The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances for Passenger Ships of Classes III to VI (A)) Regulations 1992

• Citation: S.I. 1992/2359
• Sections: 818

Section 1 Citation, commencement, and revocation:

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances for Passenger Ships of Classes III to VI(A)) Regulations 1992 and shall come into force on 31st October 1992: Provided that the said Regulations shall not have effect:

(a) Subject to (b) below, in relation to a vessel whose keel was laid or which was at a similar stage of construction:

(i) before 1st January 1940, until 1st April 1994;

(ii) on or after 1st January 1940 but before 31st December 1962, until 1st April 1995;

(iii) on or after 1st January 1963 but before 31st December 1974, until 1st April 1996;

(iv) on or after 1st January 1975 but before 31st August 1984, until 1st April 1997; and

(v) on or after 1st September 1984 but before 31st October 1992, until 1st April 1998.

(b) in the case of the requirements of regulations 7(4), 8 and 9 relating to the carriage of lifejackets, until 31st October 1993 for all ships.

(2) The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulations 1980 are hereby revoked to the extent that they apply to United Kingdom ships of Class III, IV , V, VI and VI(A).

Section 2 Interpretation

(1) In these Regulations:

(a) a reference to a numbered Schedule is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the Schedule of that number in these Regulations;

(b) a reference to a numbered regulation is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the regulation of that number in these Regulations;

(c) a reference in a regulation to a numbered paragraph is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the paragraph of that number in that regulation;

(d) a reference in these Regulations to “the standard of survivability” refers to the standard of survivability given in column 4 of table 1 or table 2, paragraph 12 of Part IV of Schedule 1 of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Regulations 1984 . A reference to a one compartment standard means a unity factor of subdivision and a reference to a two compartment standard means a 0.5 factor of subdivision. In the case of ships built before 1 September 1984 the ship shall be treated as complying with the standard of survivability appropriate to that ship had it been built after that date but before the 31st October 1992; and

(e) any reference in these Regulations to a British Standard shall also include a reference to the equivalent CEN Standard that may be published and shall also include a reference to any document amending that publication which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant.

(2) Notwithstanding anything in these Regulations, for existing ships life-saving appliances already fitted which comply with the standards laid down in the Schedules to the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulations 1980 will be treated as meeting the requirements of these Regulations, to the extent appropriate.

(3) In these Regulations:

“buoyancy aid” means a device, intended to be worn, complying with the requirements of Part IV of Schedule 10;

“buoyant apparatus” means flotation equipment (other than lifebuoys, lifejackets and buoyancy aids) designed to support persons who are in the water and complying with the requirements of Schedule 13;

“buoyant lifeline” means a line complying with the requirements of Part IV of Schedule 9;

“buoyant smoke signal” means a pyrotechnic signal complying with the require ments of Part III of Schedule 8;

“cargo ship” means any ship which is not a passenger ship, pleasure craft or fishing vessel;

“Category A, B, C and D waters” means the waters specified as such in Merchant Shipping Notice M 1504; and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;

“date of expiry” in relation to any product referred to in Schedules 8 and 9 means a date within 3 years from the date of manufacture of that product;

“embarkation ladder” means a ladder complying with the requirements of Part V of Schedule 6 provided at embarkation stations to permit safe access to survival craft after launching;

“existing passenger ship” means a passenger ship the keel of which was laid before 31st October 1992 or which was at a similar stage of construction;

“favourable weather” means fine, clear settled weather with a sea state such as to cause only moderate rolling and/or pitching;

“float-free launching” means that method of launching a liferaft whereby the liferaft is automatically released from a sinking ship and is ready for use complying with Part VI of Schedule 4;

“general emergency alarm system” means a system complying with the require ments of Schedule 12;

“inflatable lifejacket” means a lifejacket complying with the requirements of Part II of Schedule 10;

“inflatable Civil Aviation Authority Lifejacket” means a lifejacket which has been approved by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority;

“inflated boat” means a boat complying with the requirements of Schedule 3 and suitable for rescuing persons in distress and to marshall liferafts;

“instructions for on-board maintenance” means the instructions complying with the requirements of Part II of Schedule 11;

“launching appliance” means a provision complying with the requirements of Part I and the relevant requirements of Parts II, III or IV of Schedule 6 for safely transferring a lifeboat and rescue boat, liferaft or inflated boat respectively, from its stowed position to the water and recovery where applicable;

“length” means 96% of the total length on a waterline of a ship at 85% of the least moulded depth measured from the top of the keel, or the length from the fore-side of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock on that waterline, if that be greater. In ships designed with a rake of keel the waterline on which this is measured shall be parallel to the designed waterline;

“lifeboat” means a lifeboat complying with the requirements of Parts I and II of Schedule 1;

“lifebuoy” means a lifebuoy complying with the requirements of Part I of Schedule 9;

“lifejacket” means a lifejacket complying with the requirements of Parts I or II of Schedule 10;

“liferaft” means a liferaft complying with the requirements of Part I of Schedule 4;

“line throwing appliance” means an appliance complying with the requirements of Part IV of Schedule 8;

“marine escape system” means a system complying with the requirements of Schedule 5;

“Merchant Shipping Notice” means a Notice described as such and issued by the Department of Transport; and any reference to a particular Merchant Shipping Notice includes a reference to any document amending or replacing that Notice which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time and is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice;

“mile” means a nautical mile of 1852 metres;

“new passenger ship” means a passenger ship the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, on or after 31st October 1992. A cargo ship, whenever built, which is converted to a passenger ship shall be treated as a passenger ship, the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction, on the date on which such a conversion commences;

“open reversible liferaft” means a liferaft complying with the requirements of Part II of Schedule 4;

“passenger ship” means a ship carrying more than 12 passengers;

“person” means a person over the age of one year;

“rescue boat” means a boat complying with the requirements of Parts I, II or III of Schedule 2 and designed to rescue persons in distress and to marshal liferafts;

“restricted period” means a period falling wholly within the following limits:

from 1 April to 31st October, both dates inclusive; and

between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset in the case of ships fitted with navigation lights conforming to the collision regulations and between sunrise and sunset in the case of any other ship;

“retro-reflective material” means a material which reflects in the opposite direction a beam of light directed on it and complies with the Merchant Shipping Notice No. M1444;

“rocket parachute flare” means a pyrotechnic signal complying with the require ments of Part I of Schedule 8;

“Satellite EPIRB ” means an emergency position-indicating radio beacon, being an earth station in the mobile-satellite service, the emissions of which are intended to facilitate search and rescue operations and is capable of:

floating free if the ship sinks,

being automatically activated when afloat,

being manually activated, and

being carried by one person;

“sea” does not include any waters of Category A, B, C or D;

“self-activating smoke signal” means a signal complying with the requirements of Part III of Schedule 9;

“self-igniting light” means a light complying with the requirements of Part II of Schedule 9;

“similar stage of construction” means the stage at which construction identifiable with the ship begins and assembly has commenced, comprising at least 50 tonnes or one per cent of the estimated mass of all structural materials, whichever is less;

“survival craft” means a craft capable of sustaining the lives of persons in distress from the time of abandoning the ship;

“training manual” means a manual complying with the requirements of Part I of Schedule 11;

“two-way radiotelephone set” means a portable two way VHF radiotelephone apparatus or a fixed VHF installation in survival craft for communication between survival craft, between survival craft and ship and between ship and rescue boat;

“voyage” includes an excursion;

“waterproofed” means protected as far as is practicable from the ingress of water.

Section 3 Classification of Ships

For the purposes of these Regulations ships shall be arranged in the following classes:

Class III. Passenger ships engaged only on voyages in the course of which they are at no time more than 70 miles by sea from their port of departure and not more than 18 miles from the coast of the United Kingdom, and which are at sea only in favourable weather and during restricted periods.

Class IV. Passenger ships engaged only on voyages in Category A, B, C and D waters.

Class V. Passenger ships engaged only on voyages in Category A, B and C waters.

Class VI. Passengers ships engaged only on voyages with not more than 250 passengers on board, to sea, or in Cateogry A, B, C and D waters, in all cases in favourable weather and during restricted periods, in the course of which the ships are at no time more than 15 miles, exclusive of any Category A, B, C and D waters, from their point of departure nor more than 3 miles from land.

Class VI(A). Passenger ships carrying not more than 50 passengers for a distance of not more than 6 miles on voyages to or from isolated communities on the islands or coasts of the United Kingdom and which do not proceed for a distance of more than 3 miles from land.

Section 4 Application

These Regulations apply to United Kingdom ships when operating as passenger ships of Classes III, IV, V, VI and VI(A).

Section 5 Ships of Class III

(1) This regulation applies to ships of Class III.

(2) Every ship to which this regulation applies shall carry the life-saving appliances specified in Column 4 of the capacity specified in column 5 in relation to a ship specified in columns 1 to 3 of the following table:

(3) At least one rescue boat or inflated boat shall be provided. The number of lifeboats, rescue boats or inflated boats are to be sufficient to ensure that in providing for abandonment by the total number of persons the ship is certified to carry, not more than nine liferafts or open reversible liferafts need to be marshalled by each lifeboat or rescue boat or inflatable boat.

(4) The liferafts shall, as far as practicable, be equally distributed on each side of the ship.

(5) The lifeboats required by paragraph (2) to be carried and the rescue boat or inflated boat required by paragraph (3) to be carried shall be served by their own launching appliances capable of launching and recovery.

(6) Suitable arrangements shall be provided onboard for the recovery of persons from the water. The rescue boat or inflatable boat carried in accordance with paragraph (3) shall be taken as compliance with this requirement.

(7) Every such ship shall carry:

(a) at least 3 waterproofed two-way radiotelephone sets;

(b) a float-free satellite EPIRB;

(c) at least 8 lifebuoys. At least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline. Two lifebuoys shall be provided with self-activating smoke signals and be capable of quick release from the navigating bridge;

(d) for each person the ship is certified to carry a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more; and a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg for each such person on board;

(e) not less than 12 rocket parachute flares; and

(f) a line-throwing appliance.

(8) Included in the number of lifejackets required by paragraph (7)(d) to be carried there shall be at least sufficient inflatable lifejackets for the crew of the rescue boat or inflated boat.

(9) Every such ship shall be provided with:

(a) a general emergency alarm system;

(b) posters or signs showing operating instructions on or in the vicinity of the lifeboats, rescue boat, inflated boat and liferafts, and their launching arrange ments;

(c) a training manual;

(d) instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances or a shipboard planned maintenance programme which includes the maintenance of life-saving appliances; and

(e) on the bridge, a copy of the table “Life-Saving Signals and Rescue Methods, SOLAS No 1” published by the Department of Transport.

Section 6 Ship of Class IV

(1) This regulation applies to ships of Class IV.

(2) Every ship to which this regulation applies shall carry the life-saving appliances specified in colum 4 of the capacity specified in column 5 in relation to a ship specified in columns 1 to 3 of the following table:

(3) At least one rescue boat or inflatable boat shall be provided. The number of lifeboats, rescue boats or inflatable boats are to be sufficient to ensure that in providing for abandonment by the total number of persons the ship is certified to carry, not more than nine liferafts or open reversible liferafts need to be marshalled by each lifeboat or rescue boat or inflatable boat.

(4) The liferafts shall, as far as practicable, be equally distributed on each side of the ship.

(5) The lifeboat required to be carried by paragraph (2) and the rescue boat or inflated boat required to be carried by paragraph (3) shall be served by their own launching appliances, capable of launching and recovery.

(6) Suitable arrangements shall be provided on board for the recovery of persons from the water. The rescue boat or inflatable boat carried in accordance with paragraph (3) is acceptable as complying with this requirement.

(7) Every such ship shall carry:

(a) at least 2 waterproofed two-way radiotelephone sets. When carrying more than five crew then 3 two-way radiotelephone sets are to be provided;

(b) at least the number of lifebuoys determined in accordance with the following table:

(i) Number of passengers for which the ship is certified to carry Number of lifebuoys up to 250 4 250 or more 8; and ii at least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline. Not less than 50 per cent of the total number of lifebuoys shall be provided with self-igniting lights and not less than two of the lifebuoys provided with such lights shall also be provided with self-activating smoke signals and be capable of quick release from the navigating bridge, providing that self-igniting lights need not be provided on ships which only operate between sunrise and sunset;

(c) for each person the ship is certified to carry a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more; and a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg for each such person on board;

(d) not less than 12 rocket parachute flares; and

(e) a line throwing appliance provided that in lieu of four projectiles and four lines, two projectiles and two lines may be carried.

(8) Included in the number of lifejackets required by paragraph (7)(c) to be carried there shall be sufficient inflatable lifejackets for the crew of the rescue boat or inflated boat.

(9) Every such ship shall be provided with:

(a) a general emergency alarm system;

(b) posters or signs showing operating instructions on or in the vicinity of the liferafts, rescue boat or inflated boats, or their launching arrangements;

(c) a training manual; and

(d) instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances or a shipboard planned maintenance programme which includes the maintenance of life-saving appliances.

Section 7 Ships of Class V

(1) This regulation applies to ships of Class V.

(2) This paragraph applies to ships of Class V which operate within Category A waters only and which comply with the standard of survivability in accordance with Table 1 (5) or Table 2 (7) (heel test). All such ships shall carry the following equipment:

(a) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (c) lifebuoys to support 10 per cent of the total number of persons which the ship is certified to carry, each lifebuoy being capable of supporting two persons;

(b) Suitable arrangements for the recovery of persons from the water;

(c)

(i) at least the number of lifebuoys determined in accordance with the following table:

(ii) at least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline. Not less than 50 per cent of the total lifebuoys shall be provided with self activating lights. The self activating lights need not be provided on ships which only operate between sunrise and sunset; and

(d) a general emergency alarm system.

(3) This paragraph applies to ships of Class V which operate within Category A and B waters.

(a) Every ship to which this paragraph applies shall carry the life-saving appliances specified in column 4 of the capacity specified in column 5 in relation to a ship specified in columns 1 to 3 of the following table:

The Buoyant Apparatus shown in columns 4 and 5 may be substituted by lifebuoys up to a maximum of 60 per cent of the vessels buoyant apparatus requirement with one lifebuoy being suitable to support two persons.

Lifeboats, where fitted, shall be served by their own launching appliances, capable of launching and recovery.

(b) The liferafts where carried shall, as far as practicable, be equally distributed on each side of the ship.

(c) Suitable arrangements shall be provided on-board for the recovery of persons from the water.

(d) Every such ship shall carry:

(i) at least 2 waterproofed two-way radiotelephone sets except where buoyant apparatus is only fitted these shall not be required; and

(ii)

(a) at least the number of lifebuoys determined in accordance with the following table:

(ii)

(b) At least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline. Not less than 50 per cent of the total number of lifebuoys shall be provided with self-igniting lights. Included in this number there shall be at least two lifebuoys capable of quick release from the navigating bridge, providing that self-igniting lights need not be provided on ships which only operate between sunrise and sunset;

(e) Every such ship shall be provided with:

(i) a general emergency alarm system;

(ii) posters or signs showing operating instructions on or in the vicinity of the liferafts or their launching arrangements;

(iii) a training manual; and

(iv) instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances or a shipboard planned maintenance programme which includes the maintenance of life-saving appliances.

(4) This paragraph applies to ships of Class V which operate within Category A, B and C waters.

(a) Every ship to which this paragraph applies shall carry the life-saving appliances specified in column 4 of the capacity specified in column 5 in relation to a ship specified in columns 1 to 3 of the following table:

The Buoyant Apparatus shown in columns 4 and 5 may be substituted by lifebuoys up to a maximum of 60 per cent of the vessels buoyant apparatus requirement with one lifebuoy being suitable to support two persons.

Lifeboats, where fitted, shall be served by their own launching appliances, capable of launching and recovery.

(b) The liferafts where carried shall, as far as practicable, be equally distributed on each side of the ship.

(c) Suitable arrangements shall be provided onboard for the recovery of persons from the water.

(d) Every such ship shall carry:

(i) at least 2 waterproofed two-way radiotelephone sets except where buoyant apparatus is only fitted these shall not be required.

(ii)

(a) at least the number of lifebuoys determined in accordance with the following table:

(ii)

(b) at least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline. Not less than 50 per cent of the total number of lifebuoys shall be provided with self-igniting lights and in the case of ships carrying more than 250 passengers not less than two of the lifebuoys provided with such lights shall also be provided with self- activating smoke signals and be capable of quick release from the navigating bridge, providing that self-igniting lights need not be provided on ships which only operate between sunrise and sunset;

(iii) for each person onboard either of the following:

(a) a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more; and a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg for each such person on board; or

(b) a buoyancy aid suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more, and a buoyancy aid suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg complying with Part IV of Schedule 10; or

(c) a lifejacket complying with British Standard Specification BS-3595:1981 provided such lifejackets do not depend wholly upon oral inflation. Lifejackets of the partially inherently buoyant type for persons weighing 32 kg or more shall have buoyancy in the uninflated state of not less than 89 newtons; or

(d) an inflatable Civil Aviation Authority lifejacket which complies with Part III of Schedule 10.

(e) Every such ship shall be provided with:

(i) a general emergency alarm system;

(ii) posters or signs showing operating instructions on or in the vicinity of the liferafts or their launching arrangements;

(iii) a training manual; and

(iv) instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances or a shipboard planned maintenance programme which includes the maintenance of life-saving appliances.

Section 8 Ships of Class VI

(1) This regulation applies to ships of Class VI.

(2) This paragraph applies to ships of Class VI as specified in regulation 3 with the exception that for 15 miles and 3 miles there shall be substituted 10 miles and 1 mile respectively.

(a) Every ship to which this paragraph applies shall carry the life-saving appliances specified in column 4 of the capacity specified in column 5 in relation to a ship specified in columns 1 to 3 of the following table:

(b) The liferafts where carried shall, as far as practicable, be equally distributed on each side of the ship.

(c) Suitable arrangements shall be provided on board for the recovery of persons from the water.

(d) Every ship shall carry:

(i) at least 2 waterproofed two-way radiotelephone sets except where buoyant apparatus is only fitted these shall not be required;

(ii) at least 4 lifebuoys, with at least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship being fitted with a buoyant lifeline; the remainder shall be provided with a self activating smoke signals and be capable of quick release from the navigation bridge;

(iii) for each person on board either of the following:

(a) a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more and a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg for each such person on board; or

(b) a buoyancy aid suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more and a buoyancy aid suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg, complying with Part IV of Schedule 10; or

(c) a lifejacket complying with British Standard Specification BS-3595:1981 provided such lifejackets do not depend wholly upon oral inflation. Lifejackets of the partially inherently buoyant type for persons weighing 32 kg or more shall have buoyancy in the uninflated state of not less than 89 newtons; or

(d) an inflatable Civil Aviation Authority lifejacket which complies with Part III of Schedule 10; and

(iv) not less than 12 parachute distress flares.

(e) Every such ship shall be provided with:

(i) a general emergency alarm system;

(ii) posters or signs showing operating instructions on or in the vicinity of the liferafts or their launching arrangements;

(iii) a training manual; and

(iv) instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances or a shipboard planned maintenance programme which includes maintenance of life-saving appliances.

(3) This paragraph applies to all other ships of Class VI engaged on voyages with not more than 250 passengers onboard, to sea, or in Category A, B, C and D waters, in all cases in favourable weather and during restricted periods, in the course of which the ships are at no time more than 15 miles, exclusive of any Category A, B, C and D waters, from their point of departure nor more than 3 miles from land.

(a) Every ship to which this paragraph applies shall carry the lifesaving appliances specified in column 4 of the capacity specified in column 5 in relation to a ship specified in columns 1 to 3 of the following table:

(b) The liferafts where carried shall, as far as practicable, be equally distributed on each side of the ship.

(c) Suitable arrangements shall be provided on board for the recovery of persons from the water.

(d) Every such ship shall carry:

(i) at least 2 waterproofed two-way radiotelephone sets;

(ii) at least 4 lifebuoys, with at least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship being fitted with a buoyant lifeline; the remainder shall be provided with a self activating smoke signals and be capable of quick release from the navigating bridge;

(iii) for each person on board either of the following:

(a) a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more and a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg for each such person on board; or

(b) a buoyancy aid suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more and a buoyancy aid suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg, complying with Part IV of Schedule 10; or

(c) a lifejacket complying with British Standard Specification BS-3595:1981 provided such lifejackets do not depend wholly upon oral inflation. Lifejackets of the partially inherently buoyant type for persons weighing 32 kg or more shall have buoyancy in the uninflated state of not less than 89 newtons; or

(d) an inflatable Civil Aviation Authority lifejacket which complies with Part III of Schedule 10.

(iv) not less than 12 rocket parachute flares.

(e) Every such ship shall be provided with:

(i) a general emergency alarm system;

(ii) posters or signs showing operating instructions on or in the vicinity of the liferafts or their launching arrangements;

(iii) a training manual; and

(iv) instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances or a shipboard planned maintenance programme which includes maintenance of life-saving appliances.

Section 9 Ships of Class VI (A)

(1) This regulation applies to ships of Class VI(A). (2)

(a) Every ship to which this regulation applies shall carry the lifesaving appliances specified in column 4 of the capacity specified in column 5 in relation to a ship specified in columns 1 to 3 of the following table:

(b) The liferafts where carried shall, as far as practicable, be equally distributed on each side of the ship.

(c) Suitable arrangements shall be provided on board for the recovery of persons from the water.

(d) Every such ship shall carry:

(i) at least 2 waterproofed two-way radiotelephone sets;

(ii) at least 4 lifebuoys, with at least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship being fitted with a lifebuoy lifeline; the remainder shall be provided with self- igniting lights and self-activating smoke signals and be capable of quick release from the navigating bridge providing that self-igniting lights need not be provided on ships which only operate between sunrise and sunset;

(iii) for each person onboard either of the following:

(a) a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing 32 kg or more; and a lifejacket suitable for a person weighing less than 32 kg for each such person on board; or

(b) a lifejacket complying with British Standard Specification BS-3595: 1981 provided such lifejackets do not depend wholly upon oral inflation. Lifejackets of the partially inherently buoyant type for persons weighing 32 kg or more shall have buoyancy in the uninflated state of not less than 89 newtons; and

(iv) not less than 12 rocket parachute flares.

(e) Every such ship shall be provided with:

(i) a general emergency alarm system;

(ii) posters or signs showing operating instructions on or in the vicinity of the liferafts or their launching arrangements;

(iii) a training manual; and

(iv) instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances or a shipboard planned manintenance programme which includes maintenance of life-saving appliances.

Section 10 Approval and replacement of life-saving appliances

(1) Life-saving appliances and arrangements required by these Regulations shall be of a type which has been approved by the Secretary of State.

(2) Any such approval given pursuant to these Regulations shall be given in writing and shall specify the conditions (if any) on which it is given.

(3) Any item of life-saving equipment marked with an expiry date shall be replaced on or before that date.

Section 11 Operational readiness, maintenance, inspections and servicing

(1) All life-saving appliances shall be in working order and ready for immediate use before any ship to which these Regulations apply commences a voyage and at all times during the voyage.

(2) Maintenance of life-saving appliances shall be carried out in accordance with the instructions for on-board maintenance set out in, or in accordance with, a shipboard planned maintenance programme which includes the requirements of Part II of Schedule 11.

(3) Falls used in launching shall be turned end for end at intervals of not more than 30 months and be renewed when necessary due to deterioration of the falls or at intervals of not more than 5 years, whicher is the earlier. Stainless steel falls shall be turned end for end at intervals of not more than 30 months but need not be renewed provided that on inspection there are no signs of mechanical damage or other possible defects.

(4) The following tests and inspections shall be carried out weekly:

(a) all survival craft, rescue or inflated boats and launching appliances shall be visually inspected to ensure that they are ready for use;

(b) the engine in the lifeboat, rescue boat or inflated boat shall be run ahead and astern in accordance with the requirements specified in Part I of Schedule 1; Parts I, II and III of Schedule 2 and Schedule 3; and

(c) where fitted, the general emergency alarm system shall be tested.

(5) Inspection of the life-saving appliances, including lifeboat equipment, shall be carried out monthly in accordance with the instructions, requirements and check list referred to in Part II of Schedule 11.

(6) Where fitted, liferaft automatic release hooks shall be serviced at intervals not exceeding 30 months and shall be proof tested to 100% safe working load at intervals not exceeding 5 years. Lifeboat and rescue boat release gears shall be overhauled at intervals not exceeding 5 years. At least once every 5 years rescue boats shall be turned out and lowered when loaded with weights to simulate their full safe working load.

(7) Every inflated or rigid inflated rescue boat, liferaft, open reversible liferaft, inflatable lifejacket and hydrostatic release unit shall be serviced at a service station approved by the Secretary of State at intervals not exceeding 12 months, except in the case of hydrostatic release units which have been approved for a service life of 2 years.

Section 12 Operating instructions for launching lifeboats, liferafts and open reversible liferafts

Posters and signs provided on or in the vicinity of lifeboats, liferafts, open reversible liferafts or their launching arrangements where applicable shall illustrate the purpose of the controls and procedures for launching and bowsing-in the lifeboats and liferafts.

Section 13 Liferaft and open reversible liferaft embarkation arrangements

Where the distance between the embarkation deck and the top of a liferaft buoyancy tube exceeds 1 metre when the ship is in the lightest seagoing condition a three string embarkation ladder shall be provided at each liferaft boarding station. Where such distance exceeds 4.5 metres at least one launching appliance or a marine escape system chute and boarding platform shall be provided on each side of the ship.

Section 14 Stowage of liferafts, open reversible liferafts, lifeboats, rescue boats and inflated boats

(1) Each liferaft shall be stowed so that it can be released from one position on the ship or alternatively that all the liferafts on one side of the ship can be released from one position on the respective side. Such position or positions shall be in or adjacent to the position from which the ship is steered. The stowage and release arrangements shall be such that each raft is automatically inflated on reaching the water. The liferafts shall be suitably stowed in order that they will not interfere with the launching of lifeboats, rescue boats or other liferafts including bowsing-in arrangements.

(2) Liferafts shall be stowed, as far as practicable, in a secure and sheltered position.

(3) Every liferaft shall be stowed with its painter permanently attached to the ship and with a float-free arrangement so that the liferaft floats free and inflates automatically if the ship sinks. Every liferaft shall also be so stowed that it can be manually released from its securing arrangements. Notwithstanding the performance requirements in paragraph 3.3.3 of Part VI of Schedule 4 the float-free arrangement shall be capable of being activated in the depths of water in which the ship operates. Where the depth of water is restricted alternative arrangements may be fitted for this float-free capability.

(4) Lifeboats, rescue and inflated boats shall be stowed:

(a) in a state of continuous readiness for launching;

(b) in a position suitable for launching and recovery; and

(c) so that neither the lifeboats, rescue boat or inflated boat nor its stowage arrangements will interfere with the operation of any liferaft or open reversible liferaft at any other launching station.

Section 15 Launching stations

(1) Launching stations shall be in such positions as to ensure safe launching having particular regard to the clearance from the propeller and steeply overhanging portions of the hull with the object of ensuring that, so far as practicable, lifeboats and liferafts can be launched down the straight side of the ship. If positioned forward survival craft shall be stowed abaft the collision bulkhead in a sheltered position.

(2) Handling of lifeboats or liferafts at any one launching station shall not interfere with the handling of lifeboats or liferafts at another launching station.

(3) Means shall be available to prevent any discharge of water on to lifeboats and liferafts during abandonment of the ship.

Section 16 Rescue and inflated boat embarkation, launching and recovery arrangements

(1) Embarkation and launching arrangements shall be such that the rescue or inflated boat can be boarded and launched in the shortest possible time.

(2) Each rescue and inflated boat shall be provided with an appliance which is capable of launching and recovering the boat.

(3) Means shall be available to prevent any discharge of water on to rescue and inflated boats during abandonment of the ship.

Section 17 Stowage of lifebuoys

(1) Lifebuoys shall be distributed as to be readily available on both sides of the ship and, as far as practicable, on all open decks extending to the ship’s side. At least one lifebuoy shall be placed in the vicinity of the stern.

(2) Lifebuoys shall be so stowed as to be capable of being rapidly cast loose, and not permanently secured in any way.

(3) Except as otherwise provided lifebuoys with lights and those with lights and smoke signals shall be equally distributed on both sides of the ship and shall not be the lifebuoys provided with lifelines.

Section 18 Stowage of lifejackets

Lifejackets shall be so placed as to be readily accessible and their position shall be clearly indicated.

Section 19 Stowage of portable radio equipement

Portable radio equipment for survival craft required to be carried in compliance with regulations 5(7)(a), 6(7)(a), 7(3)(d)(i), 7(4)(d)(i), 8(2)(d)(i), 8(3)(d)(i) and 9(2)(d)(i) shall be stowed in a protected and easily accessible position ready to be moved to any survival craft in an emergency.

Section 20 Stowage and packing of pyrotechnic distress signals

(1) Pyrotechnic distress signals provided for use on board ship shall be stowed on or near the navigating bridge. In the case of a line-throwing appliance which includes a pistol; the pistol, line and rockets together with the means of ignition shall be stowed in a container which provides protection from the weather.

(2) All pyrotechnic distress signals provided for use on board ships shall be packed in a watertight container. Such signals and signals provided for use in liferafts shall not be packed in plastic envelopes.

Section 21 Manning of liferafts and rescue boats

There shall be at least one crew member trained to supervise the donning of lifejackets and to launch, bowse-in and the boarding of every two liferafts carried. For the launching and recovery of the rescue boat or inflated boat there shall be at least two trained crew members.

Section 22 Retro-reflective material

Life-saving appliances carried on ships of Classes III, IV, V, VI and VI(A) shall be fitted with retro-reflective material where it will assist in detection, and the dimensions and location of the material shall be as specified in accordance with Merchant Shipping Notice No 1444.

Section 23 Equivalents and Exceptions

(1) Where these Regulations require that a particular fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular provision shall be made, the Secretary of State may permit any other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus or type thereof to be fitted or carried, or any other provision to be made in that ship if he is satisfied by trial thereof or otherwise that such other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or provision is at least as effective as that required by these Regulations.

(2) For the purpose of these Regulations, the results of verifications and tests carried out by the bodies and laboratories of other member States offering suitable and satisfactory guarantees of technical and professional competence and independence shall be accepted.

(3) The Secretary of State may exempt any ship or description of ships from all or any of the provisions of these Regulations (as may be specified in the exemption) if he is satisfied that compliance with such provision is either impracticable or unreasonable in the case of that ship or description of ships on such terms (if any) as he may specify and may, subject to giving reasonable notice, alter or cancel any such exemption.

Section 24 Penalties

(1) If a ship to which these Regulations apply proceeds on any voyage without complying with the requirments of these Regulations, the owner and master of the ship shall each be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years and a fine.

(2) It shall be a good defence to a charge under this regulation to prove that the person charged took all reasonable steps to avoid commission of the offence.

Section 25 Power to detain

(1) In any case where a ship does not comply with the requirements of these Regulations, the ship shall be liable to be detained and section 692 (1)–(3) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 (which relates to the detention of a ship) shall have effect in relation to the ship, subject to the modification that for the words “this Act” wherever they appear, there shall be substituted the “Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances for Passenger Ships of Classes III to VI(A)) Regulations 1992”.

Section 1.1 Definitions

In this Schedule the following definition applies:

(1.1.1) “Length of lifeboat” means the length of the lifeboat in metres from the inside of the shell at the top of the stem to the corresponding point at the top of the stern post; in the case of a lifeboat with a square stern the length is measured to the inside of the top of the transom.

Section 1

All partially enclosed lifeboats shall comply with the requirments of Part I of this Schedule, and in addition shall comply with the requirements of this Part as follows:

Section 1

Except in the case of a single point suspension the lifeboat disenging gear shall be so arranged that all hooks are released simultaneously on the operation of the control mechanism.

Section 1

Every lifeboat manual pump shall comply with the following requirements:

Section 1.1

the capacity when operated at not more than 60 double strokes per minute at 1.2 metres suction head, shall be not less than:

(1.1.1) 30 litres per minutes in lifeboats of 7 metres in length or over; or

(1.1.2) 20 litres per minute in lifeboats of less than 7 metres length;

Section 1.2

in its normal dry state (excluding internal grease or other assistance) the pump shall be readily self-priming when operated at a suction head of not less than 1.2 metres;

Section 1.3

all parts of the pump shall be of material unaffected by the effects of sea water;

Section 1.4

the interior of the pump, including valves, shall be readily accessible for emergency cleaning and the cover for access shall be capable of being easily removed without the use of a spanner or other special tool; and

Section 1.5

the pump branches shall be suitable for use with rubber hose connections of at least 30 mm bore. The metal part of the operating handle shall be suitably sheathed by material other than wood to ensure that the hands of the operator are protected when the pump is used in extreme cold. The spindle gland shall be of the spring loaded seal ring type.

Section 1

General

Section 1.1

Internal and External Lights

(1.1.1) The lights shall be provided with a manually operated switch.

(1.1.2) Each light shall be connected independently to its own power source unless it is operated from the lifeboat’s battery system.

Section 2.1 General

All lifeboats prescribed in this Part shall:

(2.1.1) be constructed with proper workmanship and materials;

(2.1.2) not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range −30°C to +65°C;

(2.1.3) be capable of operating throughout a seawater temperature range of −1°C to +30°C;

(2.1.4) be rot-proof, corrosion-resistant, and not be unduly affected by seawater, oil or fungal attack;

(2.1.5) .be resistant to deterioration from exposure to sunlight;

(2.1.6) be of a highly visible colour on all parts where this will assist detection;

(2.1.7) be fitted with retro-reflective material where it will assist in detection and the dimensions and location of the material shall be to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State;

(2.1.8) be capable of satisfactory operation in a sea environment.

Section 2

Every partially enclosed lifeboat shall be provided with effective means of bailing or be automatically self-bailing.

Section 2

The means of effecting release shall be placed near the coxswain’s position.

Section 2 Construction

Internal and External Lights

(2.1.1) The complete light unit shall be constructed with proper workmanship and materials.

(2.1.2) It shall be capable of withstanding the drop test for a lifeboat.

(2.1.3) It shall be capable of withstanding a drop of 2 metres onto a rigidly mounted steel plate or concrete surface.

(2.1.4) it shall be rot proof, corrosion resistant, and not be unduly affected by sea-water, oil or fungal growth.

(2.1.5) It shall not deteriorate due to damp or humidity when stowed in or on a lifeboat.

(2.1.6) The power source shall be proofed against leakage of any chemicals which could damage or cause deterioration of the lifeboat.

(2.1.7) The connection between light and power shall be suitably protected.

(2.1.8) The lamp, lamp holder and lens shall be so constructed to prevent the ingress of water.

(2.1.9) .If the external light is a flashing light, it shall not be fitted with a lens or curved reflector to concentrate the beam.

Section 3.1 Construction

All lifeboats shall be properly constructed and shall be of such form and proportions that they have ample stability in a seaway and sufficient freeboard when loaded with their full complement of persons and equipment. All lifeboats shall have rigid hulls and shall be capable of maintaining positive stability when in an upright position in calm water and loaded with their full complement of persons and equipment and holed in any one location below the waterline, assuming no loss of buoyancy material and no other damage.

Section 3.2 Construction

All lifeboats shall be of sufficient strength to:

(3.2.1) enable them to be safely lowered into the water when loaded with their full complement of persons and equipment; and

(3.2.2) be capable of being launched and towed when the ship is making headway at a speed of 5 knots in calm water.

Section 3.3 Construction

Hulls and rigid covers shall be fire-retardent or non-combustible.

Section 3.4 Construction

Seating shall be provided on thwarts, benches or fixed chairs fitted as low as practicable in the lifeboat and constructed so as to be capable of supporting the number of persons each weighing 100 kg for which spaces are provided in compliance with the requirements of paragraph 3.9.

Section 3.5 Construction

Each lifeboat shall be of sufficient strength to withstand a load, without residual deflection on removal of that load:

(3.5.1) in the case of boats with metal hulls, 1.25 times the total mass of the lifeboat when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment; or

(3.5.2) in the case of other boats, twice the total mass of the lifeboat when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment.

Section 3.6 Construction

Each lifeboat shall be of sufficient strength to withstand, when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment and with, where applicable, skates or fenders in position, a lateral impact against the ship’s side at an impact velocity of at least 3.5 metres per second and also a drop into the water from a height of at least 3 metres.

Section 3.7 Construction

The vertical distance between the floor surface and the interior of the enclosure or canopy over 50% of the floor area shall be:

(3.7.1) not less than 1.3 metres for a lifeboat permitted to accommodate 9 persons or less;

(3.7.2) not less than 1.7 metres for a lifeboat permitted to accommodate 24 persons or more;

(3.7.3) not less than the distance as determined by linear interpolation between 1.3 metres and 1.7 metres for a lifeboat permitted to accommodate between 9 and 24 persons.

Section 3.8 Construction

No lifeboat shall be deemed fit to accommodate more than 150 persons.

Section 3.9 Construction

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

(3.9.1) the number of persons having an average mass of 75 kg., all wearing lifejackets, that can be seated in a normal position without interfering with the means of propulsion or the operation of any of the lifeboat’s equipment; or

(3.9.2) the number of spaces that can be provided on the seating arrangements in accordance with Figure 1. The shapes may be overlapped as shown, provided footrests are fitted and there is sufficient room for legs, and the vertical separation between the upper and lower seat is not less than 350 mm.

Section 3.10 Construction

Each seating position shall be clearly indicated in the lifeboat.