Chapter 7 - Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements
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Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - Yacht Code - January 2019 Edition - Part B - Passenger Yacht Code (up to 36 passengers) - Chapter 7 - Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements

Chapter 7 - Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements

7.1 Application

(1) SOLAS regulations referenced in this Chapter apply to ships to which this Code applies in the same way as they apply to passenger ships.

7.2 General Requirements

(1) Except as provided in Sections (5) and (6), life-saving appliances, communication equipment and arrangements required by this Chapter shall be approved by the Administration.

(2) Before giving approval to life-saving appliances and arrangements, the Administration shall ensure that such life-saving appliances and arrangements-

  • (a) are tested, to confirm that they comply with the requirements of this Chapter and the LSA Code; or

  • (b) have successfully undergone, to the satisfaction of the Administration, tests which are substantially equivalent to those specified.

(3) Prior to giving approval to novel life-saving appliances or arrangements, the Administration shall ensure that such appliances or arrangements-

  • (a) provide safety standards at least equivalent to the requirements of this Chapter and the LSA Code and have been evaluated and tested in accordance with the recommendations of the IMO; or

  • (b) have successfully undergone, an engineering analysis, evaluation and approval in accordance with section 7.25.

(4) Procedures adopted by the Administration for approval shall also include the conditions whereby approval would continue or would be withdrawn.

(5) Prior to accepting life-saving appliances and arrangements that have not been previously approved by the Administration, the Administration shall be satisfied that life-saving appliances and arrangements comply with the requirements of this Chapter and the LSA Code.

(6) Life-saving appliances required by this Chapter for which detailed specifications are not included in the LSA Code shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

7.3 Stowage of Survival Craft

(1) Each survival craft shall be stowed:

  • (a) so that neither the survival craft nor its stowage arrangements shall interfere with the operation of any other survival craft or rescue boat at any other launching station;

  • (b) as near the water surface as is safe and practicable and, in the case of a survival craft other than a liferaft intended for throw over board launching, in such a position that the survival craft in the embarkation position is not less than 2 metres above the waterline with the ship in the fully loaded condition under unfavourable conditions of trim of up to 10° and listed up to 20° either way, or to the angle at which the ship’s weatherdeck edge becomes submerged, whichever is less;

  • (c) in a state of continuous readiness so that two crew members can carry out preparations for embarkation and launching in less than 5 minutes;

  • (d) fully equipped as required by this Chapter and the Code;

  • (e) as far as practicable, in a secure and sheltered position and protected from damage by fire and explosion; and

  • (f) in the case of survival craft for which approved launching devices are required, as close to accommodation and service spaces as possible.

(2) Lifeboats for lowering down the ship’s side shall be stowed as far forward of the propeller as practicable and where appropriate, the ship shall be so arranged that lifeboats, in their stowed positions, are protected from damage by heavy seas.

(3) Lifeboats shall be stowed attached to launching appliances.

(4) Every liferaft or group of liferafts, as the case may be, shall be stowed-

  • (a) with its painter permanently attached to the ship;

  • (b) with a float-free arrangement complying with the requirements of paragraph 4.1.6 of the LSA Code so that each floats free and, if inflatable, inflates automatically when the ship sinks; and

  • (c) so as to permit manual release of one raft or container at a time from their securing arrangements.

  • (d) If for any reason, any or all Davit Launched Liferafts and / or Liferafts which form part of a Marine Evacuation System are located such that they may be unable to float-free, additional Liferafts shall be provided. The final arrangement is to ensure that the number and capacity of unobstructed float-free Liferafts is sufficient to accommodate 100% of the maximum Number of Persons onboard in the event that one float-free liferaft is lost or rendered unserviceable.

(5) Davit-launched liferafts shall be stowed within reach of the lifting hooks, unless some means of transfer is provided which is not rendered inoperable within the limits of 10° trim and 20° list either way, or by ship motion or power failure.

7.4 Stowage of Rescue Boats

(1) Rescue boats shall be stowed-

  • (a) in a state of continuous readiness for launching in not more than 5 minutes, and if the inflated type, in a fully inflated condition at all times;

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

  • (c) so that neither the rescue boat nor its stowage arrangements shall interfere with the operation of any survival craft at any other launching station;

  • (d) if it is also a lifeboat, in compliance with the requirements of section 7.3. and

  • (e) if stowed forward the launching appliance and rescue boat shall be entirely located in a sheltered position abaft the vertical extension of the aft most portion of the collision bulkhead.

7.5 Marine Evacuation Systems

(1) Where Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) are installed, all such systems shall be of an approved type in compliance with LSA Code and comply with the following requirements:

  • (a) Due consideration shall be given to the location and protection of MES stowage arrangements with respect to protection against fire. Such locations shall be treated as Category (5) Spaces for the purpose of Structural Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction.

  • (b) Powered hatches and doors that are required to be opened prior to MES deployment shall:

    • (i) be provided with both main and a local source of emergency power and capable of manual operation; and

    • (ii) have the time to operate included in the timed evacuation analysis as described under IMO Resolution MSC.81 (70) Part 1 Section 12.6.1 and in accordance with 13.1(16)

  • (c) At least one suitably sized inflatable slide or chute as applicable shall be provided on either side of the vessel. Where the installation results in the slide or chute coming into direct contact with the hull shell under any of the conditions listed section 13.15(3)(b) below, the side shell shall be locally insulated to A-60. The extent of insulation to be provided shall be sufficient to cover at least +/- 10 degrees of longitudinal trim in way of the applicable areas.

(2) Stowage of Marine Evacuation Systems

  • (a) The ship's side shall not have any openings (including scuppers and overboard discharges) between the Embarkation Station of the Marine Evacuation System and the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition. Means shall be provided to protect the system from any projections including but not limited to fin stabilisers.

  • (b) Where glazed openings are located in the ship's side between the Embarkation Station of the Marine Evacuation System and the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition, they shall be A-0, unless the side shell in which they are located is required to be of a higher fire rating in accordance with 7.5(1)(c).

  • (c) Marine Evacuation Systems shall be in such positions as to ensure safe launching having particular regard to clearance from the propeller and steeply overhanging portions of the hull and so that, as far as practicable, the system can be launched down the straight side of the Yacht.

  • (d) Each Marine Evacuation System shall be stowed so that neither the passage nor platform nor its stowage or operational arrangements shall interfere with the operation of any other life-saving appliance at any other launching station.

  • (e) Where appropriate, the Yacht shall be so arranged that the Marine Evacuation Systems in their stowed positions are protected from damage by heavy seas.

(3) Functional Requirements for Marine Evacuation Systems

  • (a) MES shall be arranged such that liferafts may be securely attached to the platform and released from the platform by a person either in the liferaft or on the platform;

  • (b) MES shall be capable of being deployed from the ship under unfavourable conditions of trim of up to 10° and list of up to 20° either way

  • (c) in the case of being fitted with an inclined slide, operate such that the angle of the slide to the horizontal is:

    • (i) within a range of 30° to 35° when the ship is upright and in the lightest sea-going condition; and

    • (ii) a maximum of 55° in the final stage of flooding set by the applicable requirements in Section 11.3

  • (d) Any part requiring maintenance by the ship's crews shall be readily accessible and easily maintained.

  • (e) So constructed and installed that where one or more Marine Evacuation Systems are provided, at least 50% of such systems shall be subjected to a trial deployment after installation. Subject to these deployments being satisfactory, the untried systems shall be deployed within 12 months of installation.

  • (f) Any inflatable liferaft used in conjunction with the marine evacuation system shall:

    • (i) be sited close to the system container but be capable of dropping clear of the deployed system and boarding platform

    • (ii) be capable of release one at a time from its stowage rack with arrangements which shall enable it to be moored alongside the platform

    • (iii) be stowed with its painter permanently attached to the ship.

    • (iv) stowed with a float-free arrangement complying with the requirements of paragraph 4.1.6 of the LSA Code so that each floats free and, if inflatable, inflates automatically when the ship sinks.

    • (v) be so stowed as to permit manual release of one raft or container at a time from their securing arrangements.

    • (vi) be provided with pre-connected or easily connected retrieving lines to the platform.

7.6 Survival Craft Launching and Recovery Arrangements

(1) Subject to Section (2), launching and embarkation appliances complying with the requirements of section 6.1 of the LSA Code shall, unless expressly provided otherwise, be provided for all survival craft except those which are;

  • (a) provided for use in conjunction with a marine evacuation system, complying with the requirements of section 6.2 of the LSA Code and stowed for launching directly from the stowed position under unfavourable conditions of trim of up to 10° and list of up to 20° either way.

(2) Section (1) shall not apply to vessels carrying survival craft and launching and embarkation appliances provided in accordance with the full provisions of Chapter III of SOLAS.

(3) Each lifeboat shall be provided with an appliance which is capable of launching and recovering the lifeboat and in addition there shall be provision for hanging-off the lifeboat to free the release gear for maintenance.

(4) Launching and recovery arrangements shall be such that the appliance operator on the ship is able to observe the survival craft at all times during launching and for lifeboats during recovery.

(5) Only one type of release mechanism shall be used for similar survival craft carried onboard the ship.

(6) Preparation and handling of survival craft at any one launching station shall not interfere with the prompt preparation and handling of any other survival craft or rescue boat at any other station.

(7) Falls, where used, shall be long enough for the survival craft to reach the water with the ship in its lightest seagoing condition, under unfavourable conditions of trim of up to 10° and list of up to 20° either way.

(8) During preparation and launching, the survival craft, its launching appliance, and the area of water into which it shall be launched shall be adequately illuminated by lighting supplied from the emergency source of electrical power required by Regulation 42 or 43 of Chapter II-1 of SOLAS, as appropriate.

(9) Means shall be available to prevent any discharge of water onto survival craft during abandonment.

(10) If there is a danger of the survival craft being damaged by the ship’s stabiliser wings, means shall be available, powered by an emergency source of energy, to bring the stabiliser wings inboard; indicators operated by an emergency source of energy shall be available on the navigation bridge to show the position of the stabilizer wings.

(11) If partially enclosed lifeboats complying with the requirements of section 4.5 of the LSA Code are carried, a davit span shall be provided, fitted with not less than two lifelines of sufficient length to reach the water with the ship in its lightest seagoing condition, under unfavourable conditions of trim of up to 10° and list of up to 20° either way.

(12) Survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances may deviate from the requirement of section 6.1.1.3 of the LSA Code, by permitting the use of stored electrical power, under the following provisions:

  • (a) All other applicable elements of the LSA Code and the Code are met;

  • (b) Each source of stored electrical power shall:

    • (i) serve one launching appliance only during normal use;

    • (ii) be configured to only be utilised by the launching appliance during an emergency, after the vessel’s main and emergency power sources have failed;

    • (iii) be suitable for use in the marine environment with appropriate rating given the location and redundancy of components;

    • (iv) be located in a space independent from any other sources of stored electrical power, protected from the effects of fire and flooding and in accordance with the vessel’s Recognised Organisation rules;

    • (v) be located in a space adjacent to the launching appliance it serves;

    • (vi) have capacity to power the launching appliance during deployment of all the survival craft or rescue boat it serves twice (including the deployment of any covers, bulwarks or similar required for the operation of the appliance;

    • (vii) be independently monitored and alarmed on the bridge, engine control room and safety centre;

    • (viii) independently charged from the vessel’s main and emergency power sources; and

    • (ix) be able to power the launching appliance on the opposite side of the vessel if the local power required by (i) fails.

  • (c) The cabling serving each source of stored electrical power, and the cabling serving the launching appliance from the source of stored electrical power shall:

    • (i) be protected from the effects of fire and flooding throughout their length;

    • (ii) not to be led through high risk spaces; and

    • (iii) be independently run from the charging, cross powering, and powering cables.

  • (d) Where a hydraulic system is driven by the source of stored electrical power, this shall:

    • (i) serve one launching appliance only;

    • (ii) be located in a space independent from any other hydraulic systems serving launching appliances, protected from the effects of fire and flooding;

    • (iii) be located in a space adjacent to the launching appliance it serves;

    • (iv) be able to cross power the hydraulic system serving the launching appliance on the opposite side of the vessel (when also in compliance with 7.6(12)); and

    • (v) the hydraulics also to be powered from main and emergency source before batteries called into use.

  • (e) The maintenance of each source of stored electrical power shall:

    • (i) be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;

    • (ii) the system equipment shall be included in that identified in the vessels Safety Management System in accordance with the ISM Code section 10.3;

    • (iii) include testing in accordance with either IEEE 450/1188/1106 as appropriate or another internationally recognised standard; and

    • (iv) not exceed the service life given by the manufacturer.

  • (f) Discharge capacity test shall be completed at delivery and as required thereafter in-line with the manufacturer’s instructions;

  • (g) A quantitative analysis shall be carried out as a part of a detailed assessment of all critical components to the acceptance of the Administration. As an example, the following may be performed:

    • (i) Quantitative analysis of fire risk within a space, supplemented by fire engineering analysis and/or fire testing where necessary (e.g., to assess consequences of a fire casualty on a system or system component);

    • (ii) Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) of a system or system component analyses in accordance with standard IEC 60812, Analysis techniques for system reliability – Procedure for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) or Annex 4 of the IMO High Speed Craft Code (Procedures for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), would be acceptable; or

    • (iii) Detailed analysis of possibility of flooding of internal watertight compartments and of consequences of flooding on system components, given the location of the compartment and arrangement of piping within the compartment.

7.7 Rescue Boat Embarkation, Launching and Recovery Arrangements

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

(2) If the rescue boat is one of the ship’s survival craft, the embarkation arrangements and launching station shall comply with the requirements of Sections 7.4 and 7.5.

(3) Launching arrangements shall comply with the requirements of section 7.6, provided that all rescue boats shall be capable of being launched, where necessary utilising painters, with the ship making headway at speeds up to 5 knots in calm water.

(4) Recovery time of the rescue boat shall be not more than 5 minutes in moderate sea conditions when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment and where the rescue boat is also a lifeboat, this recovery time shall be possible when loaded with its lifeboat equipment and the approved rescue boat complement of at least six persons.

(5) Rescue boat embarkation and recovery arrangements shall allow for safe and efficient handling of a stretcher case and foul weather recovery strops shall be provided for safety if heavy fall blocks constitute a danger.

(6) Each rescue boat carried shall be served by its own launching appliance

7.8 Survival Craft and Rescue Boat Embarkation Arrangements

(1) Survival craft embarkation arrangements shall be designed for-

  • (a) all lifeboats to be boarded and launched either directly from the stowed position or from an embarkation deck but not both; and

  • (b) davit-launched liferafts to be boarded and launched from a position immediately adjacent to the stowed position or from a position to which, in compliance with the requirements of section 7.3(5), the liferaft is transferred prior to launching.

(2) Rescue boat arrangements shall be such that the rescue boat can be boarded and launched directly from the stowed position with the number of persons assigned to crew the rescue boat onboard.

(3) Notwithstanding the requirements of Section (1)(a), if the rescue boat is also a lifeboat and the other lifeboats are boarded and launched from an embarkation deck, the arrangements shall be such that the rescue boat can also be boarded and launched from the embarkation deck.

(4) The stowage height of a survival craft shall take into account the requirements of section 7.3(1) (b), the escape provisions of Section 6.11, the size of the ship, and the weather conditions likely to be encountered in the vessel’s intended area of operation; for davit-launched survival craft, the height of the davit head with the survival craft in embarkation position, shall, as far as practicable, not exceed 15 metres to the waterline when the ship is in its lightest seagoing condition.

7.9 Communications

VHF Radiotelephone Apparatus

(1) At least 3 two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus shall be provided on every ship which shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the IMOfootnote.

Search and Rescue Locating Device

(2) At least one search and rescue locating device shall be carried on each side of every ship in accordance with the following provisions-

  • (a) the search and rescue locating device shall be stowed in such locations that they can be rapidly placed in any survival craft or, alternatively, one transponder shall be stowed in each survival craft;

  • (b) one of the search and rescue locating device may be the search and rescue locating device required by SOLAS IV/7.1.3; and

  • (c) the search and rescue locating device shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the IMOfootnote

Distress Flares

(3) Not less than 12 rocket parachute flares, complying with the requirements of section 3.1 of the LSA Code, shall be carried and shall be stowed on or near the navigation bridge.

Onboard Communications and Alarm Systems

(4) An emergency means comprised of either fixed or portable equipment or both shall be provided for two-way communications between emergency control stations, muster and embarkation stations and strategic positions onboard.

General Emergency Alarm

(5) A general emergency alarm system, complying with section 7.2.1 of the LSA Code and with the following provisions, shall be provided on the navigation bridge and shall be used for summoning passengers and crew to muster stations and to initiate the actions included in the muster list-

  • (d) the system shall be supplemented by either a public address system or other suitable means of communication;

  • (a) entertainment sound systems shall automatically be turned off when the general emergency alarm system is activated;

  • (b) the general emergency alarm system shall be audible throughout the ship and on all open decks; and

  • (c) on ships fitted with a marine evacuation system communication between the embarkation station and the platform or the survival craft shall be ensured.

Public Address System

(6) All ships shall be fitted with a public address system which shall-

  • (b) be clearly audible above the ambient noise in all spaces, as prescribed by paragraph 7.2.2.1 of the LSA Code;

  • (c) be provided with an override function controlled from one location on the navigation bridge and such other places onboard as the Administration deems necessary, so that all emergency messages shall be broadcast if any loudspeaker in the spaces concerned has been switched off, its volume has been turned down or the public address system is used for other purposes;

  • (d) have at least two loops which shall be sufficiently separated throughout their length and have two separate and independent amplifiers;

  • (e) be connected to the emergency source of electrical power required by Regulation 42.2.2 of Chapter II-1, Part D, of SOLAS; and

  • (f) be approved by the Administration having regard to the recommendations adopted by the IMOfootnote.

7.10 Personal Life Saving Appliances

Lifebuoys

(1) Ships shall carry not less than the number of lifebuoys prescribed in the following table-

LIFEBUOYS AND ATTACHMENTS TO BE CARRIED GROSS TONNAGE OF SHIP
Under 3000 3000-10000 Over 10000
Total Minimum Number of Lifebuoys. 8 12 18
Minimum number of lifebuoys to be fitted with self-igniting lights 4 6 9
Minimum number of lifebuoys provided with self-igniting lights and self-activating smoke signals. 2 2 2
Minimum number of Lifebuoys to be provided with buoyant line. 2 2 2

(2) Lifebuoys which are fitted with self-igniting lights or with self-igniting lights and self-activating smoke signals shall not also be fitted with a line.

(3) The lifebuoys fitted with self-igniting lights and with self-activating smoke signals shall capable of quick release from the navigation bridge.

(4) At least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.1.4 of the LSA Code equal in length to not less than twice the height at which it is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition, or 30 metres, whichever is the greater.

(5) Lifebuoys shall be-

  • (a) so 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 shall be placed in the vicinity of the stern; and

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

(6) Each lifebuoy shall be marked in block capitals of the Roman alphabet with the name and port of registry of the ship on which it is carried.

Lifejackets

(7) A lifejacket complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.1 or 2.2.2 of the LSA Code shall be provided for every person onboard the ship and, in addition-

  • (a) a number of lifejackets suitable for children equal to at least 10% of the number of passengers onboard shall be provided or such greater number as may be required to provide a lifejacket for each child;

  • (b) a sufficient number of lifejackets shall be carried for persons on watch and for use at remotely located survival craft stations and the lifejackets carried for persons on watch shall be stowed on the bridge, in the engine control room and at any other manned watch station, as the case may be;

  • (c) infant lifejackets shall be provided for each infant onboard;

  • (d) each lifejacket shall be fitted with a light and whistle according to the requirements of section 2.2 of the LSA Code; and

  • (e) if the adult lifejackets provided are not designed to fit persons weighing up to 140 kg and with a chest girth of up to 1,750 millimetres, a sufficient number of suitable accessories shall be available onboard to allow them to be secured to such personfootnote.

(8) In addition to the lifejackets required by Section (7) an additional number of lifejackets for not less than 5% of the total number of persons onboard shall be carried and these lifejackets shall be stowed in conspicuous places on deck or at muster stations.

(9) Lifejackets shall be so placed as to be readily accessible and their position shall be plainly indicated and where, due to the particular arrangements of the ship, the lifejackets provided in compliance with the requirements of Section (7) may become inaccessible, alternative provisions shall be made to the satisfaction of the Administration which may include an increase in the number of lifejackets to be carried.

(10) Where lifejackets for passengers are stowed in staterooms which are located remotely from direct routes between public spaces and muster stations, the additional lifejackets for these passengers required under Section (9), shall be stowed either in the public spaces, the muster stations, or on direct routes between them provided that lifejackets shall be stowed so that their distribution and donning does not impede orderly movement to muster stations and survival craft embarkation stations.

(11) The lifejackets used in totally enclosed lifeboats shall not impede entry into the lifeboat or seating, including operation of the seat belts in the lifeboat.

Immersion Suits and anti-Exposure Suits

(12) An immersion suit, complying with the requirements of section 2.3 of the Code or an anti-exposure suit complying with section 2.4 of the Code, of an appropriate size, shall be provided for every person assigned to crew the rescue boat or assigned to the marine evacuation system party. If the ship is constantly engaged in warm climates where, in the opinion of the Administration thermal protection is unnecessary, this protective clothing need not be carried

(13) Passenger Yachts (PY-2) need not carry any additional immersion suits other than those referred to in 7.10 (12) for the Rescue Boat Crew.

(14) For all other yachts which do not carry lifeboats an immersion suit, of an appropriate size, shall be provided for every person onboard. Immersion suits need not be required if the ship is constantly engaged on voyages in warm climatesfootnote where, in the opinion of the Administration, immersion suits are unnecessary.

(15) Immersion suits shall be so placed as to be readily accessible and their position shall be plainly indicated.

7.11 Muster List and Emergency Instructions

(1) Clear instructions on the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency shall be provided for every person onboard and these instructions shall be drawn up in the language or languages required by the ship’s flag State and in the English language.

2) Muster lists and emergency instructions complying with the requirements of this section shall be exhibited in conspicuous places throughout the ship including the navigation bridge, engine-room and crew accommodation spaces.

(3) Illustrations and instructions in appropriate languages shall be available in passenger cabins and be conspicuously displayed at muster stations and other passenger spaces to inform passengers of-

  • (a) their muster station;

  • (b) the essential actions they shall take in an emergency; and

  • (c) the method of donning lifejackets.

(4) The muster list shall specify-

  • (a) details of the general emergency alarm and public address system prescribed by sections 7.9(5) and (6);

  • (b) the action to be taken by crew and passengers when this alarm is sounded; and

  • (c) how the order to abandon ship shall be given.

(5) There shall be in place procedures in place for locating and rescuing passengers trapped in their staterooms

(6) The muster list shall show the duties assigned to the different members of the crew including-

  • (a) closing of the watertight doors, fire doors, valves, scuppers, sidescuttles, skylights, portholes and other similar openings in the ship;

  • (b) equipping of the survival craft and other life-saving appliances;

  • (c) preparation and launching of survival craft;

  • (d) general preparation of other life-saving appliances;

  • (e) muster of passengers;

  • (f) use of communication equipment;

  • (g) manning of fire parties assigned to deal with fires; and

  • (h) special duties assigned in respect to the use of fire-fighting equipment and installations.

(7) The muster list shall also specify-

  • (a) which officers are assigned to ensure that life-saving and fire appliances are maintained in good condition and are ready for immediate use;

  • (b) substitutes for key persons who may become disabled, taking into account that different emergencies may call for different actions; and

  • (c) the duties assigned to members of the crew in relation to passengers in case of emergency, which duties shall include-

    • (i) warning the passengers;

    • (ii) seeing that they are suitably clad and have donned their lifejackets correctly;

    • (iii) assembling passengers at muster stations;

    • (iv) keeping order in the passageways and on the stairways and generally controlling the movements of the passengers; and

    • (v) ensuring that a supply of blankets is taken to the survival craft.

(8) The muster list shall be prepared before the ship proceeds to sea and if any changes in the crew subsequently take place which necessitate an alteration in the muster list, the master shall either revise the list or prepare a new list.

(9) The format of the muster list used on passenger ships shall be approved by the Administration.

7.12 Operating Instructions

(1) Posters or signs shall be provided on or in the vicinity of survival craft and their launching controls and shall-

  • (a) illustrate the purpose of controls and the procedures for operating the appliance and give relevant instructions or warnings;

  • (b) be easily seen under emergency lighting conditions; and

  • (c) use symbols in accordance with the recommendations of the IMOfootnote

7.13 Manning of Survival Craft and Supervision

(1) There shall be a sufficient number of trained persons onboard for mustering and assisting untrained persons.

(2) There shall be a sufficient number of crew members, who may be deck officers or other appropriately certificated crew members, onboard for operating the survival craft and launching arrangements required for abandonment by the total number of persons onboard.

(3) A deck officer or certificated personfootnote shall be placed in charge of each survival craft to be used provided that the Administration, having due regard to the nature of the voyage, the number of persons onboard and the characteristics of the ship, may permit persons practised in the handling and operation of liferafts to be placed in charge of liferafts in lieu of persons qualified as above and in the case of lifeboats a second-in-command shall also be nominated.

(4) The person in charge of each of the survival craft shall have a list of the survival craft crew and shall ensure that the crew under his command are acquainted with their duties

and in the case of lifeboats the second-in-command shall also have a list of the lifeboat crew.

(5) Every motorised survival craft shall have a person assigned who is capable of operating the engine and carrying out minor adjustments.

(6) The master shall ensure the equitable distribution of appropriately certificated crew members, referred to Sections (1), (2) and (3), among the ship's survival craft.

7.14 Survival Craft Muster Stations and Embarkation Arrangements

(1) Lifeboats and liferafts for which approved launching appliances are required shall be stowed as close to accommodation and service spaces as possible.

(2) Muster stations shall-

  • (a) be provided in the vicinity of and shall permit ready access to the embarkation stations;

  • (b) have sufficient clear deck space to accommodate all persons (passengers and crew) assigned to muster at that station, with at least 0.35 m2 per person; and

  • (c) have ample room for the marshalling and instruction of passengers.

(3) Muster and embarkation stations shall-

  • (a) be readily accessible from accommodation and work areas; and

  • (b) be adequately illuminated by lighting supplied from the emergency source of electrical power required by Regulation 42 or 43 of Chapter II-1, Part D, of SOLAS, as appropriate.

(4) Alleyways, stairways and exits giving access to the muster and embarkation stations shall be adequately lighted and such lighting shall also be capable of being supplied by the emergency source of electrical power by Regulation 42 or 43 of Chapter II-1, Part D, of SOLAS, as appropriate; also in addition to and as part of the markings required under section 6.11(18) routes to muster stations shall be indicated with the muster station symbol, intended for that purpose, in accordance with the recommendations of the IMOfootnote footnote.

(5) Davit-launched survival craft muster and embarkation stations shall be so arranged as to enable stretcher cases to be placed in survival craft.

(6) Subject to Sections (7) and (8), an embarkation ladder complying with paragraph 6.1.6 of the LSA Code, extending, in a single length, from the deck to the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition under unfavourable conditions of trim of up to 10° and a list of up to 20° either way shall be provided at each embarkation station or at every two adjacent embarkation stations for survival craft launched down the side of the ship.

(7) The Administration may permit such ladders to be replaced by approved devices to afford access to the survival craft when waterborne, in which case there shall be at least one embarkation ladder on each side of the ship.

(8) Where necessary, means shall be provided for bringing the davit-launched survival craft against the ship's side and holding them alongside so that persons can be safely embarked.

7.15 Launching Stations

(1) Launching stations shall be in such positions as to ensure safe launching having particular regard to clearance from the propeller and steeply overhanging portions of the hull and so that, as far as possible, survival craft, can be launched down the straight side of the ship. If positioned forward, they shall be located abaft the collision bulkhead in a sheltered position and, in this respect; the Administration shall give special consideration to the strength of the launching appliance.

7.16 Line Throwing Appliance

(1) A line-throwing appliance complying with the requirements of section 7.1 of the LSA Code shall be provided.

7.17 Emergency Training and Drills

(1) See Annex C for requirements

7.18 Frequency of Drills and Involvement of Crew and Passenger

(1) An abandon ship drill and fire drill shall take place weekly.

(2) The entire crew need not be involved in every drill, but each crew member shall participate in an abandon ship drill and a fire drill each month.

(3) Passengers shall be strongly encouraged to attend these drills.

7.19 Survival Craft and Rescue Boats to be Carried

Survival Craft

(1) Passenger Yachts to which this Code applies, shall carry survival craft in accordance with Annex 1.

(2) Where lifeboats are required in accordance with Annex 1, A Passenger Yacht shall carry -

  • (a) subject to Section (b), partially or totally enclosed lifeboats on each side of such aggregate capacity as shall accommodate not less than 50% of the total number of persons onboard;

  • (b) the Administration may permit the substitution of lifeboats by liferafts of equivalent total capacity provided that there shall never be less than sufficient lifeboats on each side of the ship to accommodate 37.5% of the total number of persons onboard;

  • (c) the inflatable or rigid liferafts shall be served by launching appliances equally distributed on each side of the ship; and

  • (d) in addition, inflatable or rigid liferafts of such aggregate capacity as shall accommodate at least 25% of the total number of persons onboard or sufficient liferafts such that in the event of any one survival craft being lost or rendered unserviceable, sufficient aggregate capacity remains on each side of the ship to accommodate 50% of the total number of persons onboard, whichever is the greater;

  • (e) the liferafts in Section (d) shall be served by at least one launching appliance on each side which may be those provided in compliance with the requirements of Section (c) or equivalent approved appliances capable of being used on both sides.

(3) For vessels carrying Davit Launched Life Rafts (DLLRs) or a combination of DLLRs and Marine Evacuation Systems (MESs) the following shall apply-

  • (a) MESs are not permitted as the sole means of abandonment and in this regard the aggregate capacity of DLLRs each side of the ship shall be sufficient for not less than 100% of the total persons onboard;

  • (b) in the event of the loss of any one survival craft there shall be at least 100% capacity remaining on either side; and

  • (c) in all cases dry shod evacuation shall be required.

  • (d) DLLR are permitted as the sole means of abandonment

(4) Any Passenger Yacht to which this Code applies which operates in the Polar Regions shall carry life-saving appliances in accordance with the IMO Guidelines for Polar Regions in accordance with Annex L.

(5) A passenger Yacht of less than 500GT which carries less than 200 persons may, under SOLAS Chapter III, Part B, Section II, Regulation 21.1-1.4, carry 300% (150% on each side) inflatable or rigid liferafts complying with sections 4.2 or 4.3 of Chapter IV of the LSA Code providing other applicable provisions of the relevant Conventions are complied with.

Rescue Boats

(6) Ships of 500GT and above shall carry at least one rescue boat on each side of the ship.

(7) Ships of less than 500GT shall carry at least one rescue boat.

(8) A lifeboat may be accepted as a rescue boat provided it also complies with the requirements for a rescue boat.

7.20 Time to Launch Survival Craft

(1) All survival craft required to provide for abandonment by the total number of persons onboard shall be capable of being launched with their full complement of persons and equipment within a period of 30 minutes from the time the abandon ship signal is given and after all persons have been assembled, with lifejackets donned.

7.21 Marshalling of Liferafts

(1) The number of lifeboats and rescue boats that are carried on ships shall be sufficient to ensure that in providing for abandonment by the total number of persons onboard not more than six liferafts need be marshalled by each lifeboat or rescue boat.

7.22 Decision Support System for Masters

(1) All ships shall be provided with a decision support system for emergency management on the navigation bridge.

(2) The system shall, as a minimum, consist of a printed emergency plan or plansfootnote. All foreseeable emergency situations shall be identified in the emergency plan or plans, including, but not limited to, the following main groups of emergencies-

  • (a) fire;

  • (b) damage to ship;

  • (c) pollution;

  • (d) unlawful acts threatening the safety of the ship and the security of its passengers and crew;

  • (e) personnel accidents; and

  • (f) emergency assistance to other ships.

(3) The emergency procedures established in the emergency plan or plans shall provide decision support to masters for handling any combination of emergency situations.

(4) The emergency plan or plans shall have a uniform structure and be easy to use.

(5) Where applicable, the actual loading condition as calculated for the ship's voyage stability shall be used for damage control purposes.

(6) In addition to the printed emergency plan or plans, the Administration may also accept the use of a computer-based decision support system on the navigation bridge which provides all the information contained in the emergency plan or plans, procedures, checklists, etc., which is able to present a list of recommended actions to be carried out in foreseeable emergencies.

7.23 Information on Passengers

(1) Every ship shall have in place a system for counting all persons onboard prior to departure. The system for counting all persons onboard shall be approved by the Administration.

(2) Details of persons who have declared a need for special care or assistance in emergency situations shall be recorded and communicated to the master prior to departure.

(3) In addition, the names and gender of all persons onboard, distinguishing between adults, children and infants shall be recorded for search and rescue purposes.

(4) The information required by this section shall be kept ashore and made readily available to search and rescue services when needed.

7.24 Recovery of persons from the water

(1) All ships shall have ship-specific plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the water, taking into account the guidelines developed by the IMOfootnote. The plans and procedures shall identify the equipment intended to be used for recovery purposes and measures to be taken to minimize the risk to shipboard personnel involved in recovery operations.

7.25 Alternative Design and Arrangements

(1) Vessels may follow Section 1.10 on Alternative Design and Arrangements for this chapter as allowed by SOLAS III/38.

(2) The engineering analysis required by 1.10(3) shall be prepared and submitted to the Administration, based on the guidelinesfootnote and shall include, as a minimum, the following engineering analysis elements:

  • (a) determination of the ship type and the life-saving appliance and arrangements concerned;

  • (b) identification of the prescriptive requirement(s) with which the life-saving appliance and arrangements will not comply;

  • (c) identification of the reason the proposed design will not meet the prescriptive requirements supported by compliance with other recognized engineering or industry standards;

  • (d) determination of the performance criteria for the ship and the life-saving appliance and arrangements concerned addressed by the relevant prescriptive requirement(s):

    • (i) performance criteria shall provide a level of safety not inferior to the relevant prescriptive requirements contained in this chapter; and

    • (ii) performance criteria shall be quantifiable and measurable;

  • (e) detailed description of the alternative design and arrangements, including a list of the assumptions used in the design and any proposed operational restrictions or conditions;

  • (f) technical justification demonstrating that the alternative design and arrangements meet the safety performance criteria; and

  • (g) risk assessment based on identification of the potential faults and hazards associated with the proposal.

7.26 Additional Equivalence Considerations

(1) None

Parent topic: Part B - Passenger Yacht Code (up to 36 passengers)
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