The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975

Requirements for vessels of 17 metres in length and over but less than 24.4 metres in length

79.  Every vessel of 17 metres in length and over but less than 24.4 metres in length to which these Rules apply shall carry:—

(a) at least two liferafts of sufficient aggregate capacity to accommodate twice the number of persons on board. The liferafts shall be so stowed that they can be readily transferred to the water on either side of the vessel;

(b) a portable radio equipment which complies with Schedule 13 to these Rules. The batteries of any radio equipment which comply with Part II of the said Schedule shall be renewed annually;

(c) for every person on board weighing 32 kilogrammes or more a lifejacket which shall comply with the requirements of Part I of Schedule 11 to these Rules and for every person on board weighing less than 32 kilogrammes a lifejacket which shall comply with the requirements of Part II of the said Schedule;

(d) a line-throwing appliance;

(e) at least four lifebuoys which shall comply with the following provisions:—

(i) half the lifebuoys carried shall have self-igniting lights attached. Two of the lifebuoys having such lights attached shall be provided with self-activating smoke signals capable of producing smoke of a highly visible colour for at least 15 minutes;

(ii) one lifebuoy on each side of the vessel shall have attached to it a buoyant line of at least 27 metres in length but any such lifebuoy having a line attached shall not have a self-igniting light;

(iii) the two lifebuoys equipped with self-igniting lights and self-activating smoke signals shall be carried one on each side of the navigating bridge and, if reasonably practicable, so fitted as to be capable of quick release;

(f) not less than 12 parachute distress rocket signals which comply with the requirements of Schedule 18 to these Rules.