4.5.1.1 Generally, an inflatable boat or rigid
inflatable boat which is intended to operate as an independent vessel
in Area Category 2 or 3 (and is not a tender operating from a vessel)
should be of a design and construction which would meet the requirements
of Chapter III of the 1974 SOLAS Convention,
as amended, and the parts of the Annex to IMO Resolution
MSC.48(66) - International Life-Saving Appliance Code and MSC.81(70) - Testing and Evaluation of Life-Saving
Appliances (as amended) - which are appropriate to the type of boat
and subject to the variations which are given in the Code.
4.5.1.2 In addition, an inflatable boat or rigid
inflatable boat may only be considered for operations in Area Category
2 or 3, if additionally fitted with a permanent substantial enclosure
for the protection of persons on-board and purpose designed, subject
to approval by the Certifying Authority. For Category 3 operation
only, alternative provision for enclosures may be considered, with
operational/seasonal limitations. Such cases should be agreed by the
Administration.
An inflatable boat or rigid inflatable boat, of less than 8
metres in length, which is intended to operate as an independent vessel
in Area Category 4, 5 or 6 should be of a design and construction
which would meet the requirements of ISO 6185 Part 2 or 3. Inflatable
boats or rigid inflatable boats meeting the requirements of ISO 6185
Part 1 are not suitable for operation under the Code of Practice.
Vessels over 8 metres in length should be assessed in accordance with
Section 4.5.1.1.
4.5.1.3 The structure of the rigid hull of a rigid
inflatable boat may alternatively be assessed in accordance with Section
4.2.2.
4.5.1.4 When the production of boats is covered
by an approved quality system and boats are built in batches to a
standard design, prototype tests on one boat may be accepted for a
boat of the same design submitted for compliance with the Code.
4.5.1.5 A boat should be of strength to withstand
the sea and weather conditions likely to be encountered in the intended
area of operation.
4.5.1.6 A boat which meets these requirements
may be accepted if provided with adequate reserves of buoyancy and
stability for the vessel to survive the consequences of swamping,
when loaded with all the vessels' equipment, fuel, cargo, activity
related equipment (e.g. diving equipment) and number of persons for
which it is to be certificated. (See Section 11 and 12 for applicable standard).