The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances for Passenger Ships of Classes III to VI (A)) Regulations 1992

Regulations 2(3), 5, 6 and 20

PART IV LINE-THROWING APPLIANCES

Construction

1.1  A line-throwing appliance shall:

1.1.1 be constructed with proper workmanship and materials;

1.1.2 in the case of an integral rocket and line, be contained in a water-resistant casing; in the case of a pistol fired rocket, the rocket shall be contained in a water-resistant casing;

1.1.3 include not less than four projectiles;

1.1.4 include not less than four lines each having a breaking strength of not less than 2 kilonewtons;

1.1.5 be so designed that the end from which the rocket is ejected can be positively identified by day or night.

1.2  Rockets, cartridges and igniters shall be so constructed that all components, compositions and ingredients shall be of such character and quality to maintain serviceability under good average storage conditions in the marine environment for a period of at least 3 years.

1.3  Rockets, cartridges and igniters shall be so constructed that any sealing shall not depend on adhesive tapes or plastic envelopes.

Performance

2.1  A line-throwing appliance shall not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range of −30°C to 65°C.

2.2  A line-throwing appliance shall be capable of throwing a line minimum of 4 mm in diameter a distance of at least 230 metres in calm weather.

2.3  A line-throwing appliance shall be capable of throwing a line in such a manner that the lateral defection on either side of the direction of firing does not exceed 10% of the length of flight of the rocket in calm weather.

Marking

3.1  A line-throwing appliance shall be marked with brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the appliance.

3.2  The date of manufacture and the date of expiry shall be marked indelibly on the rockets, cartridges and igniters.

3.3  The words “DOT (UK) APPROVED” shall be marked indelibly on the casing.