Regulations 2(3), 5, 6, 7(4), 8, 9 and 17
1.1 A lifebuoy self-activating smoke signal shall be constructed with proper workmanship and materials.
1.2 As applicable the materials of a lifebuoy self-activating smoke signal shall be rot-proof, corrosion resistant, and not be unduly affected by sea-water, oil or fungal attack.
1.3 It shall be constructed to withstand a drop into the water from the height at which it is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 30 metres, whichever is the greater, without impairing either its operating capability or that of the lifebuoy to which it is attached.
1.4 It shall be provided with means for being efficiently attached to a lifebuoy.
1.5 A lifebuoy self-activating smoke signal may also be provided with a self-igniting light which shall comply with the requirements of Part II of this Schedule.
2.1 A lifebuoy self-activating smoke signal shall not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range −30°C to +65°C.
2.2 It shall operate throughout a sea-water temperature range of −1°C to +30°C.
2.3 It shall be resistant to deterioration from exposure to sunlight.
2.4 It shall be capable of satisfactory operation in a seaway.
2.5 A lifebuoy self-activating smoke signal shall emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of at least 15 minutes when floating in calm water.
2.6 It shall not ignite explosively or emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time of the signal.
2.7 It shall not be swamped in a seaway. 2.8 It shall continue to emit smoke when fully submerged for a period of at least 10 seconds.
2.9 It shall be capable of quick release from its stowed position.
2.10 It shall be safe to operate in waters covered by a low flashpoint liquid.
2.11 All components, composition and ingredients of the lifebuoy self-activating smoke signal, and the energy source of the self-igniting light if provided shall be of such character and quality as to enable them to maintain their serviceability under good average stowage conditions in the marine environment for a period of at least three years, unless in the case of a self-igniting light energy source it is possible to readily renew the energy source.
3. A lifebuoy self-activating smoke signal shall be marked indelibly with:
3.1 the manufacturer’s name or trade mark;
3.2 the lot number or other means of identifying the signal;
3.3 the words “DOT (UK) APPROVED”;
3.4 clear and concise directions for use in English supported where necessary by illustrations;
3.5 the date of manufacture and date of expiry;
3.6 type of energy source in the case of a signal provided with a self-activating light; and
3.7 maximum height above the waterline at which it can be stowed.
4.1 Instructions and information required for inclusion in the training manual specified in Part I of Schedule 11 and, if appropriate, in the instructions for on-board maintenance specified in Part II of Schedule 11 shall be in a form suitable for inclusion in such a training manual or instructions for on-board maintenance. Instructions and information shall be in English in a clear and concise form and shall include the following:
4.1.1 the stowage of signal and attachment to lifebuoy;
4.1.2 type of energy source of self-igniting light if provided and if replaceable, method and frequency of replacement;
4.1.3 type of light source of self-igniting light if provided and whether replaceable;
4.1.4 any maintenance requirements including the method, and recommended frequency of checks of energy source of self-igniting light, if provided; and
4.1.5 operation of signal and duration.