4.1.6 Float-free arrangements for liferafts

 The liferaft painter system shall provide a connection between the ship and the liferaft and shall be so arranged as to ensure that the liferaft when released and, in the case of an inflatable liferaft, inflated is not dragged under by the sinking ship.

 If a weak link is used in the float-free arrangement, it shall:

• .1 not be broken by the force required to pull the painter from the liferaft container;

• .2 if applicable, be of sufficient strength to permit the inflation of the liferaft; and

• .3 break under a strain of 2.2 ± 0.4 kN.

 If a hydrostatic release unit is used in the float-free arrangements, it shall:

• .1 be constructed of compatible materials so as to prevent malfunction of the unit. Galvanizing or other forms of metallic coating on parts of the hydrostatic release unit shall not be accepted;

• .2 automatically release the liferaft at a depth of not more than 4 m;

• .3 have drains to prevent the accumulation of water in the hydrostatic chamber when the unit is in its normal position;

• .4 be so constructed as to prevent release when seas wash over the unit;

• .5 be permanently marked on its exterior with its type and serial number;

• .6 be permanently marked on the unit or identification plate securely attached to the unit, with the date of manufacture, type and serial number and whether the unit is suitable for use with a liferaft with a capacity of more than 25 persons;

• .7 be such that each part connected to the painter system has a strength of not less than that required for the painter; and

• .8 if disposable, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph 4.1.6.3.6 be marked with a means of determining its date of expiry.