5 Lifebuoys
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - SCV Code - Code of Safety for Small Commercial Vessels Operating in the Caribbean - Chapter VI - Lifesaving Equipment - 5 Lifebuoys

5 Lifebuoys

  5.1 A vessel of less than 10 m (32 feet) in length shall carry a minimum of one ring lifebuoy of not less than 610 mm (24 inches) in diameter.

  5.2 A vessel of 10 m (32 feet) or more in length, but not more than 20 m (65 feet), shall carry a minimum of two lifebuoys of not less than 610 mm (24 inches) in diameter.

  5.3 A vessel of more than 20 m (65 feet) in length shall carry a minimum of three lifebuoys of not less than 762 mm (30 inches) in diameter.

  5.4 Each ring life buoy on a vessel shall:

  • .1 be readily accessible;

  • .2 be stowed in a way that it can be rapidly cast loose;

  • .3 not be permanently secured in any way;

  • .4 be orange in colour; and

  • .5 be marked with the vessels name, identification number and port of registry where applicable.

  5.5 At least one of the ring life buoys required by VI/5.1, VI/5.2 or VI/5.3 shall be fitted with a lifeline. Where more than one ring life buoy is carried one shall not have a lifeline attached.

  5.6 For vessels operating between the hours of sunset and sunrise, a lifebuoy light shall be attached to one of the buoys required by VI/5.1, VI/5.2 or VI/5.3.

  5.7 Each lifeline on a ring life buoy shall:

  • .1 be buoyant;

  • .2 be of at least 18.5 m (60 feet) in length;

  • .3 be non-kinking;

  • .4 have a diameter of at least 8 mm (5/16 inch);

  • .5 have a breaking strength of at least 510 kg (1,124 pounds); and

  • .6 be of a dark colour where synthetic, or of a type certified to be resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light.

Parent topic: Chapter VI - Lifesaving Equipment
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