Chapter IV – Survival Craft

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4.1 General Requirements for SOLAS Liferafts

Information note

Standards for SOLAS liferafts are in sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 of Chapter IV of the LSA Code .

4.2 Inflatable Liferafts

Information note

Standards for SOLAS inflatable liferafts are in sections 4.1 and 4.2 of Chapter IV of the LSA Code .

4.3 Rigid Liferafts

Information note

Standards for rigid liferafts are in sections 4.1 and 4.3 of Chapter IV of the LSA Code .

4.4 Reduced Ccapacity Liferafts

Information note

Standards for a reduced capacity liferaft are in sections 4.1 except 4.1.2.1, 4.2 except 4.2.6.3.4, and 4.3 of Chapter IV of the LSA Code , with the following Canadian modifications.

4.4.1 Marking

4.4.1.1 Every reduced capacity liferaft and its container are to be marked in accordance with paragraphs 4.2.6.3 and 4.2.7.1 of chapter IV of the LSA Code except, there is to be no reference to SOLAS and all references to “LIFERAFT” are replaced with “REDUCED CAPACITY LIFERAFT”

4.5 Inflatable Rescue Platforms

Information note

An inflatable rescue platform is not an open reversible liferaft as defined in the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 ( 2000 HSC Code ), Resolution MSC. 97(73), as amended.

An inflatable rescue platform meets the standards set out in paragraphs 4.1.1.2 to 4.1.1.4, 4.1.3.1, 4.1.6.1 to 4.1.6.3 and 4.2.6.1 of the LSA Code and section 4.1 of Part I of this Standard.

4.5.1 General

4.5.1.1 Every inflatable rescue platform is to be constructed so that the device is capable of performing its intended function in exactly the same manner either side up.

4.5.1.2 An inflatable rescue platform shall have a single layer floor mounted between the buoyancy compartments.

4.5.1.3 An inflatable rescue platform shall inflate with non-toxic gas within three minutes after the activation of the inflation mechanism at a core temperature of 0° C . After inflation, the platform shall maintain its form when loaded with its full complement of person and equipment.

4.5.1.4 Each compartment of an inflatable rescue platform shall be capable of withstanding a pressure exceeding three times the working pressure and shall be prevented from reaching a pressure exceeding twice the working pressure, by means of pressure relief valves or limited gas supply.

4.5.1.5 Every inflatable rescue platform is to be fitted with a painter of a length equal to not less than twice the distance from the stowed location to the waterline of the ship in its lightest seagoing condition or 15 m , whichever is the greater.

4.5.2 Capacity

4.5.2.1 The maximum number of persons an inflatable rescue platform may accommodate will not be greater than 150 persons and is to be calculated as the lesser of:

  1. the greatest whole number obtained by dividing the volume, measured in cubic metres, of the main buoyancy chamber when inflated by 0.064;
  2. the greatest whole number obtained by dividing the inner horizontal cross-sectional area of the platform measured in square metres (which for this purpose may include thwarts, if fitted) measured to the innermost edge of the buoyancy chamber by 0.248;
  3. the number of persons, each having an average mass of 75 kg , all wearing standard lifejackets, that can be seated with sufficient comfort without interfering with the operation of any of the liferaft’s equipment.

4.5.3 Equipment

4.5.3.1 Equipment packs are to be accessible from both sides of the platform.

4.5.3.2 There will be one (1) captive safety knife, adjacent to the painter on both sides of the platform

4.5.4 Lighting Systems

4.5.4.1 Every inflatable rescue platform shall have an automatically activated light, complying with paragraph

4.1.3.3 of the LSA Code with the exception that this light will not be fixed to a canopy.

4.5.5 Fittings

4.5.5.1 Every inflatable rescue platform is to be provided with towing patches capable of withstanding the force required to tow the platform at a speed of at least 2 knots.

4.5.5.2 Water pockets are not required, but, if fitted, they are to be provided on both sides of the platform and constructed in accordance with paragraph 4.2.5.4 of the LSA Code .

4.5.5.3 If the floor includes one or more drains, each drain is to be arranged to completely drain the floor of water when the device is fully loaded and prevent water from flowing back onto the floor.

4.5.6 Boarding ramps and Ladders

4.5.6.1 Every inflatable rescue platform capable of accommodating up to 38 persons shall have at least one (1) semi-rigid boarding ramp to enable persons to board the platform from the sea, and, if inflated, shall be arranged to prevent deflation of the platform if the ramps are damaged. Platforms capable of accommodating more than 38 persons are to be fitted with at least two diametrically opposed boarding ramps.

4.5.6.2 In addition to the boarding ramps, platforms accommodating up to and including 38 persons are to be fitted with one (1) boarding ladder, while platforms accommodating more than 38 persons are to be fitted with two (2) boarding ladders.

4.5.6.3 The total number of boarding ramps and ladders required in 4.3.6.1 and 4.3.6.2 of this Standard refers to those ramps and ladders which are capable of being used either side up. The total number of boarding ramps and ladders required is to be doubled on those platforms where the correct function of the boarding ramp or ladder is dependent on which side of the platform is floating up.

4.5.7 Colour and passive detection

 

 

4.5.7.1 If the colour of the buoyancy tubes is not as set out in 1.2.1, panels of such colour are to be secured to the buoyancy chambers so that a minimum of 1 m 2 is visible from above the platform.

4.5.7.2 Every liferaft, irrespective of its colour, is to be fitted with retro-reflective tape on the upper and outer most surfaces of each buoyancy compartment so as to be visible from above and from water level.

4.5.7.3 The retro-reflective tape required in 4.5.7.2 above is to be in sections of not less than 50 mm in width, not less than 300 mm in length and spaced so that the distance between the centres of adjacent sections is not more than 500 mm .

4.5.8 Markings

4.5.8.1 Every inflatable rescue platform and its container are to be marked in accordance with paragraphs 4.2.6.3 and 4.2.7.1 of chapter IV of the LSA Code except, there is to be no reference to SOLAS and all references to “LIFERAFT” are replaced with “INFLATABLE RESCUE PLATFORM”.

4.6 Open Reversible Liferafts

Information note

Standards for Open Reversible Liferafts are in Annex 11 of the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 ( 2000 HSC Code ), Resolution MSC. 97(73), as amended.

4.7 Coastal Liferafts

4.7.1 General construction requirements

4.7.1.1 A liferaft shall be constructed to be capable of withstanding exposure for 15 days afloat in all sea conditions.

4.7.1.2 A liferaft shall be constructed so that it can fully inflate in an upright position following a drop from a height of 5 m .

4.7.2 Construction fabric

4.7.2.1 All coated materials used on the construction of liferafts shall comply with section 5.17 of resolution MSC. 81(70).

4.7.3 Buoyancy chambers

4.7.3.1 Every inflatable liferaft shall be constructed of a main buoyancy chamber, which is to be divided into not less than two separate compartments, or a single buoyancy chamber divided longitudinally into two equal airtight compartments.

4.7.3.2 Each compartment shall be inflated from an automatic gas inflation system through a non-return inflation valve.

4.7.3.3 The buoyancy chamber shall be arranged in such a manner that in the event of any one of the compartments being damaged or failing to inflate, the intact compartment is to be capable of supporting with positive freeboard over the entire periphery the number of persons which the liferaft may carry as determined under 4.7.7.3 of this publication.

4.7.3.4 Each compartment shall contribute to the total buoyancy required where the maximum designed volume of either compartment does not exceed 60% of the total volume of the buoyancy chamber.

4.7.4 Canopy and floor

4.7.4.1 The specifications for a liferaft canopy are as follows:

  1. every entrance shall be clearly indicated and shall be provided with an adjustable closing arrangement which can be easily and quickly opened from the both the inside and the outside so as to permit ventilation but exclude seawater, wind and cold;
  2. it shall admit sufficient air for the occupants at all times, even with the entrances closed;
  3. it shall provide sufficient headroom for sitting occupants under all parts of the canopy; and,
  4. it shall erect automatically.

4.7.4.2 The floor of the inflatable liferaft shall be waterproof.

4.7.5 Canopy supports

4.7.5.1 Arches or other means for supporting the liferaft canopy shall be:

  1. Gas inflated automatically by a gas inflation system;
  2. bFitted with a non-return valve; and,
  3. Provided with a means of being manually topped-up.

4.7.5.2 Inflation arrangements shall be such that, should one of the buoyancy chambers of the liferaft deflate, the canopy will remain erect.

4.7.6 Cordage, webbing and thread

4.7.6.1 All cordage, webbing and thread used in the construction of a liferaft, or in the make-up of the fittings or equipment, shall be inherently rot-proof.

4.7.6.2 All cordage shall be attached to the liferaft in such a manner that, if the cordage is accidentally detached, the buoyancy tubes will not be damaged.

4.7.7 Capacity

4.7.7.1 A liferaft shall have a carrying capacity of not less than four (4) persons.

4.7.7.2 The total mass of a liferaft, its container and its equipment shall not be more than 75 kg .

4.7.7.3 Maximum number of persons that the liferaft can carry shall be the lesser of:

  1. The greatest whole number obtained by dividing the volume, measured in cubic metres of the main buoyancy chamber (which for this purpose is to not include the canopy support arches nor any thwarts, if fitted) when inflated, by 0.096;
  2. The greatest whole number obtained by dividing the inner horizontal cross-sectional area of the liferaft measured in square metres (which for this purpose may include thwarts, if fitted) measured to the innermost edge of the buoyancy chamber, by 0.372; or,
  3. The number of persons, each having a mass of not less than 75 kg , all wearing a marine anti-exposure work suit that meets the requirements set out in the LSA Code , that can be seated without interfering with the operation of any of the liferaft’s equipment.

4.7.8 Entrance

4.7.8.1 Every inflatable liferaft shall have at least one entrance fitted with a semi-rigid boarding step to enable persons to board the liferaft from the sea and so arranged as to prevent deflation of the liferaft if the step is damaged.

4.7.8.2 Any entrance not fitted with a boarding step shall have a boarding ladder the lowest step of which is not less than 0.4 m below the light waterline of the liferaft.

4.7.8.3 The liferaft shall be provided inside with means to assist persons to pull themselves into it from the ladder or boarding step.

4.7.9 Stability

4.7.9.1 Every liferaft shall be constructed in such a manner that when fully inflated and floating with the canopy fully erected it is stable in a seaway.

4.7.9.2 Every liferaft shall be fitted with water pockets on the underside meeting or exceeding the requirements as specified in paragraph 4.2.5.4 of the LSA Code .

4.7.9.3 The stability shall be such that;

  1. When in the inverted position, unless self-righting, it can be righted by one person in calm water; and
  2. When loaded with the number of persons that the liferaft may carry as determined under

4.7.7.3 of this publication or weights equivalent to persons and equipment, it can be towed at a speed of not less than 3 knots in calm water.

4.7.10 Coastal Liferaft fittings

4.7.10.1 Every liferaft shall be fitted with arrangements for securing the entrance closures in the open position, closed so as to be weather tight, and in any intermediate position between open and closed.

4.7.10.2 Every liferaft shall be provided with lifelines securely becketed around the inside and outside.

4.7.10.3 Every liferaft shall be fitted with a painter system of not less than 8 mm in diameter and of a length at least equal to but not less than twice the distance from the stowed position to the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition and that must:

  1. provide a connection between the vessel and raft;
  2. be so arranged that the released liferaft is not dragged under by the sinking vessel; and
  3. provide a weak link that will break under a strain of 2.2 +/- 0.4 kN .

4.7.10.4 The painter required to be fitted to every liferaft, including its means of attachment to the liferaft but excluding the weak link, shall have a breaking strength of not less than 7.5 kN .

4.7.10.5 In the case of vessels normally operating in waters shallower than the length of the painter system required under 4.7.10.3 of this publication, the painter system shall be capable of being shortened to a length that is equal to the depth of the deepest point of those waters.

4.7.10.6 The length of the painter system shall be clearly marked on the liferaft container.

4.7.11 Float-free arrangements

4.8.11.1 A weak link shall

  1. not be broken by the force required to pull the painter from the liferaft container;
  2. be of sufficient strength to permit the inflation of the liferaft; and,
  3. break under a strain of 2.2 +/- 0.4 kN .

4.7.12 Light systems

4.7.12.1 Every coastal liferaft shall have, fitted to the exterior top of its canopy, a lamp that:

  1. is visible at a distance of at least 2 miles for a period of at least 12 hours, on a dark night with good visibility;
  2. if a flashing light, flashes at a rate of not less than 50 flashes per minute for the first two hours of the 12 hour period;
  3. is powered by a dry chemical cell;
  4. lights automatically when the liferaft canopy is set in place; and
  5. is capable of being switched off and on conveniently.

4.7.12.2 The cell required by 4.7.12.1 c. above shall be of a type that does not deteriorate due to dampness or humidity in the stowed liferaft.

4.7.12.3 Every coastal liferaft shall be fitted inside with a lamp that;

  1. Is capable of continuous operation for a period of at least 12 hours;
  2. Lights automatically when the canopy is set in place;
  3. Is of sufficient intensity to enable reading of survival and equipment instructions; and
  4. Is capable of being switched off and on conveniently.

4.7.13 Colour

4.7.13.1 The outer surface of the canopy shall be of a highly visible colour as per 1.2.1.

4.7.13.2 The inner surface of the canopy shall be of a colour that does not cause discomfort to the occupants.

4.7.14 Container, packing and marking

4.7.14.1 Every coastal liferaft, together with its equipment, shall be packed in a container complying with 4.7.14.2, 4.7.14.3 and 4.7.14.4 of this Standard.

4.7.14.2 Each container shall:

  1. be watertight except for drain holes in the container bottom;
  2. be free from sharp edges and abrasive areas on the inside;
  3. provide a neat fit for the packed liferaft so as not to cause any damage to the liferaft fabric by chafing;
  4. be constructed so as to permit the liferaft to break free on inflation;
  5. be constructed so that the opening through which the painter runs is arranged in such a manner that the container will free itself from the painter on inflation of the liferaft;
  6. be provided with a means to enable it to be carried from its place of stowage to a place of launching; and
  7. be of 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.

4.7.14.3 Ventilation openings and entrance closures shall be open when the liferaft inflates.

4.7.14.4 The liferaft shall be packed in its container in such a way that the waterborne liferaft inflates in an upright position on breaking free.

4.7.14.5 Every coastal liferaft and its container shall be marked in accordance paragraphs 4.2.6.3. and 4.2.7.1 of chapter IV of the LSA Code except, there is to be no reference to SOLAS and all references to “LIFERAFT” are to be replaced with “COASTAL LIFERAFT”.

4.7.15 Passive detection

4.7.15.1 Every coastal liferaft shall have affixed to it a retro-reflective medium that meets the Recommendation on the use and fittings of retro-reflective materials on life-saving appliances adopted by the International Maritime Organization by resolution A.658(16), as it may be amended and is to be arranged as shown in diagrams 1 and 2.

4.7.15.2 Except in the case of the medium forming crosses on the top and bottom of the liferaft, retro-reflective medium is to be in sections of not less than 50 mm in width nor less than 300 mm in length and spaced so that the distance between the centres of adjacent sections is not more than 500 mm .

4.7.15.3 The retro-reflective medium sections shall be fitted on the outside;

  1. Around the canopy at one-half its height;
  2. On top of the canopy at its centre in the form of a cross, which sections are to be one-half the length and one-half the breadth of the liferaft; and
  3. On the bottom of the liferaft at its centre and in the form of a cross, similar in size to that mentioned in (b) above.

4.7.16 Sea anchor

4.7.16.1 Every sea anchor with which a liferaft is required to be equipped shall meet the specifications set out in section 4.1 of the LSA Code .

Diagram 1 Typical Round Liferaft Arrangement of Retroreflective Tape

 

 

Diagram 2 Typical Oval Liferaft Arrangement of Retroreflective Tape

 

 

4.8 Inflation System for Coastal Liferafts

4.8.1 General requirements

4.8.1.1 The liferaft shall be constructed so that it is capable of being inflated by one person.

4.8.1.2 Means shall be provided whereby a topping-up pump or bellows may be used to maintain pressure in the liferaft chambers.

4.8.1.3 The gas cylinder and operating head for the inflation of the liferaft shall be stowed and secured to the outside of the liferaft.

4.8.1.4 The inflation hose or manifold shall be attached to a vacuum packed liferaft by means of a quick release coupling.

4.8.2 Gas

4.8.2.1 The gas used for the inflation of a liferaft shall be of a non-toxic type, provide a high rate of inflation and shall not form enough ice at the outlet during expansion to compromise compliance with the test requirements detailed in Part II, section 5.4 of this Standard.

4.8.3 Cylinders

4.8.3.1 The neck of the cylinder shall be threaded to receive a valve unit that will retain the gas in the cylinder and, in conjunction with the operating head, release the gas at the desired moment in a controlled manner to satisfy all test conditions as detailed in Part II, Section 5.4 of this Standard.

Information note

Each cylinder is to be in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 5.10 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations which requires that cylinders be manufactured and used in accordance
with the following Standards:

CSA-B339 Cylinders, Spheres, and Tubes for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods

CSA-B340 Selection and Use of Cylinders, Spheres, Tubes, and Other Containers for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Class 2

4.8.4 Operating head

4.8.4.1 The gas release mechanism for a cylinder used in the inflation of a liferaft shall;

  1. operate in such a manner that a pull on the operating line opens a valve and releases gas;
  2. incorporate; i. means of retaining the valve in the open position after it has been operated; and, ii. an indicator that shows whether or not the operating head has been operated;
  3. If the cylinder valve and operating head are separate components, be a detachable operating head screwed onto the valve unit in the neck of the cylinder, the handing of the thread being so arranged that, when the operating head is screwed on, there is no tendency to slacken the valve in the cylinder; and,
  4. be watertight.

4.8.4.2 Means shall be provided so as to prevent chafing of the liferaft fabric by the operating head.

4.8.5 High pressure hose assembly

4.8.5.1 A high-pressure hose or manifold shall be provided to convey the gas from the cylinder to the inflatable chambers of the liferaft.

4.8.5.2 The hose assembly, where fitted shall;

  1. have a minimum bursting pressure of at least 50% greater than the gas delivery pressure;
  2. be capable of operating over a temperature range of -45° C to +70° C ;
  3. be capable of being bent through 180° over a form having a radius of 5 cm , after conditioning at -50° C ;
  4. After having been bent as described in (c) above, be capable of passing the hydraulic test as prescribed in 5.4.6 of Part II of this Standard, and;
  5. have its hose clean and free from particles with any foreign matter.

4.8.6 Valves

4.8.6.1 Non-return valves shall be provided at each point where gas for the inflation of a liferaft enters an inflatable chamber from the cylinder or another inflatable chamber.

4.8.6.2 Each chamber of a liferaft shall be capable of withstanding a pressure equal to 3 times the nominal pressure and shall be prevented from reaching a pressure exceeding twice the nominal pressure by fitting a safety relief valve or by a limited gas supply.

4.8.6.3 Means shall be provided for fitting the top-up pump or bellows provided with the liferaft equipment.

4.8.6.4 The safety relief valve shall: a. function so as to allow gas to escape should the pressure exceed that which would be safe for the chambers to carry; and, b. reseat so as to maintain the nominal operating pressure to maintain the rigidity of the chambers.

4.8.7 Deflation

4.8.7.1 Deflation arrangements shall be fitted for deflating the fully inflated liferaft for re-packing and vacuum sealing. The capacity of this arrangement is not to exceed the minimum required for re-packing and vacuum sealing.

4.8.8 Coastal liferaft equipment

4.8.8.1 Minimum requirement for coastal liferafts

  1. One buoyant rescue quoit attached to not less than 30 m of buoyant line
  2. One non-folding safety knife with a buoyant handle and hand guard, attached and stowed in a pocket on the exterior of the canopy adjacent to the painter
  3. One buoyant bailer
  4. One sea anchor that is permanently attached to the liferaft
  5. Two buoyant paddles
  6. One rocket parachute flare and three hand red flares
  7. One watertight flashlight suitable for Morse signaling and, in a watertight container, one spare set of batteries and one spare light bulb for the flashlight
  8. For each occupant, six doses of anti-seasickness medicine and one seasickness bag
  9. A survival craft first aid kit
  10. A copy of life-saving signals
  11. One repair kit for repairing punctures and one topping-up bellows or pump, and
  12. One RADAR reflector

Information note

The copy of the life-saving signals is to be printed on a waterproof card or placed in a waterproof container

4.9 General Requirements for Lifeboats

Reserved

Information note

Refer to the Life Saving Equipment Regulations Part III entitled Operational Requirements and Equipment Standards and particular attention should be given to Sections 114, 115, 117, 140, 141, 143 and 144. Refer to Column II of the Table in Section 121 for the appropriate testing standard.

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