5 - Liferafts

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5.1 Tests for Inflatable and Rigid Liferafts

5.1.1 Testing requirements for liferaft

5.1.2 Hose assembly

5.1.2.1 Each complete hose assembly shall have a test pressure of 126.5 kg / cm ² applied hydrostatically for a minimum duration of one (1) minute.

5.1.2.2 There is to be no leakage from the hose or end fitting of the assembly after the test.

5.1.3 Canadian modifications applicable to rigid liferafts

5.1.3.1 Buoyancy material test Buoyancy material of rigid liferafts is to be submitted to the Lifeboat buoyant material test of Paragraphs 6.2.2 to 6.2.7 of Resolution MSC .81(70).

5.1.4 Canadian modifications applicable to inflatable rescue platform

5.1.4.1 The tests prescribed in paragraphs 5.17.3, 5.17.4, 5.17.5 and 5.17.6 of Part 1of Resolution MSC .81(70), are replaced by an inflation test at a temperature of 0° C as follows;

1. The packed platform complete with its equipment is to be placed into a cold chamber for a period time sufficient for the core of the platform to reach a temperature of 0° C ; and,
2. Upon attaining such a temperature, the platform is to be inflated by pulling the painter either:
   1. Within the cold chamber; or,
   2. within a period of 5 minutes after removal from the cold chamber .

5.1.4.2 The device shall begin to inflate and reach its nominal pressure within a period of 3 minutes, from pulling the painter, and upon completion of inflation, there shall be no seam slippage, cracking or other defect in the platform and it shall be in all respects ready for use upon completion of inflation.

5.2 Tests for Open Reversible Liferafts

5.3 Tests for Coastal Liferaft

5.3.1 Drop test

5.3.1.1 Each size of liferaft is to be subjected to a drop test as follows:

1. The liferaft in the operationally packed condition is to be suspended and dropped from a height of 5 m into the water;
2. If the liferaft is to be stowed at a height greater than 5 m , it shall be dropped from the height at which it is to be stowed;
3. During the drop test the free end of the painter is to be attached to the point of suspension, so that it pays out as the liferaft drops.

5.3.1.2 Upon completion of the drop the liferaft in its operationally packed condition is to be left floating for at least 30 min.

5.3.1.3 After the 30 minute period as 5.3.1.2, the raft shall be inflated by the pulling of the painter and shall:

1. Inflate upright;
2. Inflate in the time period specified under 5.4.2 of this Standard; and,
3. Upon completion of inflation, be removed from the water and subjected to a thorough inspection, including the container, for damage as per 5.3.1.4.

5.3.1.4 Damage to the liferaft container, if the liferaft is normally within it when launched, is acceptable if damage to any item of equipment does not affect the operational efficiency.

5.3.2 Jump test

5.3.2.1 It shall be demonstrated that a person can jump into the liferaft from a height of at least 4 metres above the floor of the liferaft without damage to it.

5.3.2.2 The test subject is to weigh not less than 75 kg and be wearing hard bottom shoes with smooth soles and no protruding nails.

5.3.2.3 The number of jumps performed shall be equal to the total number of persons which the liferaft is to accommodate.

5.3.3 Towing test

5.3.3.1 It shall be demonstrated that the fully laden liferaft is capable of being towed at a speed of 3 knots in calm water for at least 1 km. Towing should be by a line attached to the liferaft’s towing connection with the sea anchor streamed.

5.3.4 Mooring out tests

5.3.4.1 The liferaft shall be loaded with mass equal to the mass of the total number of persons which it is to carry and its equipment and moored in a location at sea or in a seawater harbour.

5.3.4.2 The liferaft shall remain afloat for a period of not less than 15 days. The pressure may be topped up once a day using the manual pump or bellows; however, within any 24-hour period the liferaft must retain its shape.

5.3.4.3 Upon completion of the mooring out period, the liferaft is to not have sustained any damage that would impair its performance.

5.3.4.4 Upon completion of this test, an inflatable liferaft is to be subjected to the pressure test prescribed under 5.4.5 of this Standard.

5.3.5 Painter system test

5.3.5.1 The line used as a painter for a liferaft shall be tensile tested and have a breaking strength of not less than 7.5 kN .

5.3.5.2 The weak link used in the liferaft painter system shall be tensile tested and have a breaking strength of 2.2 kN (± 0.4 kN ).

5.3.6 Lighting system test

5.3.6.1 Testing and evaluation standards for coastal liferaft canopy lights and interior liferaft lights are in section 10 of part 1 of annex 6 to International Marine Organization Resolution MSC .81(70).

5.3.7 Loading and seating test

5.3.7.1 The freeboard of the liferaft in the light condition, including full equipment but not personnel, is to be recorded prior to this test.

5.3.7.2 The freeboard of the liferaft is to be recorded, with the complement, having an average mass of 75 kg and each wearing a marine anti-exposure work suit that meets the requirements set out in CGSB standard, CAN/ CGSB -65.21-M89, on board and seated.

5.3.7.3 It shall be established that all the seated persons, as specified under 5.3.7.2, have space and headroom, and it shall be demonstrated that the various items of equipment can be used within the liferaft in this condition.

5.3.7.4 The freeboard of the liferaft on an even keel is to be not less than 300 mm when loaded with the complement, and equipment.

5.3.8 Boarding test

5.3.8.1 The boarding test shall be carried out in a swimming pool by a team of not less than four (4) persons, who should be of mature age, of differing physiques. At least one subject is to be less than 75 kg .

5.3.8.2 For this test, persons described in 5.3.8.1 shall be clothed in shirt and trousers or a coverall and wearing a marine anti-exposure work suit that meets the requirements set out in CGSB Standard, CAN/ CGSB -65.21-M89.

5.3.8.3 Prior to boarding the liferaft, each person shall swim 100 m and upon reaching the liferaft, attempt to board it immediately.

5.3.8.4 Each person shall attempt to board the liferaft individually with no assistance from the other swimmers or persons already on board. The water should be of sufficient depth to prevent any external assistance when boarding.

5.3.8.5 Liferaft boarding arrangements shall be considered satisfactory if three of the four persons board the liferaft unaided and the fourth boards with the assistance of the others.

5.3.9 Stability test

5.3.9.1 A floating liferaft is to be boarded by the complement who sits on one side and then one end, if the liferaft is other than circular in shape, and in each case, there shall be positive freeboard from the waterline to the top surface of the uppermost main buoyancy tube at its lowest point.

5.3.9.2 The stability of a liferaft is to be determined as follows:

1. two persons each wearing an anti-exposure work suit shall board the empty liferaft;
2. it shall then be demonstrated that the two persons can assist from the water a third person, also wearing an anti-exposure work suit, who feigns unconsciousness;
3. The third person shall have his or her back towards the liferaft so that he or she cannot assist the rescuers.

5.3.9.3 In this test it is to be demonstrated that the water pockets of the liferaft counteract the upsetting movement on the liferaft, and that there is no danger of the life raft capsizing.

5.3.10 Manoeuvrability test

5.3.10.1 It is to be demonstrated that the liferaft when loaded with its complement and equipment is capable of being propelled, in calm conditions, a distance of over 25 m, with the paddles provided as part of the standard equipment.

5.3.11 Swamp test

5.3.11.1 It is to be demonstrated that the liferaft, when in a fully swamped condition, is capable of supporting the number of persons it is to accommodate and remain seaworthy.

5.3.11.2 The raft shall not deform when loaded and fully swamped.

5.3.11.3 This test is to be carried out in at least 10 waves of at least 0.3 m high. Waves may be produced by the wake of a boat or other suitable means.

5.3.12 Canopy closure test

5.3.12.1 To ensure the effectiveness of the canopy closures to prevent water entering the liferaft, a hose test, or other equally effective method is to be undertaken.

5.3.12.2 As a result of this test there shall be no accumulation of water inside the liferaft.

5.3.13 Wind tunnel test

5.3.13.1 The liferaft, in its packed condition with entrances open but without container, is to be inflated in a wind velocity of 30 m / s and left in this condition for not less than 10 minutes. When necessary, securely lash the raft down in place during this test.

5.3.13.2 During the conditions in 5.3.13.1 above, the liferaft shall be rotated 30° to left and right of the start position; and return to the starting position where it shall be inspected for damage as per 5.3.13.4 of this publication.

5.3.13.3 The liferaft shall again be subjected to the wind conditions as per 5.3.13.1 above for not less than 5 minutes in each of the following conditions:

1. With the entrance to the wind open and the other entrances closed, if there is more than one entrance;
2. With the entrance to the wind closed and the other entrances open, if there is more than one entrance; and
3. With all entrances closed.

5.3.13.4 On completion there shall be no detachment of the arch support or canopy from the upper buoyancy tube or other damage, which affects the function of the raft.

5.3.14 Damage test

5.3.14.1 It shall be demonstrated that, in the event of any one of the buoyancy compartments being damaged or failing to inflate, the intact compartment or compartments support with positive freeboard over the liferaft’s periphery, the complement seated in their positions, or an equally distributed mass.

5.3.15 Righting test

5.3.15.1 For this test, an inflated liferaft loaded with its equipment pack, is to be inverted in the water.

5.3.15.2 All entrances, ports, and other openings in the liferaft canopy are to be opened in order to allow the infiltration of water into the canopy when capsized.

5.3.15.3 The canopy shall be allowed to fill completely with water, if necessary, by partially collapsing the canopy support. Unless the raft is self-righting, it is to remain in this condition for not less than 10 minutes before righting is attempted.

5.3.15.4 The righting test shall be carried out by the same team as required for the boarding test, similarly clothed and wearing marine anti-exposure work suits that meets the requirements set out in CGSB Standard, CAN/ CGSB -65.21-M89 as prescribed in 5.3.8 of this Standard document.

5.3.15.5 Each person shall attempt to right the liferaft unaided.

5.3.15.6 The water should be of sufficient depth to give no external assistance to the swimmers when mounting the inverted liferaft.

5.3.15.7 The righting arrangement shall be considered satisfactory if each person rights the liferaft unaided and there is no damage to the structure of the inflatable liferaft and the equipment pack remains secured in place.

5.3.15.8 A liferaft which can demonstrate that it will right itself when inflated upside down may dispense with the requirements of the righting test.

5.4 Tests for Coastal Liferaft Inflation System

5.4.1 Inflation test

5.4.1.1 A liferaft, packed in each type of container, shall be inflated by pulling the painter and the times recorded for each of the following steps:

1. For the liferaft to become boardable, that is with buoyancy tubes inflated to full shape and diameter;
2. For the liferaft cover to be erect; and,
3. For the liferaft to reach its nominal pressure when tested at;
   1. Ambient temperature between 18° C and 20° C ;
   2. A core temperature of -10° C ; and,
   3. A temperature of +35° C .

5.4.2 Ambient inflation (18°- 20° C ) test

5.4.2.1 The liferaft shall achieve total inflation in not more than 1 minute when inflated in an ambient temperature between 18 and 20° C .

5.4.3 Cold inflation (-10° C ) test

5.4.3.1 The liferaft shall be subjected to an inflation test at a temperature of -10° C as follows:

1. The packed liferaft complete with its equipment shall be placed into a cold chamber for a period sufficient for the core of the packed life raft to reach a temperature of -10° C ; and,
2. Upon attaining a core temperature of -10° C , the liferaft may be:
   1. Inflated within the cold chamber; or,
   2. Removed from the cold chamber and inflated within a period of 5 minutes after removal by pulling the painter.

5.4.3.2 The liferaft shall begin to inflate and reaches its nominal pressure within a period of 3 minutes after pulling the painter; upon completion of inflation there shall be no seam slippage, cracking or other defects in the liferaft, and it shall be in all respects ready for use upon completion of inflation.

5.4.4 Hot inflation (+35° C ) test

5.4.4.1 For the inflation test at +35° C , the packed liferaft shall be placed in a heating chamber at a temperature of +35° C for not less than 7 hours. Upon removal from the heating chamber the liferaft shall be immediately inflated by pulling the painter.

5.4.4.2 The liferaft shall begin to inflate and reaches its nominal pressure within a period of 1 minute from pulling the painter, and upon completion of inflation, there shall be no seam slippage, cracking, swelling or other defects, and the liferaft shall be in all respects ready for use upon completion of inflation.

5.4.4.3 Upon inflation, the gas pressure relief valves must be of sufficient capacity to prevent damage to the liferaft by excess pressure.

5.4.5 Pressure test

5.4.5.1 Each inflatable compartment in the liferaft shall be tested to a pressure equal to 3 times the nominal pressure, and upon completion, there shall be no evidence of seam slippage, cracking or other defects in the liferaft.

5.4.5.2 The pressure relief valves shall be tested to show that the pressure inside the inflated chambers of the liferaft cannot reach twice the nominal pressure of the liferaft, and upon completion, there shall be no evidence of seam slippage, cracking or other defects in the liferaft.

5.4.6 Hose assembly test

5.4.6.1 Each complete hose assembly shall have a test pressure of 126.5 kg / cm ² applied hydrostatically for a minimum duration of one (1) minute.

5.4.6.2 There shall be no leakage from the hose or end fitting of the assembly after the test.

5.4.6.3 Upon completion of the test, each hose shall be:

1. dried by blowing air through it; and,
2. checked for length.

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