to be performed without any occupant having to leave the enclosure;

.4access hatches are capable of being opened and closed from both inside and outside and are equipped with means to hold them securely in open positions;

.5except for a free-fall lifeboat, it is possible to row the lifeboat;

.6it is capable, when the lifeboat is in (be capsized position with the hatches closed and without significant leakage, of supporting the entire mass of the lifeboat, including all equipment, machinery and its full complement of persons;

.7it includes windows or translucent panels which admit sufficient daylight to the inside of the lifeboat with the hatches closed to make artificial light unnecessary;

.8its exterior is of a highly visible colour and its interior of a colour which does not cause discomfort to the occupants;

.9handrails provide a secure handhold for persons moving about the exterior of the lifeboat, and aid embarkation and disembarkation;

.10persons have access to their seats from an entrance without having to climb over thwarts or other obstructions; and

.11during operation of the engine with the enclosure closed, the atmospheric pressure inside the lifeboat shall never be above or below the outside atmospheric pressure by more than 20 hPa.

4.6.3Capsizing and re-righting

4.6.3.1Except in free-fall lifeboats, a safety belt shall be fitted at each indicated seating position. The safety belt shall be designed to hold a person with a mass of 100 kg securely in place when the lifeboat is in a capsized position. Each set of safety belts for a seat shall be of a colour which contrasts with the belts for seats immediately adjacent. Free-fall lifeboats shall be fitted with a safety harness at each seat in contrasting colour designed to hold a person with a mass of 100 kg securely in place during a free-fall launch as well as with the lifeboat in capsized position.

4.6.3.2The stability of the lifeboat shall be such that it is inherently or automatically self-righting when loaded with its full or a partial complement of persons and equipment and all entrances and openings are closed watertight and the persons are secured with safety belts.

4.6.3.3The lifeboat shall be capable of supporting its full complement of persons and equipment when the lifeboat is in the damaged condition prescribed in paragraph 4.4.1.1 and its stability shall be such that, in the event of capsizing, it will automatically attain a position that will provide an above-water escape for its occupants. When the lifeboat is in the stable flooded condition, the water level inside the lifeboat, measured along the seat hack, shall not be more than 500 mm above the seat pan at any occupant seating position.

4.6.3.4The design of all engine exhaust pipes, air ducts and other openings shall be such that water is excluded from the engine when the lifeboat capsizes and re-rights.

4.6.4Propulsion

4.6.4.1The engine and transmission shall be controlled from the helmsman's position.

4.6.4.2The engine and engine installation shall be capable of running in any position during capsize and continue to run after the lifeboat returns to the upright or shall automatically stop on capsizing and be easily restarted after the lifeboat returns to the upright. The design of the fuel and lubricating systems shall prevent the loss of fuel and the loss of more than 2500 ml of lubricating oil from the engine during capsize.

4.6.4.3Air-cooled engines shall have a duct system to take in cooling air from, and exhaust it to, the outside of the lifeboat. Manually operated dampers shall be provided to enable cooling air to be taken in from, and exhausted to, the interior of the lifeboat.

4.6.5Protection against acceleration

Notwithstanding paragraph 4.4.1.7, a totally enclosed lifeboat, except a free-tall lifeboat, shall be so constructed and tendered that the lifeboat renders protection against harmful accelerations resulting from an impact of the lifeboat, when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment, against the ship's side at an impact velocity of not less than 3.5 m/s.

Free-fall lifeboats

4.7.1General requirements

Free-fall lifeboats shall comply with the requirements of section 4.6 and in addition shall comply with the requirements of this section.

4.7.2Carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat

The carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat is the number of persons that can be provided with a seat without interfering with the means of propulsion or the operation of any of the lifeboat's equipment. The width of the seat shall be at least 430 mm. Free clearance in front of the backrest

shall be at least 635 mm. The backrest shall extend at least 1,000 mm above the seat pan.

4.7.3Performance requirements

4.7.3.1Each free-fall lifeboat shall make positive headway immediately after water entry and shall not come into contact with the ship after a free-fall launching against a trim of up to 10° and a list of up to 20° either way from the certification height when fully equipped and loaded with:

.1its full complement of persons;

.2occupants so as to cause the centre of gravity to be in the most forward position;

.3occupants so as to cause the centre of gravity to be in the most aft position; and

.4its operating crew only.

4.7.3.2For oil tankers, chemical tankers and gas carriers with a final angle of heel greater than 20° calculated in accordance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, and the recommendations of the Organization[§§], as applicable, a lifeboat shall be capable of being free-fall launched at the final angle of heel and on the base of the final waterline of that calculation.

4.7.3.3The required free-fall height shall never exceed the free-tall certification height.

4.7.4Construction

Each free-fall lifeboat shall be of sufficient strength to withstand, when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment, a free-fall launch from a height of at least 1.3 times the free-fall certification height.

4.7.5Protection against harmful acceleration

Each free-fall lifeboat shall be so constructed as to ensure that the lifeboat is capable of rendering protection against harmful accelerations resulting from being launched from the height for which it is to be certified in calm water under unfavourable conditions of trim of up to 10° and list of up to 20° either way when it is fully equipped and loaded with:

.1its full complement of persons;

.2occupants so as to cause the centre of gravity to be in the most forward position;

.3occupants so as to cause the centre of gravity to be in the most aft position; and

.4the operating crew only.

4.7.6Lifeboat fittings

Each free-fall lifeboat shall be fitted with a release system which shall:

.1have two independent activation systems for the release mechanisms which may only be operated from inside the lifeboat and be marked in a colour that contrasts with its surroundings;

.2be so arranged as to release the boat under any condition of loading from no load up to at least 200% of the normal load caused by the fully equipped lifeboat when loaded with the number of persons for which it is to be approved;

.3be adequately protected against accidental or premature use;

.4be designed to test the release system without launching the lifeboat; and

.5be designed with a factor of safety of 6 based on the ultimate strength of the materials used.

4.7.7Certificate of approval

In addition to the requirements of paragraph 4.4.1.2, the certificate of approval for a free-fall lifeboat shall also state:

.1free-fall certification height;

.2required launching ramp length; and

.3launching ramp angle for the free-fall certification height.

Fire-protected lifeboats

4.9.1In 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.

4.9.2Water spray system

A lifeboat which has a water spray fire-protection system shall comply with the following:

.1water for the system shall be drawn from the sea by d self-priming motor pump. It shall be possible to turn "on" and turn "off" the flow of water over the exterior of the lifeboat;

.2the seawater intake shall be so arranged as to prevent the intake of flammable liquids from the sea surface; and

.3the system shall be arranged for flushing with fresh water and allowing complete drainage.

Chapter V

Rescue boats

Rescue boats

5.1.1General requirements

5.1.1.1Except as provided by this section, all rescue boats shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs 4.4.1 to 4.4.7.4 inclusive and 4.4.7.6, 4.4.7.7, 4.4.7.9, 4.4.7.10 and 4.4.9. A lifeboat may be approved and used as a rescue boat if it meets all of the requirements of this section, if it successfully completes the testing for a rescue boat required in regulation III/4.2, and if its stowage, launching and recovery arrangements on the ship meet all of the requirements for a rescue boat.

5.1.1.2Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 4.4.4, required buoyant material for rescue boats may be installed external to the hull, provided it is adequately protected against damage and is capable of withstanding exposure as specified in paragraph 5.1.3.3.

5.1.1.3Rescue boats may be either of rigid or inflated construction or a combination of both and shall:

.1be not less than 3.8 m and not more than 8.5 m in length; and

.2be capable of carrying at least five seated persons and a person lying on a stretcher. Notwithstanding paragraph 4.4.1.5, seating, except for the helmsman, may be provided on the floor, provided that the seating space analysis in accordance with paragraph 4.4.2.2.2 uses shapes similar to figure 1, but altered to an overall length of 1,190 mm to provide for extended legs. No part of a seating space shall be on the gunwale, transom, or on inflated buoyancy at the sides of the boat.

5.1.1.4Rescue boats which are a combination of rigid and inflated construction shall comply with the appropriate requirements of this section to the satisfaction of the Administration.

5.1.1.5Unless the rescue boat has adequate sheer, it shall be provided with a bow cover extending for not less than 15% of its length.

5.1.1.6Rescue boats shall be capable of manoeuvring at a speed of at least 6 knots and maintaining that speed for a period of at least 4 h.

5.1.1.7Rescue boats shall have sufficient mobility and manoeuvrability in a seaway to enable persons to be retrieved from the water, marshal liferafts and tow the largest liferaft carried on the ship when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment or its equivalent at a speed of at least 2 knots.

5.1.1.8A rescue boat shall be fitted with an inboard engine or outboard motor. If it is fitted with an outboard motor, the rudder and tiller may form part of the engine. Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 4.4.6.1, petrol-driven outboard engines with an approved fuel system may be fitted in rescue boats provided the fuel tanks are specially protected against fire and explosion.

5.1.1.9Arrangements for lowing shall be permanently fitted in rescue boats and shall 130 sufficiently strong to marshal or tow liferafts as required by paragraph 5.1.1.7.

5.1.1.10Unless expressly provided otherwise, every rescue boat shall be provided with effective means of bailing or be automatically self-bailing.

5.1.1.11Rescue boats shall be fitted with weathertight stowage for small items of equipment.

5.1.2Rescue boat equipment

5.1.2.1All items of rescue boat equipment, with the exception of boat-hooks which shall be kept free for fending-off purposes, shall be secured within the rescue boat by lashings, storage in lockers or compartments, storage in brackets or similar mounting arrangements, or other suitable means. The equipment shall be secured in such a manner as not to interfere with any launching or recovery procedures. All items of rescue boat equipment shall be as small and of as little mass as possible and shall be packed in suitable and compact form.

5.1.2.2The normal equipment of every rescue boat shall consist of:

.1sufficient buoyant oars or paddles to make headway in calm seas. Thole pins, crutches or equivalent arrangements shall be provided for each oar. Thole pins or crutches shall be attached to the boat by lanyards or chains;

.2a buoyant bailer;

.3a binnacle containing an efficient compass which is luminous or provided with suitable means of illumination;

.4a sea-anchor and tripping line, if fitted, with a hawser of adequate strength not less than 10 m in length;

.5a painter of sufficient length and strength, attached to the release device complying with the requirements of paragraph 4.4.7.7 and placed at the forward end of the rescue boat;

.6one buoyant line, not less than 50 m in length, of sufficient strength to tow a liferaft as required by paragraph 5.1.1.7;

.7one waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signalling, together with one spare set of batteries and one spare bulb in a waterproof container;

.8one whistle or equivalent sound signal;

.9a first-aid outfit in a waterproof case capable of being closed tightly after use;

.10two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to not less than 30 m of buoyant line;

.11a 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;

.12an efficient radar reflector;

.13thermal protective aids complying with the requirements of section 2.5 sufficient for 10% of the number of persons the rescue boat is permitted to accommodate or two, whichever is the greater; and

.14portable fire-extinguishing equipment of an approved type suitable for extinguishing oil fires.[***]

5.1.2.3In addition to the equipment required by paragraph 5.1.2.2, the normal equipment of every rigid rescue boat shall include:

.1a boat-hook;

.2a bucket; and

.3a knife or hatchet.

5.1.2.4In addition to the equipment required by paragraph 5.1.2.2, the normal equipment of every inflated rescue boat shall consist of:

.1a buoyant safety knife;

.2two sponges;

.3an efficient manually operated bellows or pump;

.4a repair kit in a suitable container for repairing punctures; and

.5a safety boat-hook.

5.1.3Additional requirements for inflated rescue boats

5.1.3.1The requirements of paragraphs 4.4.1.4 and 4.4.1.6 do not apply to inflated rescue boats.

5.1.3.2An inflated rescue boat shall be constructed in such a way that, when suspended by its bridle or lifting hook:

.1it is of sufficient strength and rigidity to enable it to be lowered and recovered with its full complement of persons and equipment;

.2it is of sufficient strength to withstand a load of four times the mass of its full complement of persons and equipment at an ambient temperature of 20±3°C, with all relief valves inoperative; and

.3it is of sufficient strength to withstand a load of 1.1 times the mass of its full complement of persons and equipment at an ambient temperature of -30°C, with all relief valves operative.

5.1.3.3Inflated rescue boats shall be so constructed as to be capable of withstanding exposure:

.1when stowed on tan open deck on a ship at sea;

.2for 30 days afloat in all sea conditions.

5.1.3.4In addition to complying with the requirements of paragraph 4.4.9, inflated rescue boats shall be marked with a serial number, the maker's name or trade mark and the date of manufacture.

5.1.3.5The buoyancy of an inflated rescue boat shall be provided by either a single tube subdivided into at least five separate compartments of approximately equal volume or two separate tubes, neither exceeding 60% of the total volume. The buoyancy tubes shall be so arranged that the intact compartments shall be able to support the number of persons which the rescue boat is permitted to accommodate, each having a mass of 75 kg, when seated in their normal positions with positive freeboard over the rescue boat's entire periphery under the following conditions:

.1with the forward buoyancy compartment deflated;

.2with the entire buoyancy on one side of the rescue boat deflated; and

.3with the entire buoyancy on one side and the bow compartment deflated.

5.1.3.6The buoyancy tubes forming the boundary of the inflated rescue boat shall, on inflation, provide a volume of not less than 0.1 7 m for each person the rescue boat is permitted to accommodate.

5.1.3.7Each buoyancy compartment shall be fitted with a nonreturn valve for manual inflation and means for deflation. A safety relief valve shall also be fitted unless the Administration is satisfied that such an appliance is unnecessary.

5.1.3.8Underneath the bottom and on vulnerable places on the outside of the inflated rescue boat, rubbing strips shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Administration.

5.1.3.9Where a transom is fitted it shall not be inset by more than 20% of the overall length of the rescue boat.

5.1.3.10Suitable patches shall be provided for securing the painters fore and aft and the becketed lifelines inside and outside the boat.

5.1.3.11The inflated rescue boat shall be maintained at all times in a fully inflated condition.

Chapter VI

Launching and embarkation appliances

Marine evacuation systems

6.2.1Construction of the marine evacuation systems

6.2.1.1The passage of the marine evacuation system shall provide for safe descent of persons of various ages, sizes and physical capabilities, wearing approved lifejackets, from the embarkation station to the floating platform or survival craft.

6.2.1.2Strength and construction of the passage and platform shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

6.2.1.3The platform, if fitted, shall be:

.1such that sufficient buoyancy will be provided for the working load. In the case of an inflatable platform, the main buoyancy chambers, which for this purpose shall include any thwarts or floor inflatable structural members, are to meet the requirements of section 4.2 leased upon the platform capacity, except that the capacity shall be obtained by dividing by 0.25 the usable area given in paragraph 6.2.1.3.3;

.2stable in a seaway and shall provide a safe working area for the system operators;

.3of sufficient area that will provide for the securing of at least two liferafts for boarding and to accommodate at least the number of persons that at any time are expected to be on the platform. This usable platform area shall be at least equal to:

20% of total number of persons that

the marine evacuation system is certified for m²

or 10 m², whichever is the greater. However, Administrations may approve alternate arrangements which are demonstrated to comply with all of the prescribed performance requirements;[‡‡‡]

.4self-draining;

.5subdivided in such a way that the loss of gas from an