13.2 Liferafts

  13.2.1 Vessels Operating in Area Category 0:-

• .1 should be provided with liferafts of such number and capacity that, in the event of any one liferaft being lost or rendered unserviceable, there is sufficient capacity remaining for all on board;

• .2 the liferafts provided should be constructed to SOLAS standard, Wheelmarked or DfT approved, have insulated floor and canopy and be equipped with a "SOLAS A pack";

• .3 the liferafts should, in general, be contained in FRP containers (which may be a suitable container other than a SOLAS container) stowed on the weather deck or in an open space and should be fitted with float free arrangements (hydrostatic release units) so that the liferafts float free and inflate automatically;

• .4 stowage and release mechanisms other than .3 above will be considered when they can be demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Administration, to give an equivalent level of safety.

  13.2.2 Vessels Operating in Area Category 1:-

• .1 the liferaft requirements are as Section 13.2.1 except that, the liferaft need not have an insulated floor or insulated canopy where the vessel operates exclusively in waters having a temperature of 10°C or higher (see notes). The certification shall clearly show this limitation.

• .2 where the vessel is certificated to carry less than 16 persons, the liferaft requirement may be satisfied by a single liferaft. The liferaft capacity should accommodate at least the total number of persons on board.

• .3 Existing vessels using ORC liferafts (ISAF OSR Appendix A Part 1), manufactured before the date of this Code coming into force are not required to upgrade that equipment until the end of its serviceable life. This is also applicable to vessels where the liferaft is supplied on a hired basis. Such liferafts are to be serviced annually at a service station approved by the manufacturer.

  13.2.3 Vessels Operating in Area Category 2,3,4,5 & 6:-

• .1 should be provided with liferaft capacity to accommodate at least the total number of persons on board;

• .2 the liferaft(s) provided should be either:-

  • i) in accordance with Section 13.2.1 (.2) except that the liferaft(s) should be equipped with "SOLAS B PACK" ;or

  • ii) built to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) Appendix A Part 2 requirements. Liferaft(s) should be equipped to a level equivalent to that of a "SOLAS B PACK". This may, where necessary, include a "grab bag" to supplement the equipment integral to the liferaft.

• .3 Liferafts carried in vessels which operate in Categories 2 and 3 outside the UK Search and Rescue Region, where the sea temperature is less than 10°C, shall have an insulated floor and insulated canopy. (See notes).

• .4 Liferafts should be carried either:-

  • i) in approved FRP containers stowed on the weather deck or in an open space, and fitted with float free arrangements so that the liferafts float free and inflate automatically; or

  • ii) in FRP containers or valise stowed in readily accessible and dedicated weathertight lockers opening directly to the weather deck.

• .5 Existing vessels using ORC liferafts (ISAF OSR Appendix A Part 1) manufactured before the date of this Code coming into force are not required to upgrade that equipment until the end of its serviceable life. This is also applicable to vessels where the liferaft is supplied on a hired basis. Such liferafts are to be serviced annually at a service station approved by the manufacturer.

• .6 Vessels operating in Category 6 only, may utilise open reversible liferafts, constructed to SOLAS standard, Wheelmarked or DfT approved. Liferaft(s) should be equipped to a level equivalent to a "DfT E Pack". This may, where necessary, include a "grab bag" to supplement the equipment integral to the liferaft.

  13.2.4 All liferafts, other than those covered in 13.2.2.3 or 13.2.3.5, should be serviced at a service station approved by the manufacturer and at the manufacturers recommended intervals, however, where the liferaft(s) are stored in valises this should be at least annually.

  13.2.5 Inflatable liferaft hydrostatic release units (other than the types which have a date limited life and are test fired prior to disposal) should be serviced annually at a service station approved by the manufacturer.

  13.2.6 Liferafts provided on sailing multihull vessels should be located so that they are accessible when the vessel is either upright or after an inversion.