Merchant Shipping (Safety and Load Line Conventions) Act 1932

REGULATION XXV Lifeboats of Class I.

Lifeboats of Class I must have a mean sheer at least equal to four per cent. of their length.

The air-cases of lifeboats of Class I shall be so placed as to secure stability when fully laden under adverse weather conditions.

In boats certified to carry 100 or more persons the volume of the buoyancy shall be increased to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Lifeboats of Class I must also satisfy the following conditions:—

Lifeboats with Internal Buoyancy only.

(a) The buoyancy of a wooden boat of this type shall be provided by watertight air-cases, the total volume of which shall be at least equal to one-tenth of the cubic capacity of the boat.

The buoyancy of a metal boat of this type shall not be less than that required above for a wooden boat of the same cubic capacity, the volume of watertight air-cases being increased accordingly.

Lifeboats with Internal and External Buoyancy.

(b) The internal buoyancy of a wooden boat of this type shall be provided by watertight air-cases, the total volume of which is at least equal to seven and a half per cent. of the cubic capacity of the boat.

The external buoyancy may be of cork or of any other equally efficient material, but such buoyancy shall not be obtained by the use of rushes, cork shavings, loose granulated cork or any other loose granulated substance, or by any means dependent upon inflation by air.

If the buoyancy is of cork, its volume, for a wooden boat, shall not be less than thirty-three thousandths of the cubic capacity of the boat; if of any material other than cork, its volume and distribution shall be such that the buoyancy and stability of the boat are not less than that of a similar boat provided with buoyancy of cork.

The buoyancy of a metal boat shall be not less than that required above for a wooden boat of the same cubic capacity, the volume of the watertight air-cases and that of the external buoyancy being increased accordingly.