Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

INTERNATIONAL L.S.A CODE

Purpose:
The purpose of this Code is to provide international standards for life-saving appliances
required by chapter III of the SOLAS.

Entry in force:
The requirements of this Code will be mandatory on and after 1 July 1998.

Chapter 1: General
Definitions:
(1) Effective clearing 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.
(2) Free-fall acceleration is the rate of change of velocity experienced by the occupants
during launching of a free-fall lifeboat.
(3) Free-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.
(4) Required free-fall height is the greatest distance measured from the still water
surface to the lowest point on the lifeboat when the lifeboat is in the launch
configuration and the ship is in its lightest seagoing condition.
(5) Launching 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.
(6) Launching ramp length is the distance between the stern of the lifeboat and the
lower end of the launching ramp.
(7) Retro-reflective material is a material which reflects in the opposite direction a
beam of light directed on it.
(8) Water-entry angle is the angle between the horizontal and the launch rail of the
lifeboat when it first enters the water.

General Requirements for LSA:

 be constructed with proper workmanship and materials;
 not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range -300C to +650C, and
in the case of personal LSA, remain operational between -15°C to +40°C;
 not be damaged if immersed in seawater of temp. range -10C to +300C;
 where applicable, be rot-proof, corrosion-resistant,
 where applicable, not unduly affected by seawater, oil, fungal attack or sunlight;
 be of a highly visible colour on all parts to assist detection;
 be fitted with retro-reflective material to assist in detection;
 be clearly marked with approval information, including the Administration which
approved it and any operational restrictions;

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

Chapter II : Personal life-saving appliances

Lifebuoys
 Outer diameter is maximum 800 mm and inner diameter is minimum 400 mm;
 Constructed of inherently buoyant material; (no inflatable air compartments)
 Capable of supporting atleast 14.5 kg of iron in fresh water for a period of 24 h;
 Mass of the buoy - not less than 2.5 kg;
 Must not continue burning or melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for 2 secs;
 Drop test: Constructed to withstand a drop into water from the height at which it is
stowed above waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 30 m, whichever greater.
 If it is intended to operate the quick-release arrangement provided for the self-
activated smoke signals and SI lights, it must have a mass not less than 4 kg.
 It must be fitted with a grab-line of minimum 9.5 mm in diameter and length must be
minimum 4 times the outside diameter of the body of the buoy. It shall be secured at
4 equidistant points around the circumference of the buoy to form 4 equal loops.
 Lifelines of lifebuoys must be non-kinking; having a diameter of minimum 8 mm and
a breaking strength of minimum 5 kN.

Lifebuoy self-igniting lights

 They must be such that they cannot be extinguished by water;
 They must be of all-round white colour, capable of either burning continuously with a
luminous intensity of minimum 2 CD or flashing at a rate of 50-70 flashes /minute
with at least the corresponding effective luminous intensity;
 They must be provided with a source of energy to be in operation for atleast 2 hours.
 They must be capable of withstanding the drop test as required for the lifebuoy.

Lifebuoy self-activating smoke signals

 It must emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for at least 15 min
when floating in calm water;
 It must not ignite explosively or emit flames during the entire smoke emission time.
 It must not be swamped (flooded) in a seaway;
 It must continue to emit smoke when fully submerged in water for atleast 10 secs
 It must be capable of withstanding the drop test required for the lifebuoy.

Lifejackets
 It must not continue burning or melting after being totally enveloped in fire for 2 secs;
 It shall be so constructed that at least 75% of persons, who are completely unfamiliar
with the lifejacket, can correctly don it within 1 min without assistance, guidance or
prior demonstration; quick & positive means of closure that do not require tying knot.
 After demonstration, all persons can correctly don it within 1 min without assistance;
 Must be clearly capable of being worn in only one way or cannot be donned incorrectly
 Must be comfortable to wear and 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.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

 Buoyancy and stability in calm fresh water shall be such as to lift the mouth of an
exhausted or unconscious person atleast 120 mm clear of the water with body
inclined backwards at an angle of atleast 200 from the vertical position;
 It must also be able to turn 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.
 It must allow the wearer to swim a short distance and to board a survival craft.
 A child lifejacket requirements are same, except donning assistance is permitted for
small children and it needs to lift the mouth clear of the water as per the size of the
wearer. All passenger ships are to be provided with lifejackets for “infants”.
 A child lifejacket shall be specially marked with height or weight range suitable and a
``child'' symbol as adopted by the Organization.
 A lifejacket shall have buoyancy which is not reduced by more than 5% after 24 h
submersion in fresh water.
 Each lifejacket shall be fitted with a whistle firmly secured by a cord and a releasable
buoyant line to secure it to a lifejacket worn by another person in the water.

Inflatable Lifejackets
 Inflatable lifejacket shall have atleast two separate buoyancy compartments and shall
inflate automatically on immersion. They must also be provided with a device to
permit inflation by a single manual motion and be capable of being inflated by mouth;
 In the event of loss of buoyancy in any one compartment, it must be capable of
complying with all the requirements except “reduction of buoyancy not more than 5%
on 24 h submersion”.
 It must comply with the requirements on “reduction of buoyancy not more than 5% on
24 h submersion” after inflation by means of the automatic mechanism.

Lifejacket lights
 It must an all round white light, having luminous intensity of minimum 0.75 CD.
 It must have a source of energy capable of keeping it operational for atleast 8 hours;
 If the light is a flashing light, it shall, in addition, be provided with a manually
operated switch; and flash at a rate of 50-70 flashes / minute with an effective
luminous intensity of atleast 0.75 CD.

Immersion suits
 It shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that it can be unpacked and
donned without assistance within 2 min, taking into account any associated clothing
& lifejacket. (The lifejacket must be worn over the immersion suit with no assistance)
 It must not continue burning or melting after being totally enveloped in fire for 2 secs
 It must cover the whole body including hands, with the exception of the face;
 It must have arrangements to minimize or reduce free air in the legs of the suit;
 There must be no undue ingress of water into the suit after jumping from a height of
minimum 4.5 m into the water,
 An immersion suit which also complies with lifejacket requirements may be classified
as a lifejacket. If an immersion suit has buoyancy and is designed to be worn without
a lifejacket, it shall be fitted with a light (like in a lifejacket) and a whistle.
 Buoyancy requirements: A person in FW wearing an immersion suit with or without a
lifejacket, shall be able to turn to a face-up position in not more than 5 secs.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

 An immersion suit whether worn with or without a lifejacket, shall permit wearer to:
- climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5 m in length;
- perform normal duties associated with abandonment;
- jump from a height of minimum 4.5 m into the water without damaging or
dislodging the immersion suit or being injured;
- swim a short distance to board a survival craft.

Thermal performance requirements for immersion suits

 An immersion suit with no inbuilt insulation shall be marked with instructions that it
must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing and must be so constructed that,
when worn in conjunction with warm clothing and a lifejacket, it provides sufficient
thermal protection, following one jump into the water from a height of 4.5 m, to
ensure that when it is worn for 1 hour in calm circulating water at a temperature of
50C, the wearer's body core temp. does not fall more than 20C.
 An immersion suit made of material with inherent insulation, worn with or without a
lifejacket, it must 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 20C after a period of 6 hour immersion in calm
circulating water at a temperature of 00C to 20C.

Anti-exposure suits
 The anti-exposure suit shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that it
provides inherent buoyancy of at least 70 N and covers the whole body except head
and hands. Gloves and a hood shall be provided in such a manner as to remain
available for use with the anti-exposure suits;
 It must not continue burning or melting after being totally enveloped in fire for 2 secs
 It must be capable of being unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min;
 It must be equipped with a pocket for a portable VHF telephone;
 It must have a lateral field of vision of at least 1200.
 An anti-exposure suit that complies with lifejacket requirements may be classified as
a lifejacket.
 An anti-exposure suit shall permit the person wearing it to:
- climb up and down a vertical ladder of at least 5 m in length;
- jump 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;
- swim at least 25m and board a survival craft;
- don a lifejacket without assistance and perform all duties associated with
abandonment, assist others and operate a rescue boat.
 An anti-exposure suit shall be fitted with a light complying with the requirements of
the lifejacket light and a whistle.
 Stability requirements: A person in FW wearing an anti-exposure suit shall be able to
turn to a face-up position in not more than 5 s and shall be stable face-up.
 Thermal performance requirements: if it has NO inherent insulation, it must be
marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing and
when done so, the suit must provide sufficient thermal protection after one jump into
the water which totally submerges the wearer in calm circulating water at 50C, the
wearer's body core temperature must not fall at a rate of more than 1.50C per hour,
after the first 0.5 h.
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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

Thermal protective aids

 TPA shall be made of waterproof material having a thermal conductance of not more
than 7800 W/(m2K)
 It shall be so constructed that, when used to enclose a person, it shall reduce heat
loss from the wearer's body.
 It must cover the whole body of persons of all sizes wearing a lifejacket, except the
face. Hands shall also be covered unless permanently attached gloves are provided.
 It must be capable of being unpacked and easily donned without assistance in a
survival craft or rescue boat and easily removed it in the water within 2 min, if it
impairs ability to swim.
 TPA shall function properly throughout an air temperature range -300C to +200C.

Chapter III : Visual signals

(1) Rocket parachute flares
 It shall be contained in a water-resistant casing, having brief instructions or diagrams
clearly illustrating the use.
 It shall have integral means of ignition and so designed as to not cause discomfort to
the person holding the casing when used as per the manufacturer's instructions.
 The rocket shall, when fired vertically, reach an altitude of atleast 300 m.
 At or near the top of its flight, the rocket must eject a parachute flare, which must
burn with a bright red colour, uniformly with an average luminous intensity of atleast
30000 CD. The burning period must be atleast 40 secs.
 It must have a rate of descent of maximum 5 m/s and not damage its parachute or
attachments while burning.

(2) Hand flares

 It shall be contained in a water-resistant casing, having brief instructions or diagrams
clearly illustrating the use.
 It must have a self-contained means of ignition and be so designed as to not cause
discomfort to the person holding the casing and not endanger the survival craft by
burning or glowing residues when used as per manufacturer's operating instructions.
 The hand flare must burn with a bright red colour, uniformly with an average
luminous intensity of atleast 15000 CD. The burning period must be atleast 1 min.
 It must continue to burn after having been immersed for a period of 10 secs under
100 mm of water.

(3) Buoyant smoke signals

 It shall be contained in a water-resistant casing, having brief instructions or diagrams

clearly illustrating the use and not ignite explosively when used as per manufacturer's
operating instructions.
 It shall emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for atleast 3 min when
floating in calm water.
 It must not emit any flame during entire smoke emission & not swamped in a seaway.
 It must continue to emit smoke when submerged for 10 secs under 100 mm of water.
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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

Chapter IV : Survival craft

(A) Liferafts – General Requirements

Construction of liferafts

 It must be capable of withstanding exposure for 30 days afloat in all sea conditions.
 When dropped in the water from a height of 18 m or that height at which it is stowed in
lightest seagoing condition, the liferaft & its equipment must operate satisfactorily.
 The floating liferaft shall be capable of withstanding repeated jumps onto it from a
height of atleast 4.5 m above its floor both with and without the canopy erected.
 It shall be capable of being towed at a speed of 3 knots in calm water when loaded with
its full complement of persons & equipment, with one sea-anchor streamed.
 The liferaft shall have a canopy to protect the occupants from exposure by providing
insulation against heat and cold. Its interior shall be of a colour that does not cause
discomfort. Each entrance shall be clearly indicated, be easy & quick to close or open.
 Liferafts whose capacity is more than 8, must have min. 2 diametrically opp. entrances.
 Sufficient air must be there for the occupants at all times, even with entrances closed.
 Atleast one viewing port must be provided.
 It must be provided with means for collecting rainwater
 It must be provided with means for mounting a SART atleast 1m above the sea.
 There shall be sufficient headroom for sitting occupants under all parts of the canopy.

Minimum carrying capacity and mass of liferafts

Minimum carrying capacity is six persons.

Except for davit-launched liferafts or those that are not required to be transferred from side-
to-side, the total mass of the liferaft, its container and its equipment shall not be more than
185 kg.

Liferaft fittings

 Lifelines: shall be securely tied around the inside and outside of the liferaft.
 Painter: One painter of minimum length 10m + distance from the stowed position to
the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 15 m, whichever is the greater. The
breaking strength of the painter system, including its means of attachment to the
liferaft, except the weak link, shall be atleast 15 kN for liferafts of capacity more than
25 persons, and atleast 10 kN for liferafts of capacity 9-25 persons, and atleast 7.5 kN
for any other liferaft.
 Outside Lamp: One manually controlled lamp at the top of the liferaft canopy. It must
be an all round white light, capable of operating continuously for atleast 12 h with a
luminous intensity of atleast 4.3 CD. If it is a flashing light, flash rate must be 50-70
flashes / minute for the 12 h operating period with an equivalent effective luminous
intensity. The lamp shall light automatically when the canopy is erected.
 Inside Lamp: A manually controlled lamp inside the liferaft, capable of continuous
operation for a period of at least 12 h. It shall light automatically when the canopy is
erected and be of sufficient intensity to permit reading of equipment instructions.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

Davit-launched liferafts

 In addition to the above general requirements, a davit launched liferaft shall be capable
of withstanding a lateral impact against the ship's side at an impact velocity of atleast
3.5 m/s and also a drop into the water from a height of atleast 3m without damage that
will affect its function, when the liferaft is loaded with its full complement of persons
and equipment.
 It must be provided with means for bringing the liferaft alongside the embarkation deck
and holding it securely during embarkation.
 Every passenger ship davit-launched liferaft shall be so arranged that it can be rapidly
boarded by its full complement of persons.
 Every cargo ship davit-launched liferaft shall be so arranged that it can be boarded by
its full complement of persons in maximum 3 min from the time the instruction to
board is given.

Liferaft Equipment (SOLAS “A” PACK)

(1) One buoyant rescue quoit, attached to a minimum 30 m of buoyant line.

(2) One knife of the non-folding type having a buoyant handle and lanyard attached,
stowed in a pocket on the exterior of the canopy near the point at which the painter is
attached. In addition, if capacity is more than 12, a second knife to be provided.
(3) One buoyant bailer. If capacity is more than 12, a second bailer to be provided.
(4) Two sponges
(5) Two sea-anchors. The sea-anchor permanently attached to davit-launched liferafts
and liferafts fitted on passenger ships shall be arranged for manual deployment only.
All other liferafts are to have sea-anchor deployed automatically when liferaft inflates.
(6) Two buoyant paddles.
(7) Three tin-openers and a pair of scissors.
(8) One first-aid kit in a waterproof case capable of being closed tightly after use.
(9) One whistle or equivalent sound signal.
(10) Two buoyant smoke signals
(11) Four rocket parachute flares
(12) Six hand flares
(13) One waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signalling with spare batteries and
one spare bulb in a waterproof container.
(14) An efficient radar reflector, unless a SART is stowed in the liferaft.
(15) One daylight signalling mirror with instructions on its use.
(16) One copy of the life-saving signals referred to in regulation V/16 on a waterproof
card or in a waterproof container.
(17) One set of fishing tackle.
(18) Food ration totaling not less than 10000 kJ for each person, kept in airtight
packaging and in a watertight container. They must remain edible throughout the
shelf life, and packed in a manner that they can be easily opened and readily divided.
(19) Watertight receptacles containing a total of 1.5 litres of FW for each person.
(20) One rustproof graduated drinking vessel.
(21) Anti-seasickness medicine sufficient for at least 48 h and one seasickness bag for
each person
(22) Instructions on how to survive and instructions for immediate action
(23) TPA sufficient for 10% of the capacity or two, whichever is the greater.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

 SOLAS “B” Pack: In the case of passenger ships engaged on short international
voyages if Administration permits, not all of the items of SOLAS ‘A’ Pack are
necessary. The Administration may allow the liferafts carried on any such ships to be
provided with the equipment specified in SOLAS ‘A’ Pack except tin-openers, fishing
tackles, food, water and graduated drinking vessel and half of the hand flare (3 nos),
rocket parachute flares (2 nos) and smoke signal (1 no). The marking on such liferafts
shall be ``SOLAS B PACK'' in block capitals.
 Where appropriate the equipment shall be stowed in a container which, if it is not an
integral part of, or permanently attached to, the liferaft, shall be stowed and secured
inside the liferaft and be capable of floating in water for at least 30 min without
damage to its contents.

Float-free arrangements for liferafts

Painter system
 The liferaft painter system shall provide a connection between the ship and the liferaft
and shall be so arranged as to ensure that the liferaft when released, is not dragged
under by the sinking ship.

Weak link
 If a weak link is used in the float-free arrangement, it shall not be broken by the force
required to pull the painter from the liferaft container.
 In case of inflatable liferafts, it must be of sufficient strength to permit the inflation of
the liferaft.
 It must break under a strain of 2.2+0.4 kN.

Hydrostatic release units

 If a hydrostatic release unit is used in the float-free arrangements, it shall be
constructed of compatible materials so as to prevent malfunction of the unit.
 It must automatically release the liferaft at a depth of not more than 4 m.
 It must have drains to prevent the accumulation of water in the hydro-static chamber
when the unit is in its normal position.
 It must be so constructed as to prevent release when seas wash over the unit.
 It must be permanently marked on its exterior with its type, serial number, date of
manufacture, and whether the unit is suitable for use with a liferaft with a capacity of
more than 25 persons. If disposable, expiry date must also be marked.
 It must be such that each part connected to the painter system has a strength of not
less than that required for the painter.

(B) Inflatable liferafts

Inflatable liferafts shall comply with the paragraphs in (A) General requirements for liferafts
and, in addition, shall comply with the requirements below:

(1) Construction of inflatable liferafts

 The main buoyancy chamber shall be divided into atleast two separate compartments,
each inflated through a nonreturn inflation valve on each compartment.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

 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 carry, each having a mass of 82.5 kg and
seated in their normal positions.
 The floor of the liferaft shall be waterproof and capable of being sufficiently insulated.
 The liferaft shall be capable of being inflated by one person.
 The liferaft shall be inflated with a non-toxic gas within 1 min at an ambient
temperature of 180C and 200C and within 3 min at an ambient temperature of -300C.
 Each inflatable compartment shall be capable of withstanding a pressure equal to at
least 3 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. Topping-up pump or bellows must be fitted to maintain working pressure.

(2) Access into inflatable liferafts

 At least one entrance shall be fitted with a semi-rigid boarding ramp, capable of
supporting a 100 kg person, to enable persons to board the liferaft from the sea.
 Entrances not provided with a boarding ramp shall have a boarding ladder, the lowest
step of which shall be situated atleast 0.4m below the liferaft's light waterline.

(3) Stability of inflatable liferafts

 Every inflatable liferaft shall be so constructed that, when fully inflated and floating
with the canopy uppermost, it is stable in a seaway.
 The 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.
 The liferaft shall be fitted with water pockets complying with following requirements:
- highly visible colour;
- fill to at least 60% of their capacity within 25 s of deployment
- an aggregate capacity of at least 220 litres for liferafts up to 10 persons.
- Capacity of 20 N litres for liferafts more than 10 persons (N=no. of persons carried)

(4) Containers for inflatable liferafts

 The container must withstand hard wear under conditions encountered at sea.
 It must have sufficient inherent buoyancy, when packed with the liferaft & equipments.
 As far as practicable watertight, except for drain holes in the container bottom.
 The liferaft shall be so packed in its container that it inflates in an upright position on
breaking free from its container.
 The markings required on the container are :
- maker's name and the serial number,
- name of approving authority
- the number of persons it is permitted to carry.
- SOLAS
- type of emergency pack enclosed
- date when last service
- length of painter;
- maximum permitted height of stowage above waterline
- Launching instructions.
- Ships name and port of registry (changeable without having to open the container)
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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

(5) Markings on inflatable liferafts

 The liferaft shall be marked with:
- Maker's name, Serial number & date of manufacture
- Name of approving authority.
- Name and place of servicing station where it was last serviced.
- Number of persons it is permitted to carry (character size: atleast 100 mm height.
(6) Davit-launched inflatable liferafts
 In addition to complying with the above requirements, a davit launched liferaft, shall,
use the correct launching appliance, and when suspended from its lifting hook or
bridle, withstand a load of:
- 4 times the mass of its full complement of persons and equipment, at an ambient
temperature and a stabilized liferaft temperature of 20±30C with all relief valves
inoperative; and
- 1.1 times the mass of its full complement of persons and equipment at an ambient
temp. and a stabilized liferaft temperature of -300C with all relief valves operative.
 Rigid containers shall be so secured that the container or parts of it are prevented from
falling into the sea during and after inflation and launching of the contained liferaft.
(7) Additional equipment for inflatable liferafts
 In addition to the equipment required by SOLAS A or B Pack, every inflatable liferaft
shall be provided with:
- one repair kit for repairing punctures in buoyancy compartments
- one topping-up pump or bellows.
 The knives, tin-openers and scissors required shall be of the safety type.

(C) Rigid liferafts

Rigid liferafts shall comply with the paragraphs in (A) General requirements for liferafts and,
in addition, shall comply with the requirements below:
(1) Construction of rigid liferafts
 The buoyancy of the liferaft must 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.
 The floor of the liferaft must prevent ingress of water and effectively support the
occupants and insulate them from cold.
(2) Access into rigid liferafts
 At least one entrance shall be fitted with a rigid boarding ramp to enable persons to
board the liferaft from the sea.
 Entrances not provided with a boarding ramp shall have a boarding ladder, the lowest
step of which shall be situated atleast 0.4 m below the liferaft's light waterline.
 There shall be means inside the liferaft to assist persons to pull themselves into the
liferaft from the ladder.
(3) Stability of rigid liferafts
 Liferafts 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.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

 Stability when loaded with full complement of persons and equipment shall be such
that it can be towed at speed up to 3 knots in calm water. (same for inflatable liferafts)

(4) Markings on rigid liferafts

The liferaft shall be marked with:
- name and port of registry of the ship
- maker's name and the serial number
- name of approving authority
- number of persons permitted to accommodate (character side: atleast 100 mm
height)
- SOLAS
- type of emergency pack enclosed
- length of painter
- maximum permitted height of stowage above waterline
- Launching instructions.

(5) Davit-launched rigid liferafts

In addition to the above requirements, a davit launched rigid liferaft 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.

LIFEBOATS
(A) General requirements for lifeboats
(1) Construction of lifeboats
 All lifeboats shall be properly constructed to have ample stability in a seaway and
sufficient freeboard when loaded with full complement of persons and equipment.
 Each lifeboat shall be fitted with a certificate of approval, endorsed by the
Administration, containing manufacturer's name and address, lifeboat model and
serial number, month and year of manufacture, number of persons the lifeboat is
approved to carry and approval information.
 The certifying organization shall provide the lifeboat with a certificate of approval
which, in addition to the above items, specifies certificate number, material of hull
construction, total mass fully equipped and fully manned, etc.
 All lifeboats shall be of sufficient strength to enable them to be safely launched into
the water when loaded with their full complement of persons and equipment and also
towed when the ship is making headway at a speed of 5 knots in calm water.
 Hulls and rigid covers shall be fire-retardant or non-combustible.
 Seating shall be provided on benches or fixed chairs constructed so as to support a
static load equivalent to the number of persons, each weighing 100 kg.
 Except for free-fall lifeboats, each lifeboat to be launched by falls shall be of sufficient
strength to withstand a load of 1.25 times the total mass of the lifeboat when loaded
with its full complement of persons and equipment, in the case of boats with metal
hulls. For any other boats, twice the total mass.
 Except for free-fall lifeboats, each lifeboat to be launched by falls shall be of sufficient
strength to withstand, when loaded with full complement of persons and equipment, a
lateral impact against the ship's side at an impact velocity of at least 3.5 m/s and also
a drop into the water from a height of at least 3 m.
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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

(2) Carrying capacity of lifeboats

 No lifeboat shall be approved to accommodate more than 150 persons.
 Each seating position shall be clearly indicated in the lifeboat.
 For lifeboats to be launched by falls, the number of persons permitted to be
accommodated shall be calculated with each one having average mass of 75 kg,
wearing lifejackets, seated in a normal position without interfering with the means of
propulsion or the operation of any of the lifeboat's equipment.

(3) Access into lifeboats

 Every passenger ship lifeboat shall be so arranged that it can be rapidly boarded by
its full complement of persons. For cargo ship lifeboat, in not more than 3 min from
the time instruction to board is given. Rapid disembarkation shall be possible in both.
 Lifeboats shall have a boarding ladder that can be used at any boarding entrance of
the lifeboat to enable persons in the water to board the lifeboat. The lowest step of the
ladder shall be not less than 0.4 m below the lifeboat's light waterline.
 The lifeboat shall be so arranged that helpless people can be brought on board either
from the sea or on stretchers.
 All surfaces on which persons might walk shall have a non-skid finish.

(4) Lifeboat buoyancy

 All lifeboats shall have inherent buoyancy or be fitted with inherently buoyant
material that shall not be adversely affected by seawater, oil/oil products, sufficient to
float the lifeboat with all its equipment on board when flooded and open to the sea.
 Additional inherently buoyant material, equal to 280 N of buoyant force per person,
shall be provided for the number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate.
 Buoyant material, unless in addition to that required above, shall not be installed
external to the hull of the lifeboat.

(5) Lifeboat freeboard and stability

 All lifeboats shall be stable and have a positive GM value when loaded with 50% of the
number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate in their normal positions
to one side of the centreline.
 Under this condition of loading, each lifeboat with side openings near the gunwale
shall have a freeboard (measured from waterline to the lowest opening through which
lifeboat may become flooded) of at least 1.5% of the lifeboat's length or 100 mm,
whichever is the greater.
 Also, each lifeboat without side openings near the gunwale shall not exceed an angle
of heel of 200 and have a freeboard of atleast 1.5% of the lifeboat's length or 100 mm,
whichever is the greater.

(6) Lifeboat propulsion

 Every lifeboat shall be powered by a compression-ignition engine.
 Lifeboat fuel must never have a flashpoint of 430C or less.
 The engine shall be provided with either a manual or power starting system with two
independent rechargeable energy sources.
 The engine starting systems shall start the engine at an ambient temperature of -150C
within 2 min of commencing the start procedure.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

 The engine shall be capable of operating for atleast 5 min after starting from cold with
the lifeboat out of the water.
 The engine shall be capable of operating when the lifeboat is flooded up to the
centreline of the crankshaft.
 Provision shall be made for ahead and astern propulsion of the lifeboat.
 The exhaust pipe shall be so arranged as to prevent water from entering the engine.
 The speed of a lifeboat when proceeding ahead in calm water, fully loaded, and with
all engine-powered auxiliary equipment in operation, shall be at least 6 knots and at
least 2 knots when towing a 25-person liferaft loaded with its full complement of
persons and equipment or its equivalent.
 Sufficient fuel must be provided to run the full loaded lifeboat at 6 kts for atleast 24 h.
 The engine, transmission and engine accessories shall be enclosed in a fire-retardant
casing and such that will protect persons from coming into accidental contact with
hot or moving parts and protect the engine from exposure to weather and sea.
 Adequate means shall be provided to reduce engine noise.
 Means shall be provided for recharging lifeboat batteries from the ship's power supply
at a supply voltage not exceeding 50 V which can be disconnected at the lifeboat
embarkation station, or by means of a solar battery charger.
 Water-resistant instructions for starting & operating the engine shall be provided and
mounted in a conspicuous place near the engine starting controls.

(7) Lifeboat fittings

 Drain valve: All lifeboats except free-fall lifeboats shall be provided with at least one
drain valve fitted near the lowest point in the hull, which shall automatically open to
drain water from the hull when the lifeboat is not waterborne and shall automatically
close to prevent entry of water when the lifeboat is waterborne. Each drain valve shall
be provided with a cap or plug to close the valve.
 Rudder & Tiller: All life boats shall be provided with a rudder and tiller. When a wheel
or other remote steering mechanism is also provided, the tiller shall be capable of
controlling the rudder in case of failure of the steering mechanism.
 Hand-holds: Except in the vicinity of the rudder and propeller, suitable hand-holds
shall be provided or a buoyant lifeline shall be fitted around the outside of the lifeboat
above the waterline and within reach of a person in the water. Lifeboats which are not
self-righting when capsized shall have handholds on the underside of the hull as well.
 Watertight Lockers: All lifeboats shall be fitted with sufficient watertight lockers or
compartments for storage of small items of equipment, water and provisions, etc.
 Collecting Rainwater: The lifeboat shall be equipped with a means for collecting
rainwater, and also its storage.
 Painter securing device: Every lifeboat shall be fitted with a device to secure a painter
near its bow. Except for free-fall lifeboats, the painter securing device shall include a
release device to enable the painter to be released from inside the lifeboat, with the
ship making headway at speeds up to 5 knots in calm water.
 Lamp: A manually controlled lamp with an all-round white light, capable of operating
continuously for atleast 12h with a luminous intensity of minimum 4.3 CD or flashing
at a rate of 50-70 flashes/minute for the 12 h operating period with an equivalent
effective luminous intensity shall be fitted. One more lamp shall be fitted inside the
lifeboat to provide light for atleast 12 h to allow reading. (Oil lamps- not permitted)

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

(8) Lifeboat Launching

 Every lifeboat to be launched by falls, except a free-fall lifeboat, shall be fitted with a
release mechanism as per following requirements:
 The mechanism shall be so arranged that all hooks are released simultaneously.
 The mechanism shall have two release capabilities as follows:
- a normal (off-load) release capability which will release the lifeboat when it is
waterborne or when there is no load on the hooks; not requiring manual
separation of the lifting ring or shackle from the jaw of the hook; and
- an on-load release capability which will release the lifeboat with a load on the
hooks, upto a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the fully loaded lifeboat.
 Adequate protection must be provided against accidental release, plus, a danger sign.

(9) Lifeboat equipment

(1) Except for free-fall lifeboats, sufficient buoyant oars to make headway in calm seas.
(2) Two boat-hooks (pole for pushing boat)
(3) A buoyant bailer and two buckets;
(4) A survival manual
(5) An operational compass with suitable means of illumination.
(6) A sea-anchor of adequate size, for all sea conditions, fitted with a shock-resistant
hawser which provides a firm hand grip when wet.
(7) Two painters of a length equal to atleast twice the distance from the stowage position
to the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 15 m, whichever is the greater.
(8) Two hatchets (small axe), one at each end of the lifeboat.
(9) Watertight receptacles containing a total of 3 litres of FW for each person.
(10) A food ration totaling atleast 10,000 kJ for each person, kept in airtight packaging, in
a watertight container.
(11) A rustproof dipper (scoop) with lanyard.
(12) A rustproof graduated drinking vessel.
(13) Two buoyant smoke signals
(14) Four rocket parachute flares
(15) Six hand flares
(16) One waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signalling, one spare set of batteries
and one spare bulb in a waterproof container.
(17) One daylight signalling mirror with instructions for its use
(18) A copy of the life-saving signals prescribed by regulation V/16 on a waterproof card
(19) One whistle or equivalent sound signal.
(20) A first-aid kit in a waterproof case
(21) Anti-seasickness medicine sufficient for atleast 48h & 1 seasickness bag per person.
(22) A jack-knife, to be kept attached to the boat by a lanyard
(23) Three tin-openers.
(24) Two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to minimum 30 m of buoyant line;
(25) If lifeboat is not automatically self-bailing, a manual pump for effective bailing.
(26) One set of fishing tackle.
(27) Sufficient tools for minor adjustments to the engine and its accessories.
(28) Portable fire-extinguishing equipment of an approved type for oil fires.
(29) A searchlight with a horizontal and vertical sector of at least 60 with luminous
intensity of 2,500 CD which can work continuously for atleast 3 h.
(30) An efficient radar reflector, unless a SART is stowed in the lifeboat;
(31) TPA sufficient for 10% of the number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to carry, or
two, whichever is the greater.
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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

(10) Lifeboat markings

 Capacity must be clearly marked on the lifeboat in clear permanent characters.
 The ships name and port of registry must be marked on each side of the lifeboat's bow
in block capitals of the Roman alphabet.
 Markings shall be such as to be visible from above.

(B) Partially enclosed lifeboats

Partially enclosed lifeboats shall comply with the general requirements of part (A) and in
addition shall comply with the following requirements:
 Partially enclosed lifeboats shall be provided with permanently attached rigid covers
extending atleast 20% of the length of the lifeboat from the stem and atleast 20% from
the aftermost part of the lifeboat.
 The lifeboat shall be fitted with a permanently attached foldable canopy which along
with rigid covers completely encloses the occupants in a weatherproof shelter.
 The lifeboat shall have entrances at both ends and on each side.
 Entrances in the rigid covers shall be weathertight when closed.
 The canopy must be easily erected by maximum two persons.
 The canopy must be insulated to protect the occupants against heat and cold by
means of atleast two layers of material separated by an air gap.
 Its exterior must be of a highly visible colour and its interior of a colour which does
not cause discomfort to the occupants. It must have means for collecting rainwater.
 With entrances closed, the canopy must admit sufficient air for occupants at all times.
 The canopy must allow the occupants to escape in the event of the lifeboat capsizing.

(C) Totally enclosed lifeboats

Totally enclosed lifeboats shall comply with the general requirements of part (A) and in
addition shall comply with the following requirements:
 Every totally enclosed lifeboat shall be provided with a rigid watertight enclosure
which completely encloses the lifeboat.
 Access to the lifeboat must be provided by hatches which can be closed to make the
lifeboat watertight.
 Access hatches must be capable of being opened and closed from both inside and
outside, with means to hold them securely in open positions.
 Except for a free-fall lifeboat, it must be possible to row the lifeboat.
 It must include windows or translucent panels which admit sufficient daylight.
 Handrails must provide a secure handhold for persons moving about the exterior of
the lifeboat, and aid embarkation and disembarkation.
 Except in free-fall lifeboats, a safety belt shall be fitted at each seat, designed to hold a
100 kg person securely in place when the lifeboat is in a capsized position. Free-fall
lifeboats shall be fitted with a safety harness at each seat to hold a 100kg person
securely in place during free-fall launch & also with lifeboat in capsized position.
 The 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.
 The stability of the lifeboat shall be such that it is inherently or automatically self-
righting when fully loaded and all entrances and openings are closed watertight and
the persons are secured with safety belts.
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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

(D) Free-fall lifeboats

Free-fall lifeboats shall comply with the general requirements of part (A) and in addition
shall comply with the following requirements:
 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.
 Seating: The width of the seat shall be atleast 430mm. Free clearance in front of the
backrest shall be atleast 635 mm. Backrest shall extend atleast 1m above seat pan.
 Each 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 100 and a list of up to 200 either way from the certification height when fully
loaded, or causing the COG to be in the most forward position or most aft position; or
only its operating crew.
 The required free-fall height shall never exceed the free-fall certification height.
 Each free-fall lifeboat shall be of sufficient strength to withstand, when fully loaded, a
free-fall launch from a height of at least 1.3 times the free-fall certification height.
 Each free-fall lifeboat shall be fitted with a release system which shall have two
independent activation systems for the release mechanisms which may only be
operated from inside the lifeboat and be clearly marked.
 It must be so arranged as to release the boat under any condition of loading from no
load up to atleast 200% of the normal load caused by the fully loaded lifeboat.
 The release systems must be adequately protected against accidental or premature
use and be designed to test the release system without actually launching the lifeboat.
 The certificate of approval for a free-fall lifeboat shall, in addition to that required by
other lifeboats, also mention free-fall certification height, required launching ramp
length and launching ramp angle.

 Lifeboats with a self-contained air support system

 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 atleast 10 min.
 During this period the atmospheric pressure inside the lifeboat shall never fall below
the outside atmospheric pressure nor exceed it by more than 20 hPa. The system
shall have visual indicators to indicate the pressure of the air supply at all times.

 Fire-protected lifeboats
 A fire-protected lifeboat, when waterborne, shall be capable of protecting occupants,
when subjected to a continuous oil fire that envelops the lifeboat for atleast 8 min.
 A lifeboat with water spray fire-protection system shall comply with the following:
- water for the system shall be drawn from the sea by a self-priming motor pump.
- seawater intake must prevent intake of flammable liquids from the sea surface.
- the system must allow flushing with fresh water and allowing complete drainage.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

Chapter V : Rescue boats

(1) General requirements
 A lifeboat may be approved and used as a rescue boat if it meets all requirements of
rescue boat, if it successfully completes testing for a rescue boat and if its stowage,
launching & recovery arrangements meet all the requirements for a rescue boat.
 Rescue boats may be either of rigid or inflated construction or a combination of both.
 They shall be minimum 3.8 m and maximum 8.5 m in length.
 They must be able to carry atleast 5 seated persons and one person lying on stretcher.
 Unless the rescue boat has adequate sheer, it shall be provided with a bow cover
extending for atleast 15% of its length.
 Rescue boats shall be capable of manoeuvring at a speed of atleast 6 knots and
maintaining that speed for at least 4 h.
 Rescue 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 fully loaded at a speed of at least 2 knots.
 A rescue boat shall be fitted with an inboard engine or outboard motor (OBM). If fitted
with an OBM, the rudder and tiller may form part of the engine.
 Arrangements for towing shall be permanently fitted in rescue boats.
 Rescue boats shall be fitted with weathertight stowage for small items of equipment.

(2) Rescue boat equipment

All rescue boats must have the following:
1. Sufficient buoyant oars to make headway in calm seas.
2. A buoyant bailer
3. A binnacle containing an efficient compass, with means of illumination.
4. A sea-anchor and tripping line, with a hawser of atleast 10 m in length.
5. A painter of sufficient length and strength, attached to the release device and placed
at the forward end of the rescue boat.
6. One buoyant line for towing, atleast 50 m in length.
7. One waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signalling, with one spare set of
batteries and one spare bulb in a waterproof container.
8. One whistle or equivalent sound signal.
9. A first-aid outfit in a waterproof case capable of being closed tightly after use.
10. Two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to atleast 30 m of buoyant line;
11. A searchlight with a horizontal and vertical sector of at least 60 and a measured
luminous intensity of 2500 cd which can work continuously for atleast 3 hours.
12. An efficient radar reflector
13. TPA sufficient for 10% of the capacity of the rescue boat or two, whichever is greater.
14. Portable fire-extinguishing equipment of an approved type suitable for oil fires.

In addition, every rigid rescue boat shall also have: (1) a boat-hook; (2) a bucket; and (3) a
knife or axe.

In addition, every inflated rescue boat shall also have: (1) a safety boat-hook. (2) a buoyant
safety knife; (3) two sponges; (4) manually operated bellows or pump; (5) a repair kit in a
suitable container for repairing punctures.

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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

Chapter VI : Launching and embarkation appliances

General requirements for launching appliances
 With the exception of launching for free-fall lifeboats, each launching appliance shall
be so arranged that the fully loaded survival craft or rescue boat can be safely
launched with trim of up to 100 and a list of up to 200 either way.
 A launching appliance shall not depend on any means other than gravity or stored
mechanical power which is independent of the ship's power supplies.
 The launching appliance, other than winch brakes, shall be of sufficient strength to
withstand a static test load of atleast 2.2 times the maximum working load.
 The winch brakes of a launching appliance shall be of sufficient strength to withstand
a static test load of atleast 1.5 times the maximum working load; and a dynamic test
load of atleast 1.1 times the maximum working load at maximum lowering speed.
 It shall, as far as practicable, remain effective in icing conditions.
 A lifeboat launching appliance shall be capable of recovering the lifeboat with its crew.
 Each rescue boat launching appliance shall be fitted with a powered winch motor
capable of raising the rescue boat from the water with its full rescue boat complement
of persons and equipment at a rate of atleast 0.3 m/s.
 Every launching appliance using falls and a winch, except for free-fall lifeboats, shall
be so arranged that it may be actuated by one person from a position on the ship's
deck and, also from a position within the survival craft or rescue boat.
 The speed of lowering (S) a fully loaded survival craft or rescue boat (except free fall
lifeboat) is obtained from the formula: S = 0.4 + 0.02H (where H is the height from
davit head to the waterline with the ship in the lightest sea-going condition) Means
shall be incorporated into the appliance to ensure that this speed is not exceeded.
 Every launching appliance shall be fitted with brakes capable of stopping the descent
of the survival craft or rescue boat and holding it securely when fully loaded.

Free-fall launching appliance:

 Every free-fall launching appliance shall be designed to protect the occupants from
harmful acceleration forces and for effective clearing of the ship.
 The launching appliance must prevent sparking during the launching of the lifeboat.
 The launching appliance shall prevent accidental release in an unattended position.
 The release mechanism must have atleast two independent actions from inside the
lifeboat in order to launch the lifeboat.
 Each launching appliance shall be provided with a secondary means to launch the
lifeboat by falls, with trim of up to only 20 and list of up to only 50 either way. If this
secondary launching appliance is not dependent on gravity or stored mechanical
power, it can be connected both to the ship's main and emergency power supplies.
 The secondary means of launching shall be equipped with at least a single off-load
capability to release the lifeboat.

Embarkation ladders
 Handholds must be provided for safe passage from deck to the head of the ladder.
 The steps of the ladder shall be made of hardwood, free from knots or sharp edges
and with an efficient non-slip surface.
 The steps must be equally spaced minimum 300 mm or maximum 380 mm apart.
 The side ropes of the ladder must be manila ropes, atleast 65 mm in circumference.
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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

MARINE EVACUATION SYSTEM

 A marine evacuation system shall be capable of deployment by one person.
 It must enable the total number of persons for which it is designed, to be transferred
from the ship into the inflated liferafts within 30 min in the case of a passenger ship
and 10 min in the case of a cargo ship from the time the abandon ship signal is given.
 Liferafts must securely attached to the platform and released from the platform by a
person either in the liferaft or on the platform.
 It must be capable of being deployed from the ship with trim of upto 100 and list of up
to 20 either way.
 If fitted with an inclined slide, angle of the slide to the horizontal must be of 300 to 350
when the ship is upright and in the lightest sea-going condition.
 It must be capable of providing a satisfactory means of evacuation in a sea state
associated with a wind of force 6.
 Where one or more marine evacuation systems are provided, at least 50% of such
systems shall be subjected to a trial deployment after installation. If satisfactory, the
untried systems are to be deployed within 12 months of installation.
 The marine evacuation system shall be marked with:
- Maker's name or trade mark
- Serial number and date of manufacture (month and year)
- Name of approving authority
- Name and place of servicing station where last serviced, along with the date
- Capacity of the system.

Chapter VII : Other life-saving appliances

Line-throwing appliances
 Every line-throwing appliance shall be capable of throwing a line with reasonable
accuracy and include minimum four projectiles, each capable of carrying the line at
least 230m in calm weather.
 It must include atleast four lines, each having a breaking strength of minimum 2 kN.
 It must have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the LTA.
 The rocket or the assembly, shall be contained in a water-resistant casing.
 Recommended to be fired at an angle of 20-30 degrees from the horizontal.

General emergency alarm system

 The general emergency alarm system must be capable of sounding general emergency
alarm signal consisting of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on
ship's whistle and additionally on an electrically operated bell or other equivalent
warning system powered from the ship's main supply and the emergency source of
electrical power.
 The system shall be capable of operation from the navigation bridge and, except for
the ship's whistle, also from other strategic points.
 The system shall be audible throughout the accommodation and normal crew working
spaces and must continue to function until it is manually turned off or is temporarily
interrupted by a message on the PA system.
 The minimum sound pressure levels for the emergency alarm tone shall be 80 dB (A)
and at least 10 dB (A) above ambient noise levels existing during normal operation of
the ship.
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Preparatory Notes For 2nd Mate Orals By Rohan Function 3: LSA CODE

Public address system

 The PA system shall be a loudspeaker installation enabling the broadcast of messages
into all spaces where crew members or passengers, or both, are normally present, and
to muster stations.
 It shall allow for the broadcast of messages from the navigation bridge and such other
places on board the ship as the Administration deems necessary.
 The minimum sound pressure levels for broadcasting emergency announcements
shall be 75 dB (A) in interior spaces and 80 dB (A) in exterior spaces.

NEW LIFEJACKET AMENDEMENT:

Lifejacket marking Infant Child Adult

By Weight (kg) less than 15 15 or more but less than 43 43 or more
By Height (cm) less than 100 100 or more but less than 155 155 or more

Fall prevention devices (FPDs)

- to reduce the accidental release of on-load release mechanisms.
- to minimize the risk of injury or death by providing a secondary alternate load path in the
event of failure of the on-load hook or of accidental release of the on-load hook.
- However, FPDs must not be regarded as a substitute for a safe on-load release mechanism.
- FPD can either by means of locking pins or strops or slings.
- Wires or chains should not be used as FPDs, as they do not absorb shock loads.
- Synthetic strops or slings must be used as FPDs and permanently marked with the date of
entry into service.
- the FPDs must be inspected before use and thoroughly inspected every six months.
- strict procedures should be in place to ensure that the FPDs are removed before the
release mechanism is activated.
- Once the on-load release hooks have been connected to recover the lifeboat, the FPDs
must be reattached to the lifeboat before the boat is hoisted clear of the water.
- FPDs must not be used for any other purpose & must be fitted to the lifeboat at all times.
- FPDs must be properly in place before commencing any drill, testing, inspection where
persons are in the lifeboat.

Tests on Lifebuoys

(1) Temperature cycling test: An 8 h cycle at +650C, one day gap to bring to normal, and
another 8 h cycle at -300C and again brought to normal condition. The lifebuoy should not
show any sign of loss of rigidity or not show any signs of damage.
(2) Drop test: Two lifebuoys must be dropped into the water from the height at which they
are intended to be stowed on ships in their lightest seagoing condition, or 30 m, whichever
is the greater, without suffering damage. In addition, one lifebuoy should be dropped three
times from a height of 2 m onto a concrete floor.
(3) Flotation test: Two lifebuoys should be floated in FW with minimum 14.5 kg of iron
suspended from each of them and should remain floating for a period of 24 h.
(4) Smoke signal test: A smoke signal should be tested in waves at least 300 mm high. The
signal should function effectively and for atleast 15 min.
(5) Other tests include Fire test, oil resistance test, strength test, etc.

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